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Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 11:17 pm
by Mackie
Hi all,
I know it's an HE car, but I looooove Kent wheels, so I thought I'd source a pair to rotate with my lovely lattice wheels (while I clean the buggers). I'm now looking at getting the wheels refurbed to original and looking for the correct bolts to fit them.
Any suggestions/experience of folk restoring Kent wheels would be appreciated. I've been told not to have them lacquered. Just wondering about colour, etc.
Many thanks.
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 10:31 am
by mike020150
If you have a set of elderly Kents, first check that they will clear the brake callipers. This was an issue with the very earliest version of the Kent wheel. Again, from memory, Kents are narrower (half an inch?) than Lattice wheels so you will need appropriately sized tyres to fit. Colour-wise, there were shade variations over the years with the final versions being painted gunmetal in the centres. As with all alloys, lacquer pealing can be a problem. I had a set refurbished in 1988/89 and had the rims polished but not lacquered and they are still in acceptable condition today. It's a question of keeping them clean with an occasional metal polish to retain the shiny finish. Of course, if the car is to be used regularly on salty roads, lacquering would probably be the better way to go.
Finally, these days, it would be a good idea to confirm that your insurance company will be happy with the swap. Mike.
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 11:45 pm
by davidr
If you have a set of elderly Kents, first check that they will clear the brake callipers. This was an issue with the very earliest version of the Kent wheel. Again, from memory, Kents are narrower (half an inch?) than Lattice wheels so you will need appropriately sized tyres to fit. Colour-wise, there were shade variations over the years with the final versions being painted gunmetal in the centres. As with all alloys, lacquer pealing can be a problem. I had a set refurbished in 1988/89 and had the rims polished but not lacquered and they are still in acceptable condition today. It's a question of keeping them clean with an occasional metal polish to retain the shiny finish. Of course, if the car is to be used regularly on salty roads, lacquering would probably be the better way to go.
Finally, these days, it would be a good idea to confirm that your insurance company will be happy with the swap. Mike.
Don't you dare take it out on salty roads! (Said the overprotective ex-owner!)
As Mike says, tyre size for these wheels was originally 215/70 which is a bit skinnier than the the 235/60 you have on the lattice wheels. The upside of the taller tyres will be a more compliant ride.
By the way, I did warn you that the lattice alloys look nice but were a PITA to keep clean before you made me take the Speedlines off!
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2017 4:00 pm
by Mackie
Don't worry, David, no salty roads! Just for the odd nice day we might get during the winter (rather like today actually!)
I know what you said about the lattice wheels, but they are the best wheels for an XJ-S (the only others I like are the Kent wheels).
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2017 4:08 pm
by mike020150
The tyre size/wheel combinations began with 205/70x15 tyres fitted to Kents. 215/70x15s arrived with the HE cars and Starfish alloys. Then, even bigger wheels used even bigger tyres! Mike.
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 4:15 pm
by Mackie
Thanks very much, Mike.
I’m trying to get hold of the Jaguar paint codes for the alloys, but I understand Jaguar keep them secret. I have various serial numbers on the wheels, but wish I could get hold of the exact paint codes to supply to a restorer when I finally visit one!
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2017 11:43 pm
by J44EAG
Mac,
It might be worth you putting a rim in the car and nipping down to a local trade paint motor factor. Most now have electronic spectral analysis equipment which can view the paint and work out the correct paint "brew". No doubt they will be able to make a can of the correct colour up for you on the spot.
Mike
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 9:33 pm
by JaguarBreaker
The Kents on my 1991 Daimler Double Six Series 3 are Tungsten Metallic JEX/718 on the insert part. Jaguar used this as a body colour between 1986 and 1991.
Re: Kent wheel restoration
Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2018 12:33 pm
by Mackie
The Kents on my 1991 Daimler Double Six Series 3 are Tungsten Metallic JEX/718 on the insert part. Jaguar used this as a body colour between 1986 and 1991.
Thanks for that. I think I had mine in “Range Rover”, but that is also correct apparently.