www.jec.org.uk

I plan to get my wheels refurbed soon, but I'm confused over the colour.

They are 20" Sepang split rims fitted to a 2005 Bay Blue XKR 4.2-S Supercharged Coupe, does anyone know what colour they should be, and what colour the centre caps should be ?

Also, the factory spec says it has a 'space saver alloy spare wheel' what is in the boot is a bright Red space saver that is very heavy - is that correct ?

Thanks,

Graham

Hi Graham,

Checking my brochures, they show green wheel centres and bright silver Sepang wheels. Beware. Some wheel refurbishers seem to have difficulty matching the original silver which is brighter than the colour most manufacturers use. I'd suggest cleaning part of an existing wheel with T-Cut or similar (assuming it's original) and asking to see the colour the refurbisher uses for Jaguar BBS wheels and comparing the two before work starts.

A red alloy space saver is the correct wheel for an XKR of the period. Mike.

Thanks Mike,

the centre caps I have, and which need replacing, are either black or very dark green. I now have my own original brochure, and as you say it appears that they should be green - though Red might look better against the Bay Blue paint.

I'm replacing the valves and covers with new ones, then I am sending the wheels to Lepsons, who seem to have a good reputation.

Now just need to find the right spec tyres for the front, which need replacing.

Hi Graham,

There was an interesting take on wheel centres in the October 2019 edition of the magazine, see page 35. These were for the Paris alloy wheel centres, but the process would work for other / similar wheels.

Replacement centres for the Sepang alloys are carried by several of our specialist suppliers, try DCR AutoParts in Inverness who specialise in our model cars. email Dave (Roche) on enquiries@dcrautoparts.com

Tyres can be a personal choice, personally I prefer to stick with the tyres that the car was designed around, in most cases the XKR uses Dunlop Sport Maxx, different section front and rear. Using a website such as Kwik Fit (don't have to buy the tyres there but the website is easy to use), type in your registration and they will come up with the available tyre choices for the XKR. These will range from the Premium brands such as the Dunlop's, to alternatives if that is your persuasion.

Regards

Jim Mann

Thanks Jim,

the rear tyres are Dunlop SP SportMaxx, so that's what I will put on the front - though I notice they're are now several revisions, guess I should go with the latest and update the rears as and when.

the centres, after closer inspection, are Black, not green, I had already purchased Red ones which seem to be reasonable quality, and claim to be OEM Parts, though I doubt it, for £30. I shall look up the article you mentioned and see what it says.

Cheers,