Refurbishment of 20" Detroit Alloys

[neilpsmith]

My 2004 XK8 is fitted with Detroit 20" alloys which look a little worse for wear. I have approached a refurbishment specialist in the Leeds area who proposes to scrap the stainless steel trims before refurbishing the wheels completely. Is this necessary? I prefer the look with stainless trims, especially as I had one replaced recently.

Can anyone recommend a company that can refurbish the wheels and keep / refit the trims? I live in the Sheffield area, but a Leeds-based company would also be OK since I could stay there if necessary while the job is done.

Thanks for your help.

[jBlackwell]

Hi Neil,
I used to run a wheel refurb business, my experience below.
The steel rims can be refurbished but it depends on if they are damaged or just dirty and dull. The problem being is that the steel rims are very delicate, so if one breaks, you cannot replace it.
No one provides replacement steel bands. If they have been damaged and bent, because of their positioning on the wheel it is very difficult to remove the bumps and dents.
If though it is just dull, dirty old looking steel, it is just good old elbow grease to get the rims back up to shinny nearly new condition. (newspaper, very light wet and dry and then some good metal polish) The steel rims are also not lacquered, so the best way to keep them in top condition is by keeping them polished (again metal polish and wet and dry).
The wheels themselves can be refurbished around them, depending on whether you are being quoted for a full strip back and refurbish, or if you would rather look at a repair and refurbish. If you want to keep the steel rims, then I would recommend NOT having a full strip and refurbish, but a repair on what you already have.

The person who I used to work alongside still runs the business and is one of the best out there (IMHO).
He is Midlands based, but South of Sheffield. You can contact him (Stuart) on: 07922744276

I hope this helps.

James

[mike020150]

Hi,

Although I have not looked for a while, there used to be a supplier for the polished BBS trims who advertised on ebay. I recall they sold for about £125 (ouch!) apiece.

In the Leeds area 'The Wheel Specialist' at Garforth is very helpful and does a good job. A few years ago, I negotiated a 10% discount for JEC members so it's worth asking if it still stands. Mike.

[neilpsmith]

Thanks guys. The information is much appreciated and will be followed up.