18" BBS Nebulas Refurb

[stephenevans99]

I've had the S60 for exactly one year this week & ever since it arrived the 18" BBS alloys have been on my 'To Do' list.

The alloys have been refurbed on the cheap side in the past and they have definitely not been looked after, paint lifting/chips and possibly the worse curb rash I've ever had on a car. This is the sorry state they're in now:







The company I've decided to use are AutoExpert based in Blackpool, not the cheapest at £100 per corner - but the owner has described every step of the process including splitting the rims, acid stripping, blasting, cleaning the threads and polishing the titanium bolts before the powder coat refurb.

I was shown a Mercedes alloy wheel which has been 'chrome' effect powder coated and it looked stunning without being too bling:



I'll be having mine refurbed with this chrome effect finish.

Well, the wheels are now off the car and it now sits on these shiny new Sealey Axle Stands - chromed too !!





Whilst the wheels are away, I thought I'd give the calipers a little make-over...



Wheels are being dropped off tomorrow morning....fingers crossed I'll get them back mid next week....

[foammanmark]

Look forward to the pics when they're done. If you think your's are bad now, wait until you see my £120 specials...............

I'll have them week after next.

[Tomcat]

Oooooo get you with yer shiny axle stands!!...posh or what?...lol.

[MA'R'K]

Yeah split rims do cost a fair bit more, but well worth spending the extra, splitting the rims etc etc.

I'm having my tritons done atm which have more bolts through a top company also for £75 per corner....but I'm having 24 wheels done at the same time so a good discount!

Top tip.....get a list of all your friends and relatives who would like they're wheels done, then take em all at the same time....you'd be surprised what deals you can strike

[silverhorse]

Before you do anything, get the naked wheels to someone with a dynamic wheel balancing machine. I have Nebs like you and was just about to take them to be refurbed the other day and I thought I would have them checked. 2 of the were nearly square and the other 2 were only marginally better.
Don't waste time and money making them all shiny if they are little more than scrap.
Get them checked!!!!!!!!

[stephenevans99]

Some good advice Cheers, but they only have approx 15grm of balancing weights on one of the wheels - if they were that bad surely I'd feel something on the road?!?

I'll ask the refurbers to double check them once the tyres are removed - not sure if their machine will be a dynamic balancer though.

Thanks for the heads up !!

[foammanmark]

I will also bear this in mind cos my £120 set with tyres, ain't worth 20p if they're already knacked.

[jotter22]

I would still get them put on the balance machine as tyres can alter the balance of a wheel! I had a dodgy rim on the Alfa and a cheap tyre juggled about nearly balanced it out without any rim weights.
What capacity are the axle stands and how much were they if you dont mind me asking?

Tony.

[stephenevans99]

Should have my Nebs back either tomorrow or Monday.....called in today whilst they were polishing up the titanium bolts, looking very shiny !!!

[stephenevans99]

What capacity are the axle stands and how much were they if you dont mind me asking?
Tony.

Sorry Tony for the late reply, the axle stands I bought are the Sealey 2 Ton ones priced at £27 Delivered, the chromed 3 Ton ones are £34 Delivered. Bought mine from JJC Race & Rally eBay shop

Steve

[silverhorse]

Should have my Nebs back either tomorrow or Monday.....called in today whilst they were polishing up the titanium bolts, looking very shiny !!!

Looking good mate!!! I have just picked mine up today from powder coating. I did not split cos I did not dare do it myself and did not want to shell out to have someone do them for me. That said, I am pretty chuffed. Will post pics ASAP
Paul

[V70 Graham]

Cracking wheels, your right.....very shiny !

[Biff]

Stunning those mate. A t5 on my mum & dads estate had them. If I didn't have to go to 35 profile tyres the bullion would be wearing them. Will make your car & well worth the money.

[stephenevans99]

Just picked up my Nebs from being refurbed in the Chromed Powder Coat & I'm in love with them.....shiny, but not too 'blingy'....going to protect them this evening whilst they're clean and fit them tomorrow.

A few pics.....

[V70 Graham]

Nice wheels Stephen, Autoexpert did a great job, you must be pleased.

[stephenevans99]

Very pleased with them Graham & looking forward to getting them fitted.

There are a few very minor marks on the wheels underneath the coat, but they're not new and they were in a right mess when they went in. Still extremely happy with them !!

[Harvey]

Must say very nice job.
I guess you will now be walking to the curb from now on,if you curb one I think the air will be blue

[silverhorse]

They look really good Stephen. Are they nice new P Zeros as well? Someone has been doing some overtime!!!!!
If you don't mind me asking, how much per corner?

edit......Sorry, just seen your earlier post, £100 per corner. Big money but cracking job.

[stephenevans99]

Definitely parking at least 1m away from the nearest curb...lol I will be gutted the 1st time I mark them.

No new tyres just yet....two of the Pirelli's are almost new and the other two are almost 1/2 worn - plenty of time to save up for replacements.

[stephenevans99]

Fitted this morning so apologies.... here's a few more pics of the wheels



When the sun shines directly on them, the wheels look true chrome & when in the shadow they appear almost Anthracite.......









Loving the Plastic Pig Dukes Styleee...