The Definitive Alloy Wheel Picture thread (Alloys)

Hi Bret,

I might just purchase a set anyway to see for myself. They can always be sold on if I decide they’re not for me.

Am I right in thinking the brushed aluminium wheels have a clear coat for protection? If they do and this clear coat is in good order (or re-applied) then I don’t think there would be any issues, only best guess though as I’ve not had this finish wheel before. Happy to take advice.

I must add though, that after living in Germany for some 15 years I know the winters can be more harsh there than we have seen in Leicestershire the last 5 years, how well do these types of wheel finishes cope where you are.

Kind regards,

Tom

I had diamond cut lacquered wheels they would get white worm if I looked at them wrong


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I had diamond cut lacquered wheels they would get white worm if I looked at them wrong


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Thanks Edward,

I guess that answers my question. If there is no way of keeping them looking nice I may have to get them powder coated. I really do like the idea of the brushed aluminium though.

Shame.

Thanks for the assistance earlier.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
there is a long and complex thread on the German forum talking about the straight vs bowl thread bolts, the size of the curve and how difficult it was to find bolts that sat correctly and went through far enough for TÜV to be happy with it (and yes, they will count the threads that are turned). I cannot say what results were in the end as the hassle put me off.

I'm a fan of those wheels on an A8 but don't particularly like the look on the A2. Also: just how durable is the finish vs. winter salt?

- Bret

.. and there were issues with getting the correct bolts, which is why I assume @Menno is performing surgery on his.

- Bret

I'm converting to 60° straight conical bolts because I can mill the 60° on my drill press.
Did not bother to search for the correct grinding tool to make a bowl conical..... Call me a lazy git ?.
 
It fits, you can debate the looks of it, I'm not even sure myself. Maybe should paint the rims in red or gold... (if there's a photo shop wizard here; go ahead!)

IMG_20201030_130259.jpg
 
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It fits, you can debate the looks of it, I'm not even sure myself. Maybe should paint the rims in red or gold... (if there's a photo shop wizard here; go ahead!)

View attachment 72087
No no no don’t paint ? you have a thing about gold Menno ? it’s not a Subaru Wrx ..they look great I’m going to have to pick up some did you use spacers this time ....Paul
There is a couple of sets on e bay at present but not mint ..And by the time you get them restored and maybe bought new centre caps you will end up spending £500 more ..better to wait for a mint set .. I’ve learnt this over the years.?
 
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No no no don’t paint ? you have a thing about gold Menno ? it’s not a Subaru Wrx ..they look great I’m going to have to pick up some did you use spacers this time ....Paul

Now I'm looking at them a little longer they grow on me colour wise. I'll leave it like it is for now.

The rims are drilled to PDC 5x100.
The reason I'm not using adapters/spacers (got nothing against them in general) is that the Et value on these rims are 42. It's not far off the original Et38 and I like be close to that figure, it's now only 4mm off, then again you can debate that too...... Because it's wider then original stock A2 rims.
Also the unsprung weight is lower without adapters/spacers.
Ideal would be a conversion to 5x112 on the car itself (so different wheelbearing/plates, and then you have to take 5x112 discrotors/brakes and so on....) which is a lot of research and try to fit properly time/trial and error.

There's only one thing I would like more, and that's if they where smaller in width, like 6j.
That way you could fit for example 175/60-16, and the plus of that is there's more choice for a lower load index of the tyre...... A light car like the a A2 benefits of this very much if you like to go a little bit lower in stance and keep some sort comfort.
 
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Yes would look good, except you've got to keep it polished to prevent it to go dull I guess....

Today I did some sanding on my grey painted A8 D2 rims.......

View attachment 72379

Then some primer.
View attachment 72380

Someone said "it's not a Scooby WRX"..... ?

View attachment 72381

??

Did just one rim as a trial, 3 more to go (?).
It was me ? Menno it’s not a scooby doo ..you have a fetish on gold paint ? ..no you talked about painting those wheels last year beautiful job your making to ..your a craftsman and everything you do is a grand job well done my friend ..oh and audi did sell those wheels in gold very rare ...Paul
 
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@Menno Thats amazing what paint products did you use & how many coats were applied?

Eh, there's now 1 coat of primer and 1 coat of gold paint. Because I'm not sure yet, it saves me a lot of sanding.
If I continue with this color, I will add more layers and the clearcoat will be a 2k.

If you really want to know; it's the cheapest paint available in rattle can.
€2,- a can...... The 2k clearcoat will be not so cheap, that's for sure!
In the end it's all about preparation.
Sadly I'm home now due to the Covid 19 pandemic, so I'll keep myself busy this way...

It was me ? Menno it’s not a scooby doo ..you have a fetish on gold paint ? ..no you talked about painting those wheels last year beautiful job your making to ..your a craftsman and everything you do is a grand job well done my friend ..oh and audi did sell those wheels in gold very rare ...Paul

?Yes Paul..... A fetish for wheels and a little bit for Gold (but only on wheels that is ?).
 
Hey, I'm getting good at this, plenty practice using rattle cans..
IMG_20201101_161958.jpg

From this to this.
IMG_20201101_162028.jpg


And now to take these bad boys on.

IMG_20201102_124038.jpg


And halfway through.

IMG_20201102_201856.jpg


IMG_20201102_202552.jpg


IMG_20201102_202601.jpg



Now to choose what colour to spray them.
What ya reckon peeps.

They will be going on these.
IMG_20201102_220835.jpg
 
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Eh, there's now 1 coat of primer and 1 coat of gold paint. Because I'm not sure yet, it saves me a lot of sanding.
If I continue with this color, I will add more layers and the clearcoat will be a 2k.

If you really want to know; it's the cheapest paint available in rattle can.
€2,- a can...... The 2k clearcoat will be not so cheap, that's for sure!
In the end it's all about preparation.
Sadly I'm home now due to the Covid 19 pandemic, so I'll keep myself busy this way...



?Yes Paul..... A fetish for wheels and a little bit for Gold (but only on wheels that is ?).
Be very careful with that 2k clear ( isocyanate ) I’ve used it here at home Menno With a decent 3 m filter mask ? even then it’s generally not accepted really it should be an airfed supply mask ..I use this make they do 2k primer and lacquer but it’s the lacquer that’s really dangerous..it’s a 2 part tin the red stopper you push up through bottom of tin it releases the catalyst and you shake ..?
E1766311-F936-475D-9ECC-AF7FC9F93439.jpeg
 
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