Had a good experience with Mr T yesterday!
At first was a bit miffed that some idiot over-tightened the locking wheel nuts (before I purchased the '2) leaving me with 4 wheels I couldn't get off and I was going to have to shell out for new locking wheel nuts and labour for chiseling off one of the wheels.
But...took the '2 in at 8am yesterday to leave all day, got a phone call at 11:15 to say it was ready! Paid £40 for the nuts, £20 for labour (half hour) and they did a free safety check (probably standard but this is the first time I've left the '2 with Mr T) and cleaned my '2 inside and out! Also had the warranty alloys fitted at the same time so she is looking great!
So here is my question - should I use any products to protect the new alloys?
E.g.
this (http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=18638&type=0&cat=293) or this (http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=20262&type=0&cat=293) or this (http://www.halfords.com/opd_product_details.asp?id=20278&type=0&cat=293)?
im also getting new wheels fitted by mr t next week due to the bubbling, but ive got realy luck, my 2 is a 2000 and well out of warranty but the sales guy arranged it for me. id also be interested in what to sue on the wheels
Most of us have had at least one set of new wheels out of Toyota, I am on my 3rd set now, however, I purchased 16" for the rear of mine and had them refurbished myself cos they were well scuffed and bubbling when I got them.
The 3rd set on the front of mine are bubbling now, it is poor coating by Toyota, the only way out is to get them recoated yourself. If you search you will see plenty about getting them done, costs and where.
I'm still on my first ones, though the rears are starting to go.
On mine it looks as though the trouble starts on the back edge of the spoke, and then spreads outwards.
I guess if this is a symptom of every other failure, the "protection" (if there is any), is only on the visible bit, but not carried over to the back.
Anybody confirm or deny this?
If I am right, rather than the cleaners, maybe a very careful application of something strong (Hammerite?) on the back side turning very slightly over the edge may be the answer.
Views would be appreciated.
Quote from: "Liz"the only way out is to get them recoated yourself.
Hmm, still have over a year on the warranty so think I'll get another set near the end (if these ones bubble, which I'm sure they will) and then maybe wait till they go
Quote from: "roger"If I am right, rather than the cleaners, maybe a very careful application of something strong (Hammerite?) on the back side turning very slightly over the edge may be the answer.
The back edge leading onto the spoke is where the crud ingress and bubbling tends to start. I had my wheels refurbed and got them to lacquer the backs to death, concentrating on the edges.
Tough call as to whether it'll work though - the edge is quite sharp and surface finish is very different between front and back.
Having said all that, the trick is to get good prep. on the wheels and a solid key for the paint/powder coat. A cover-up will help, but not if the corrosion has already started.
Coley bought some wheel wax, it was quite expensive but worked brilliantly - see below:
m http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/copy ... l_Wax.html (http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_Wheel_Wax.html) m
Quote from: "spit"Quote from: "roger"If I am right, rather than the cleaners, maybe a very careful application of something strong (Hammerite?) on the back side turning very slightly over the edge may be the answer.
A cover-up will help, but not if the corrosion has already started.
I appreciate its too late for me, just wondering for others. TBH I am not bothered, still got 18 months warranty, and you can probably guess that wheels will be a subject for discussion in due course s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
I use the AutoGlym stuff. Haven't really tried any others but the AutoGlym is excellent.
I don't think any of these products would protect the alloys from bubbling again though.
Quote from: "Emmanuel"I use the AutoGlym stuff. Haven't really tried any others but the AutoGlym is excellent.
I don't think any of these products would protect the alloys from bubbling again though.
Agreed. I have used two or three products and none of them have had any effect. On my third set of wheels now and the current ones are bubbling badly now. Hopefully getting them refurbed in new year when I can afford it.......