Dunlop composite wheel restorations from Renowheel Paul Rawson posted on the V8 Bulletin Board that "I've recently had my wheels refurbished at Renowheel in Bridgend. They polished the chrome rims, powder coated the centers then diamond cut the raised profile without splitting the wheels. They will also split the wheels and send the rims off to be re-chromed, obviously at a much higher cost. I hope this is useful for some of you out there". 26th Oct 2020 Renowheel Block D, Unit 2 Brackla Industrial Estate Bridgend Mid-Glamorgan CF31 2DB 01656 657993 enquiries@renowheel.co.uk http://www.renowheel.co.uk Galvanic corrosion The most common examples of galvanic corrosion of aluminum alloys are when they are joined to steel or copper and exposed to a wet saline environment. The galvanic corrosion of aluminum is usually mild, except in highly conductive media such as slated slush from road deicing salts, sea water and other salty electrolytes. Posted: 201030 Renowheel - Dunlop Chrome Alloy wheel specialists Renowheel responded promptly to the V8 Webmaster's email seeking further information on their restoration service for Dunlop composites saying they "split the wheels and mark each one as we split them so they go back together exactly as they come apart. Regarding the outer steel rim we out-source the chroming normally to S & T Plating in Bristol where they are heavily copper coated and re-chromed normally at a cost of £250 per rim plus VAT. The typical cost of splitting a Dunlop composite wheel, removing corrosion and rechroming the steel rims, refurbishing the alloy centres and then reassembling and balancing the wheel as part of the restoration service is currently around £500 a wheel plus VAT, so £600. If the wheel has been refurbished before it would be subject to inspection to assess if the wheel could be restored. Very good news This is clearly very good news for many MGBGTV8 enthusiasts who have been concerned with serious corrosion developing on on their Dunlop composite wheels and frustrated that they could not find a skilled wheel restorer able to carry out the difficult restoration work. MWS ceased offering their restoration service some years ago. If you try contacting Renowheel do be aware that at present Wales has Covid lockdown measures so telephone calls may go to an ansafone, but Renowheel respond promptly to emails. Assessing whether a Dunlop composite wheel can be restored Where the corrosion on the steel rims, combined with the steel rim/alloy centre galvanic corrosion, is bad removing the corrosion from both metals could reduce the thickness of the metal interface to such an extent that it is then not sufficient for reassembly with the rivets leaving doubts over the structural strength and integrity of the reassembled wheel. An experienced wheel restorer will make checks and then assess the rebuild potential. The full scope of the seriousness of the corrosion removal may not be fully revealed until the steel rim and alloy centre of the wheels are taken apart. An additional concern is that the after the steel rims have had the corrosion removed and then re-chromed, they may no longer be air tight due to leakage around the rivets. Maybe using a modern sealant similar to what is used these days on the spoked wheels could overcome that problem. See earlier articles on the options for dealing with V8 Dunlop composite wheels in need of refurbishment Dunlop composite wheels information gateway