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Options with corrosion on Dunlop composites
The original wheels fitted to the MGBGTV8 model
were a composite wheel with an alloy centre (with ten raised
trapezoidal cut outs) mated to a chromed steel rim. Over time
the recess, where the inner edge of the steel rim is attached
to the alloy centre, can attract rust and if it's not controlled
that corrosion can develop to an extent the wheels are in a
sad state and need refurbishment. So what are the options with
Dunlop composites in need of refurbishment or more serious restoration?
Options
chart
So what options are there today for an enthusiast with Dunlop
composites in need of refurbishment? Here we look at the current
situation and what options are available.
See full article with information on the origins of the composite
wheels fitted to the MGBGTV8. More
Updated: 250221
Posted: 200208
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What
options are there with corrosion on Dunlop composites wheels? |
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Preventative
measures to avoid rusting of the chromed rims
This has to be a vital first step and
aims to try and avoid, or at least minimise, corrosion of the
steel rims by keeping them clean of road film, using regular
but careful polishing of the chromed areas to keep any rust
from forming and also by spraying the chromed areas with
WD40. Water Dispersant #40 or WD40 was developed for the
US space agency NASA and works because it has a greater affinity
for metal than water which means it can, and does, displace
any water and allows the oil in the mix to form a waterproof
coating on the metal. WD-40® Multi-Use Product protects
metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces
moisture and lubricates almost anything. More |
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Complete
restoration service for V8 Dunlop composite wheels
Renowheel offer
this skilled process - their restoration involves splitting
the wheels and marking each one as they split them so they go
back together exactly as they come apart. They usually out-source
the rechroming of the steel rim to S & T Plating in Bristol
where they are heavily copper coated and rechromed, 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 will be subject
to an inspection to assess if the wheel could be restored again.
More |
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MWS
- refurb service no longer available
For many years a very professional and good
quality refurbishment service was available from Motor Wheel
Services International (MWS) near Slough. Sadly they decided
they could no longer offer that service as the work had become
very difficult. They had to disassemble the wheel, splitting
the steel rim from the alloy centre, examine the rim to assess
its condition, clean off all corrosion, rechrome the rim and
then reassemble the wheel with new rivets. Balancing the reassembled
wheels could take up several hours. NEWS |
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Refurbishment
of Dunlop composite wheels by Solent Wheels
This option does not involve splitting the rim and alloy centre
but grit blasting the wheel to bare metal to remove corrosion
from the chromed steel rim, then repairing any kerb damage,
filling any areas where corrosion has been removed and then
applying the self-etching primer which is baked in a low bake
oven, then the wheels are flattened down to create a smooth
surface. The wheels are top coated and lacquered with a durable
Polyurethane silver coloured paint and clear coat. The result
is a smooth, polished finish which is durable, lasting for many
years. These refurbished wheels can only be distinguished from
the original chromed rims from a close inspection. It's not
an original chrome finish but it looks very good and at around
£65 to £75 a wheel is very good value for money.
See our illustrated report with a link to the Solent Wheels
website. More
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Dunlop
composite wheel refurbishment by The Wheel Specialist
The
Wheel Specialist in Leicester refurbishes
Dunlop composite wheels - they do not strip the wheels into
component parts, but shot blast the chrome from the steel band,
then powder coat the rims and paint the alloy centres and then
diamond cut. Whilst not returning the wheels to an "as-new"
specification, they are acceptable as an everyday alternative.
More
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Buy
a set of new all-alloy Dunlop composite look-alike wheels
This is increasingly seen as a practical and affordable option.
In mid-2014 the leading MGV8 parts and service provider, Clive
Wheatley, sourced a supply of new all-alloy wheels that
look very close to the original steel and alloy composite wheel.
At the time Clive was working with a specialist wheel manufacturer
in the West Midlands to produce a good quality lookalike wheel,
the specialist refurbishers were still offering a service for
original 14” Dunlop composites. So Clive Wheatley’s
new supply of all-alloy wheels were made in a 15” size
and aimed principally at the MGV8 Conversions market because
the 15” size was attractive as they enabled a larger front
brake calliper to be fitted and the Hoyle front and rear suspension
upgrades too. More |
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Advertising
for a set of used Dunlop composite wheels in good condition
Adverts on the “V8 Spares Wanted” webpage on the V8
Website have produced results in the past as a number of current
and former V8 owners have had a set or individual Dunlop composite
wheels for sale. Spares for Sale
or Wanted adverts |
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Replacement
Minilite wheels
The original Minilite wheel, made in magnesium,
was probably the most successful competition wheel in the 1960s
and 70s, winning races and rallies on a variety of different
cars. Now the same wheel is being produced in an affordable
aluminium alloy to that original design. Manufactured in the
UK, Tech Del Minilite wheels are low pressure die cast, pressure
tested, batch x-rayed and machined using the latest computer
controlled equipment.
Although Minilite wheels were originally designed for racing
and rallying, their good looks ensured that they were soon seen
on road cars as well. They are available today for a wide range
of historic and classic cars - style is never out of fashion.
More |
