AMG replicas refurbishing, Faux bolt removal? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rwd4evr · #1 01-22-2017, 06:02 PM

I just picked up a set of 17x8 et 20 AMG replicas for a song. They are in decent shape but I want to polish the lips and paint the center's a bit darker. Half of the fake bolts are corroded and really need to come out to paint them right. Has anyone tried getting them out? Some look like they are working them selves out some. I haven't put a triple square bit in them yet to give them a turn. I just don't know if they are pressed or glued or what. I really doubt they are threaded. Planning on replacing them with real Allen or torks head bolts siliconed in for ease of removal.

rwd4evr · #2 01-22-2017, 07:38 PM

100 piece 1/4 20 stainless cap screws are only $12 bucks too. nice.

97 SL320 · #3 01-22-2017, 08:18 PM

Are the holes drilled all the way through? If so and you don't see any threads, use a flat nose punch and see what happens.

I would not use silicone to glue them in, you will end up with a mess all over the wheel. Some antiseize and threading them in would be fine. If the holes are not threaded, using 1/2 height jam nuts would work.

rwd4evr · #4 01-22-2017, 09:13 PM

Not all the way through. That would be lovely. I just don't want to break **** off and make it worse. I'll know after I get to my shop and try a bit in them. I think I found a loose one. And I mean rtv to hold them in. It won't go anywhere once it's solid. Plus easy to clean off too.

97 SL320 · #5 01-23-2017, 08:22 PM

I understood the first time that you wanted to use RTV to hold bolts in. You will end up with RTV all over the wheel making a real mess that will take hours to clean up.

rwd4evr · #6 01-23-2017, 08:37 PM

On fresh paint and polished lip it won't stick. Some nice grey stuff close to wheel color will be good. If I smear a little something on the outside of the hole any that squeezes out should peel off easy after hardening. I still have to see what size and how deep the holes are, but jamnuts won't work on a blind hole and I don't think threading 76 holes sounds like fun for me. I just hope they come out without too much hassle. A VW thread with similar wheels said he baked them to 200 degrees to soften the glue I guess. Fun.

rwd4evr · #7 01-24-2017, 03:05 AM

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!!!! Stupid fu#√|ng oddball M7 triple square bit. That is really annoying. Have to order from Germany or England.

Ferdman · #8 01-24-2017, 05:01 AM

rwd4evr, typically you get what you pay for. Very few folks are selling high quality parts for a song. What manufacturer made those knock-off wheels and what specifications do they meet?

It may be simpler and safer for you to bite the bullet and buy real AMG wheels. If you are adamant about using these knock-off wheels verify that your existing lug bolts match the seat contour, and have the proper thread engagement in the hubs.

rwd4evr · #9 01-24-2017, 05:22 AM

There is nothing wrong with the wheels themselves. They are what you would get from tire rack with winter tires. Probably were considering the corrosion on the bolt heads. They have correct mercedes centerbore and ball seat. They aren't cheap looking or feeling. I spun them and they are arrow straight and 27 lbs a piece. As far as buying real AMG wheels like these, no. I paid $150 bucks for these. So 10% of used AMG. The oddball fake bolt size is the same as some three piece wheels. Just an annoyance since my(and all) triple square/XZN sets skip M7. Crap. Still love to hear from someone if they are pressed or glued. Some are out a couple mm already. But I still think turning them will be critical to removing them.

ItsJuniorJ · #10 02-18-2017, 06:57 PM

I just bought an M7 XZN bit from a company in France. It was approximately €10 including shipping. Here's the link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/252751932757

rwd4evr · #11 02-18-2017, 09:07 PM

I just ordered one too. I think it came out to like $12-13. Thanks though.