Rusty wheel nuts.

[AndrewT]

I've just had the alloy wheels refurbished on my Cayman but the existing wheel bolts and locking wheel bolts are quite rusty, as pictured....[attachment=IMG_1420.JPG]

I thought about buying plastic caps for the bolts, there are plenty of 19mm bolt caps available on eBay, but I can't find any caps for the locking bolts which are 25mm diameter. Has anyone manged to obtain suitable covers for that style of locking wheel bolts?

My other options are to paint the existing bolts or pay £150.72 for a full set of bolts including the locking bolts at my local OPC.

I note that black painted bolts are available, would they be better or worse than the standard silver finish?

Thanks, Andrew.

 

[Steve Brookes]

The black bolt heads on mine look like they are holding up well compared to the silver/grey ones I had on previous boxsters. I did paint the silver bolts on my first boxster....but they always looked..painted...if you know what I mean!

p.s. my wheels are black so they came with black bolts as standard but I'm sure they would still go well with silver wheels.

p.p.s. I've just bought four black ones to replace the lockers (I don't like lockers because they fail just when you don't want them to!). The bolts worked out at 6 quid each after PCGB discount. So, £120 for a full set of black original bolts.

 

[stephenbailey]

Hi Andrew

Another option for you: I replaced the bolts & locking bolts on my Cayman with the chrome plated ones ( plenty on eBay, design911 etc)

They still look pretty decent now

One thing you should get to protect your wheels is the insulated socket (halfords), to fit on your wheel wrench to protect them now they have been refurbed

Hope this helps

Steve

2006 Cayman S

Lancs

 

[AndrewT]

Thanks Steve and Steve,

Unless I can find caps which will also fit on the locking wheel bolt then I'll try painting them, black/grey probably, and if that fails I'll buy new bolts.

I wouldn't be surprised to discover that previous owners use of wheel cleaner has contributed to the problem.

Oh, and I bought the special 19mm socket a couple of days ago from Machine Mart.

Andrew.

 

[Steve Brookes]

Andrew, for your info here are my black bolts after the best part of five years on the car. You'll be able to spot a new one I've just put on in place of the locker []

 

[AndrewT]

They look a lot better than my rusty ones!

 

[keiththo]

Hi Andrew

I cleaned as best I could ( I couldn't remove the wheels) the slightly rusty headed bolts on my Boxster when it was about 5 years old. I then painted them with a silver paint bought at an OPC, 2 years later when I sold the car they still looked surprisingly good. Quicker a d far cheaper than an alternative

Keith

 

[Boxstercol]

Some OPC's paint the wheel bolt heads as part of a service, my one did anyhow.

 

[ChrisW]

I tried painting some new bolts that rusted very quickly --- with zinc paint --- what a waste of time that was !

I may have to rely on a dash of WD40 !!

 

[JohnCRS]

Hi Andrew

I cleaned as best I could ( I couldn't remove the wheels) the slightly rusty headed bolts on my Boxster when it was about 5 years old. I then painted them with a silver paint bought at an OPC, 2 years later when I sold the car they still looked surprisingly good. Quicker a d far cheaper than an alternative

Keith

I have black bolts and remove them two at a time from each wheel in the evening, quick clean and spray with black enamel, then replace in morning before using car. Keeps everything looking smart.

 

[AndrewT]

Thank you all for your contributions.

I painted the bolts silver using two coats of Hammerite smooth - because I had a tin in the garage, otherwise I might have gone for grey of black. They look a lot better now anyway.

[attachment=Painted bolts.JPG]

 

[Contraband]

Just had my wheels powder coated as well. I forgot about the nuts, they look horrendous next to my new wheels. I have just ordered some plastic covers on eBay and I'll give them a try before I get the paint out.

 

[AndrewT]

..... I have just ordered some plastic covers on eBay and I'll give them a try before I get the paint out.

Looking at your picture I can't make out whether or not you have locking wheel bolts, if you have are the locking bolts the same as mine and did you manage to find a cap that fits them?

 

[stephenbailey]

Andrew

Yours look really good now - top job

Steve

2006 Cayman S

Lancs