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Hi everyone. Has anyone taken apart their 3pc wheels to paint the faces themselves without sending them back to the manufacturer? I own HRE 540's w/silver painted face. I continue to have them chip and would like to take them apart myself and have them painted. HRE won't give me the directions or the amount of ftlbs. you need to tighten the rivets back on the wheel or any info on what steps to take to make sure the balance comes out correctly when put back together. I just don't think it can be that hard and I don't like the price they quote. Considering the paint has chipped off twice and they will not stand behind the wheels because it has been 14 months. Help.
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I would not even consider this. You are asking for a world of problems here not to mention potentially a dangerous situation too.
Without the proper equipment to hold, torque (in proper sequence too), and measure run-out, I wouldn't do it. The centrifugal forces at higher speeds can get pretty serious with these things.
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I don't blame HRE for not giving out the torque or the sequence. Very big liability factor for them. Besides, what's correct for one company's products may not be correct for another, i.e. different alloy(s), different design with varying number of fasteners are two that come to mind.
I just would hate to see someone damage their wheels, car or themselves, that's all.
You might check with some of the reputable wheel re-finishers and see if they can handle the painting you want to do. You might ask about using epoxy based paint as it's very chip resistant.
HRE (and Iforged) wheels are sealed with silicone at the seam, and the center section is the piece that ties the outer sections together. You can't "just take the center out" and leave the wheel intact (like you can with CCW classics - useless comparison). It all comes apart at once.
The sealant application and fastener torquing is all precisely done by machine when the wheels are assembled.
In a garage DIY type setting, your chances of getting the wheels to re-seal and hold air again is very slim.
If you don't like their repair costs now, you'll feel even worse when you pack the 3pcs in a box and send to HRE with a note that says "help!".
If you don't like their repair costs now, you'll feel even worse when you pack the 3pcs in a box and send to HRE with a note that says "help!".
Now that is funny. I think its because everyone has done something at sometime in their life where they had to write that "help!" note, and you really don't want to have to do it again.
Be very careful with the torques. Different size, thread pitch, fasteners and different "grades" of fasteners all will effect maximum applicable torque.
As far as "sequence pattern" just do "180" opposite and next. I would apply thread locker to all the "cleaned dry fasteners". Quality wheel companies typically use titanium fasteners with high tensile ratings.
I would also snug them all (in sequence) to a pre-torque, say 40-50% of whatever max is, then re sequence to final torque.
Any more questions, feel free to PM me. Fastening systems are my business, be glad to share with you.
Regards,
George
HRE (and Iforged) wheels are sealed with silicone at the seam, and the center section is the piece that ties the outer sections together. You can't "just take the center out" and leave the wheel intact (like you can with CCW classics - useless comparison). It all comes apart at once.
The sealant application and fastener torquing is all precisely done by machine when the wheels are assembled.
In a garage DIY type setting, your chances of getting the wheels to re-seal and hold air again is very slim.
If you don't like their repair costs now, you'll feel even worse when you pack the 3pcs in a box and send to HRE with a note that says "help!".
are u sure its that hard?
if you never done it, then I wouldnt guess the answer........
Ive done it maybe 6-7 times with Classics and only had to reseal ONCE.....
you just have to get the right SILICONE.... that home DEPO sells for 7 $
clean the mating surfaces really good with alchocol the apply the silicone on the inner tube.... well its a lot easier to do than EXPLAIN it..
but u get the point...
I know a guy with a SUPRA that did is HREs on his own, and resealed the rim without any PROFESSIONAL help....
you know the same "PRO-Master Mechanics" at your local CHEVY dealer, you think they know S**t? SO for DIYourselfer is the same thing.
I appreciate all the responses. I agree with LonestarFRC and Y2KVERT4ME. I have done my homework, but I wanted to see what others might say or what their experiences were. I had the wheels redone last year, so I am familier with the HRE process. I wouldn't think all wheels are the same torque and tightening sequence. I have talked to several custom wheel repair shops around the nation and have found two that sound like they have done it before. One of them, located in Tampa, Fla. was in one of my magazines last month. He is a great guy and said he can do it. I think I will have to go with HRE so I know it will be right. I now know for sure that I am not going to try it! I just hate the way this company handles it's customer's. Thanks again guys, have a great weekend.
I appreciate all the responses. I agree with LonestarFRC and Y2KVERT4ME. I have done my homework, but I wanted to see what others might say or what their experiences were. I had the wheels redone last year, so I am familier with the HRE process. I wouldn't think all wheels are the same torque and tightening sequence. I have talked to several custom wheel repair shops around the nation and have found two that sound like they have done it before. One of them, located in Tampa, Fla. was in one of my magazines last month. He is a great guy and said he can do it. I think I will have to go with HRE so I know it will be right. I now know for sure that I am not going to try it! I just hate the way this company handles it's customer's. Thanks again guys, have a great weekend.
...and do you have any idea how much they charge to repolish and repair 4 wheels...?
YES I DO!!! HRE now uses a different paint system and they told me it has gone up from the $60 per wheel to paint that I paid last year to $125.00 per wheel. Repair is all depending on damage. I had outer rims replaced last year for $250.00 ea. They now powdercoat their wheels. I am sure they had to do something different after charging people $1200.00 a wheel and the paint continuing to chip. It just doesn't seem right to charge these prices to people that don't abuse the wheels and don't use the wrong cleaners, etc. You shouldn't have to continue to pay even after 14 months if it is the second time with the same experience. I'm sorry, I started ramblin' on. Have a great weekend, get out to a show!!