Alloy wheels re-furbishment or replacement?

[Tdm]

In March 2000 I replaced my standard Stag alloys with a set of 6 x 14 Rallye Specials from Monarchs.
That was 17 years ago and they still look fairly good, but have a few marks and scratches on them.
Being they are 17 years old, should I be considering completly replacing them with new alloys, or having them re-furbished as there is a Garage nearby that does re-furbish alloys. The tyres are also 17 years old, and they definately need changing.
Replace or re-furbish - which should I go for?

[Andrew S]

Safety first Terry with the tyres
Wheels, many options but I would do your wheels as its your cars history

[marshman]

If the wheels are OK - no cracks or bent rims - then I would get them refurbished - they are nice wheels and you obviously like(ed!) them. Whilst you are getting them sorted you can hunt for a nice set of tyres.

Roger

[CJG]

Its all a matter of personal choice Terry, don't know what your options are like over there with regards to selection. Me personally i would keep the alloys and look to the different types of finish they could offer. I once had a similar wheel to yours done in anthracite centers and a chrome finish on the rim (loved them). Then spend the rest on a good quality tyres and enjoy the drive.

[Tdm]

Put the hardtop back on today - not because it's cold (still in the 30s), but my tonneau needs some attention.
Found another local garage who does tyres & alloys, so probably tomorrow will take a ride there and see what they have got.
If I can, I am going to keep my existing alloys and fit a new set of decent tyres, unless I see some new alloys that really take my fancy.

[Andy S]

I’ve had mixed results when it comes to alloy wheel refurbishment. On some occasions the finish hasn’t lasted very well.

Andy S

[Guest]

17 year old tyres

[Tdm]

Called at a local Garage today who refurbish Alloys, and they say they can do mine O.K., and fit new tyres when they finish.
They are going to ring me to say when I can take the car in, probably next week.

[Tdm]

Just to add to the last post, the garage has just rung who will be refurbishing my alloys and asked what tyres I would like putting on afterwards - Bridgestone @ €79.20 each, Michelin @ €87.84 each, or a local cheaper brand I have never heard of @ €59.60 each, and they can take the car in on November 13th. The tyre sizes I quoted to them (current tyres) are 185/70R14H. Which of Bridgestone or Michelin would you recommend?, and how does the above prices compare with what you would pay for the same in the U.K.?

[mjheathcote]

Price about right for a quality tyre, Michelin personally, but what pattern/model tyre are they offering?

[CJG]

just put some michelins on my everyday ford focus, it looks to me as if they have shaved a couple of mm off the depth of the tread on new tyres. Anyone else noticed this. Could be worth a look at this also will affect how long they last Terry

[Lingen]

TDM I think 185/70s are a bit on the mean side. 195/70s are nearer the original size. I have used them for years and found them entirely satisfactory. The latest set are Dunlops which perform particularly well, and were very reasonably priced.
Mike.

[Andy S]

TDM I think 185/70s are a bit on the mean side. 195/70s are nearer the original size. I have used them for years and found them entirely satisfactory. The latest set are Dunlops which perform particularly well, and were very reasonably priced.
Mike.

I’ve always preferred to keep the tyres standard size, but I saw a Stag on 195/70s the other day and I actually thought they looked better. They fill the archs really well.

Andy S

[Kithmo]

Michelins are usually long lasting, but I'm not sure if they'll last 17 years though

[Tdm]

Just taken a picture of my 4 wheels as they look today, prior to them going in for refurbishment next Monday, when I will take new pictures of how they look with new tyres on them. Although the tyres really are 17 years old, the rear ones show little wear, much less than the front, but I take the point of needing to replace them because of likely deteriation of the rubber etc.