Hi all, This should hopefully cause a bit of interest!! http://www.customferrariparts.com/homemainferrari.htm and click on the "ChromeSaver" button! Image Unavailable, Please Login
That's a great idea! Why, oh why, must the dollar be so weak though? The conversion to U.S. funds at the current exchange rate makes this an $82 socket with shipping. Birdman
Ouch!!! It's a great idea though... maybe Rob at Ultimate Pedals can do something similar here in the USA at a more comfortable price...
From another FChat thread: "Porsche uses softsockets due to the fact many Porsches use alloy nuts. Ferrari bolts are chrome plated steel and using a steel socket will bring no harm to the plating if you use some nature of hand wrench and not an impact gun."
The problem with the Griot's set is it only goes to 21mm. Ferrari lug bolts are 22mm. I ended up buying the SAE set and use the 7/8" socket. At the time, no-one was making an aluminum socket in 22mm. I'd buy the Hill's socket. Tom
Looks like we need to design a Wallmart version! Two things that need to be addressed 1 - It all comes down the quality - We could have just used an off the shelf material that would have been fine until 6 months down the line when the aluminium would just gave way (Mike - just say the word and I'll knock one up for you). As a lot of people know - that is just not our train of thought. We have had a whole batch of material specially rolled form the mill for this item, which in turn costs more for us to buy. Is it worth it? I personally say yes because I know that this tool will be still in your box years down the line working as good as the day you first bought it. Unfortunately we all live in a world these days where quality tends to take a back seat and the majority would rather pay 50% of the amount for something that is inferior and throw it away after 6 months, rather than paying 100% for something that will last a hell of a lot longer. 2 - The exchange rate at the moment is on its way down but still high - I am aware of that and always try to help out where I can. We have already supplied a number of these to Ferrari shops all over the UK and the response has been very welcoming. And to prove the point about quality I will give away 3 of these free of charge to the next three people that post a message on this thread who state that they want one. Simple as that! One condition, you must own a Ferrari (with wheel bolts!!!) , actively post here on Ferrari Chat and I expect a honest answer replied to this thread on what you think and if you think that they are worth it - Fair? Cheers Paul
Also, I believe this is the first of it's kind anywhere and since it's from Hill Engineering, the quality is worth the price. Tom
Paul I just bought a set of 328 pedals from you (shipped to France) so I know your stuff is very nice quality. I also bought just one wheel bolt last year and the price is frightening, so the price of the socket will pay off pretty quickly I reckon, and a great idea to come up with this socket. If you still have one going free I would certainly like to take you up on your offer,
Paul, I'll take one if I'm not too late to be number 3. I have a 512TR Ferrari. Thanks, Ron Judy P. S. You have my address from the recent pedal order.
One thing I didn't notice until looking in more detail on your website is that you've combined the aluminum with a hardened material... very smart. I *do* like Paul *and* his stuff... I've ordered from him before. I *prefer* to purchase from within the USA when there's that option -- but sometimes it's worth it to go outside our borders to get what you want or need. I like to support FChat's sponsors when I can, and I also strive to support companies that have support the Ferrari Club (FCA), especially since I'm one of their directors.
Wow , looks like a rip . All you need to do is get a set of soft inserts for your sockets . These can be obtained at most auto parts or mail order shops. Whats the profit margin on this . Unless you are removing your wheels every day it is a little pricey for my taste. Also why a 12 point where you need the strength of a 6 point. Can I buy one of these for a Jag for $40
With that attitude, I don't think Paul will give you one. Just a wild hunch. BTW, I'm the cynical one around here. Tom
I have been following this issue for 12 years since I had my car. I like Hill's stuff and it seems very high quality but I see several disadvantages in many of the designs out there including the Hill one.(paul please correct me if I am wrong) Check this out: http://www.protectools.com/techinfo.html This would be the ideal solution as the nut is totally surrounded by a soft material. These guys make a 21mm lug bolt but no 22 and their 7/8 is a 3/8" drive. Of course there is always a catch. After 5 calls and ten e-mails telling these guys what a great market there would be for Ferrari 22mm lug socket. I never have recieved a reply or a return phone call. I bought an OZAT 7/8" socket which is a hardened impact socket with a soft aluminum inner, but I still use a piece of thin shop towel trying not to scratch the material of the bolt. Anyone that knows me knows I'm a wheel nut, with 3.5 sets and counting. But I still am looking for something like the protec product above but in a 22mm size. The head of the Ferrari bolts do not necesitate a long socket, but I would settle for anything. http://www.newmantools.com/ozat/08ap.htm Paul, I am curious is your socket a 6 or 12 point and what material touches the bolt surface, is that an aluminum insert? The Griot's ones and others have a plastic outside sleeve as to not damage the wheels and a plastic insert at the end inside but steel touching the drive surfaces. I have bought several different kinds and am still looking for the perfect one. All of Pauls other stuff looks great so Im ssure there socket is cool, but since I do so much work on my car, (just had the wheels off yesterday) I am really looking for something that has a soft skin touching the bolts. Even though I am one of the poorer guys around here, I do not skimp when it come to the Ferrari and I would pay anything for what I am looking for. Respectfully, Rob Garven Image Unavailable, Please Login
TOM B , peajay & rjnavion are the first 3 and I will get them sent out next week. Rob, Our Chromesaver socket is a 2-piece design with a high tensile steel 1/2" drive back end. The whole of the front end is made form a special Aluminium that we have had especially made for this item. The drive design is what we call a 12 soft point flank drive. The picture below shows that the drive is actually on the flank of the hexagon rather that the very edge. To us this was one of the most important design features. With a 6 sides socket there tend to be a huge amount of pressure right on the very edge of the flats of the hexagon that in my experience causes the chrome to chip. Another feature is that a neoprene rubber insert is fitted in the bottom of the socket so that when the socket is placed onto a wheel bolt, the rubber insert protects the dome face of the bolt. Rob please feel free to ask any more questions as I do feel that this is a unique tool that has been designed by a Ferrari owner for other Ferrari owners. If you have any other concerns throw them at me The picture below is of the socket on end with a wheel bolt in the 22mm part of the socket. Hopefully you can see the design of the drive to which also your comments are gratefully welcomed. (The picture is actually the one that was used at a local Ferrari shop that was used day in, day out). Thanks Paul Image Unavailable, Please Login
You should not store your wheels in stacks like that for any length of time. You can damage to sidewalls which were not designed for physical loading. Worst case stick cardboard between each tire.
Paul, could you add me to the list for that socket. I think your design makes sense. I would also take one in 17 mm for my Audi.
Paul, Can the socket be safely used with an impact wrench, or is it likely to still damage the plating or the socket?
Verell, With the low torque figures I would not think you need an impact wrench. The OZAT one I have is originally made for an impact but I would not use it. Did anyone check out the Protec socket, they look exactly what I am looking for but they will not return any calls....... Paul's looks cool but that is just about what I have already. Does anyone have a link on where to get those plastic socket inserts someone was talking about? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was one of the three lucky recipents of the wheel bolt socket from Hill Engr. It arrived yesterday and is everything you could expect. It fits in the recess of the wheel perfectly and the rubber padding inside protects the head of the wheel bolt. Thanks, Paul! Ron Judy
Recieved my socket from Hill Eng. today but was disappointed that it does not have any wheel protection on the outside ,so have wrapped insulation tape on out side would have been better with a nice rubber sleave .
