I've had my nuts chromed & they look GOOD... | FerrariChat
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I've had my nuts chromed & they look GOOD...

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by RF128706, Nov 28, 2004.

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  1. RF128706

    RF128706 Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    280
    #1 RF128706, Nov 28, 2004
    Well, actually it was my wheel bolts.

    Thought I'd share this for all you detail freaks out there who may be thinking of new bolts.

    I was fed up with the peeling/rusty lug bolts on my 355 so I decided to buy new. I quickly changed my mind when I saw the cost -- £15 EACH, £300 for a set of bolts !

    I found a local plating outfit in the 'phone book. Got the whole lot done for exactly a tenth of the cost of a new set.

    I will not be using the air-impact gun on the bolts in future (which is the cause of the problem in the first place).
     
  2. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    10,046
    Singapore
    #2 ghost, Nov 28, 2004
    Look nice! Show us the "before and after" on the car.
     
  3. RF128706

    RF128706 Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    280
    #3 RF128706, Nov 28, 2004
    Slight problem there Ghost -- I never took a decent close-up of the before. Also, I've got the engine out of the car and all 4 wheels off. I'll post a nice "after" pic when the car is back together though. I'm aiming to finish the job over Christmas holidays.

    Also, I'm planning to refurb some scuffs on the rear alloys myself. I'll write up how I get on.

    Rob.
     
  4. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    10,046
    Singapore
    #4 ghost, Nov 28, 2004
    Now THIS I want to see, since I've got a little scruffy on one side myself. Didn't realize this is a DIY job. Rob, it's great to have somebody so mechanically inclined, and we're glad you're posting regularly on FerrariChat.
     
  5. F40

    F40 F1 Rookie

    Apr 16, 2003
    3,230
    AZ
    #5 F40, Nov 28, 2004
    FYI, NEVER tighten lug nuts or bolts with an impact... It's a good way to snap the studs. Always use a torque wrench and torque the bolts to the recommended ft lbs in the owners manual... Remember, use the cris-cross pattern too when tightening.
     
  6. 348paul

    348paul Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2002
    1,098
    Kent - UK
    Full Name:
    Paul Hill
    #6 348paul, Nov 28, 2004
    Just remember to make sure the chrome plating shop puts them in the De-embritlement oven for 8 hours @ 190 degrees C within 1 hour after the plating operation as Hydrogen Embritlement has disastrous effects on high tensile steels - Not trying to scare anyone but is very important to do as I have seen re-plated wheel bolts that have had no de-embritlement snap just under the head.


    Cheers

    Paul
     
  7. jscar71

    jscar71 Formula Junior

    Jul 14, 2004
    354
    Montreal Qc, Canada
    Full Name:
    JScar
    #7 jscar71, Nov 28, 2004
    Chromed nuts are always a fan favorite, especially for the women.
     
  8. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2003
    18,120
    Savannah
    #8 thecarreaper, Nov 28, 2004

    THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!! there have been failures on load bearing fastners on aircraft because of this. there is a procedure to inspect, remove and or replace certain fastners at set intervals because of embritlement failure.
    having the wheel bolts sheer off under load would SUCK!
     
  9. RF128706

    RF128706 Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    280
    #9 RF128706, Nov 29, 2004
    Paul, you're absolutely right -- I forgot to mention that this needs to be done, although inter-matrix hydrogen formation is significantly less with chrome electroplate than say, zinc. My plating guy was hot on this because he didn't want any liability come-back when he found out they were wheel bolts.

    RF
     
  10. Robertb

    Robertb Formula 3

    Nov 19, 2003
    1,331
    South Oxfordshire, U
    Full Name:
    Robert
    #10 Robertb, Nov 29, 2004
    Can you give me contact details for who did the work?

    Thx

    Robert.
     
  11. RF128706

    RF128706 Formula Junior

    Apr 8, 2004
    280
    #11 RF128706, Nov 29, 2004
    Robert, check your PM.

    Rob.
     

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