koss1229

Ok, I've always wanted to have a build thread of my own as I love looking at others peoples builds myself.
Anyways, a couple weeks ago I went and bought these BBS RM wheels that the guy advertised as 15x7 +33, but turned out to be regular GTI RM wheels in 6.5 width.
I didn't pay some baller low price like some of you do. $650 cash, tires need be replaced. A fair price I would say.
A few days later I went and mounted them on my GSR to see how they fit.

Not what I really expected, but they don't look too bad at all.
After a simple wipe with a rag I realized that the wheels are in pretty good shape. The lips have very minor rash and scratches, clear coat is pealing, but other than that they are fine. Some of the bolts have small rust spots, but only few of those.

I am not planning on dumping any more money into these, so will stay on the cheap side doing most of the work myself.
I did a huge mistake trying to take one of the tires off myself. Ended up cutting it around the sides and just stuck with the rest of the tire on the wheel. The other three wheels were taken to a shop.
Today I had all of the bolts taken out.

Still need to get rid of that rubber ring which is not an easy deal.
Next step will be baking the wheels in the oven and separating the lips.
I'll try and keep this thread updated with pictures and progress on the wheels.

koss1229

With all the Holidays it's been a while since I touched this project.
The whole restoration turned out to be more difficult than I expected. Still trying to stay motivated and do a little bit at a time.
So I baked the wheels and split them apart. Rubber mallet worked best.

I've used aircraft stripper in the past, but the clear on these wheels is so thick, it becomes very messy.There are gravel nicks all over the lips. I'm sanding them using 120, 220, 320, 600, 1500 grits and finishing with Mother's Polish compound. Two of the lips done.

My brother gave me a very useful present for Christmas - nice polisher, works great!

I also started sanding the centers. There are scratches and clear pealing all over. I will be painting them in darker color later on.

This is what I want to achieve (stole from the internet)

Slowly slowly, but moving. To be continued...

blackoutt

Are you going to strip the whole wheel?Stripping in between the spokes was a BITCH so I took them to my powdercoater and had them blasted and recoated...Good start on a nice set of wheels tho..

Eisenhut

You really should get a set of 2" lips for those. Sits perfectly and looks alot better if you ask me.

micvin

Where are you guys getting these RMs for good prices? Let me in on the secret. Yes, I am noob to H-T, but not to BBS or cars.

Name is Mike and I like Hondas, but love VWs. Don't hit me!