What is best for restoring XJ-S Lattice alloys?

[XK8-XK8]

Hi all...I need a little information...I have a set of 15 x 6.5j XJ-S lattice alloys that I wish to have restored to 'as new' standard....they are not cracked/buckled etc but the paint has lifted...I am not sure what I am supposed to ask for...I have heard of 'painting' , 'powder coating' , 'diamond turning' but I don't know which is required...can any one advise please?...Bill

[XK8-XK8]

Hi...not to worry...I have found a company and emailed them....I explained what I wanted and hopefully they will know what to do

[Old Peter]

Welcome to the club, Bill.

I will look out for your car.

I had my alloys refurbished and powder coated.

Regards, 

Peter.

[XK8-XK8]

Hi Peter

As regards the XJ-S alloys, it is just me in anticipation of buying another XJ-S.....I have an XK8 but I miss the classic feel/look/drive/romance of the XJ-S....there is something very special about the V12 engine....anyway, in respect of my XK8 ( 1999, Phoenix Red ) I am looking into acquiring a set of 20'' split rims...I think I prefer the Detroits to the others....I am trying to work out the best course of action...

 

To my mind, there are three possible routes, each with a different cost:

1. find ( if I can ) a set of original immaculate wheels

2. find a set of immaculate re-furbed wheels

3. find a set of wheels that require repair/re-furbishment

 

1. I have not as of yet been able to come across a set of original immaculate wheels. I am not sure if there is a set out there. I realise that the wheels are around 20 years old, so it may not be realistic to expect to find a set. I just think that the original Jaguar finish is worth paying for. In my mind, such a set would probably be worth around £3000-£4000 ( not necessarily including tyres ).

2. Re-furbed wheels in immaculate condition I have not yet come across

3. Wheels requiring re-furbishment are available at around £1200 for a set. I am unsure of what it would cost to fully restore them.

 

I will keep looking and I will make some enquiries...

 

Bill

[Old Peter]

Hi Bill, 

My alloys are the standard issue and cost a meagre £480 to refurbish and powder coat, including the real care wheel.  Unfortunately the

 guy who did it is now out of the business.  

I do like the original bits on a car as it came from the factory

Regards, Peter.

[XK8-XK8]

I have been looking at wheels that are for sale and I came across these....I believe the style is called 'Customs' and I remember when I first saw them on an XJ many years ago....I thought they looked fabulous....they are 19'' and 8j all around....they come with good used tyres, Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico 255 40 zr 19 96 y, and the vendor is asking £700 or best offer....he states that they have been recently restored, checked and balanced and are fitted with new centre caps....they are from a 2006 XJ and from the research I have done I think they will fit my 1999 XK8.....the only issue I can think of is that they are not staggered front and rear...otherwise, I think they are a bargain....they just don't have the cachet of 20'' split rims...but then they are so much cheaper...I will bear them in mind

[XK8-XK8]

I have also found a set of 3 x 20'' Detroits...one wheel has apparently been recently refurbed...two come with tyres, one Pirelli and one Dunlop....I don't value the tyres much, as I would buy a matching set of new or nearly new Pirellis...I would have to source a fourth wheel ( front )....and I am not sure I prefer silver over gold....however, from the pictures the wheels look in far better condition than the sets advertised for £1200....the vendor is asking £700 or best offer.... I will keep an eye on them.