I hope no one minds that I'm resurrecting such an old thread.

I have 2 questions:
Can you remove the center section and keep the tire in place? I want to have the "lip" refurbished from some curb rash,

Does anyone make "alternative" center section with a different look that would bolt onto the existing barrel?

 

I'd say yes to both of those, however an alternative center section wouldn't be cost effective as you could just buy a different wheel style for less.

 

From this earlier post it looks like you can remove the center with the tire still on. The only question would be is if the valve stem interferes with the center, but it looks like it doesn't since the stem is still installed in the above pic.

These guy's can probably make custom centers for you, but it will be expensive. They make one piece rims into three piece rims.

https://www.facebook.com/BuildByBoekes?fref=ts

 

Yes, you can remove the center with the tire still on. The bolts are hard to loosen without stripping or breakong them, so be careful.

 

are those dolorean wheels? That's really awesome, can't imagine the cost.

 

I think they're 80's VW Scirocco wheels. They've even done staggered 3 piece Ronal Teddy Bear wheels.

 

What is the general community viewpoint of these wheels? Nice for the style?

What is the repair-ability index for these wheels? Are they easily dismantled for refurbishing, or should I be concerned with getting them apart and not being able to reassemble them?

I like the look, and there is a set available locally. Just trying to find out if I want to pull the trigger for them.

 

Thats crazy. Never seen the teddies done like that.

 

Webspokes are still a favorite wheel of mine and, especially when color is used well, they are one of the better regarded factory wheels. I always had lots of comments and people were surprised that they were factory. I never had any issues having repair work done (had a couple of the edges polished/refinished by a mobile shop in my driveway after a curbing accident).

They were quite easy to separate (once you have the correct bit that is described earlier in this thread). There are a lot of very long bolts, but you just unscrew 'em. They are coated with loc-tite, so it's a bit hard to turn at first, but you will get there. I used an electric drill once I broke the loc-tite loose, so I didn't kill my wrist turning those bolts. There is a specific torque for them when you reinstall... I can't remember the value, though. Sorry! it's been way too long.

Note: I saw a question from years ago in this thread that I never saw before. Yes... the color on my Webspokes (the PW with metallic tan) was a custom powercoat color. I ordered a bunch of sample chips from an on-line source and ordered the powder to provide to my wheel restoration shop.