Wheels

[Corey_R]

Sure do man. I think that it's much better than genuine Detroits for numerous reasons. 1) Detroits (on the Golf at least) are 18" and heavier. 2) Heavier wheels means less performance and increased fuel consumption. 3) Larger wheels means less sidewall height which at these sizes (17 vs 1 means worse handling not better. 4) Detroits have a machined alloy metal finish with clear coat paint. Gutter one and you need to REPLACE IT TO FIX IT.

Doing this mod to Denvers is a much better idea. You can even pick up a 2nd hand pair of Denvers which have already been scuffed and do this mod. Since you need to repaint the entire wheel, you can get the scratches/rash fixed up and they'll look brand new.

Any competent panel shop or wheel repair company should be able to do this for you. If you're good with a spray can and masking tape, you could also do it yourself with supplies from Bunnings.

[way]

Hey Corey, do you recommend this mod to wheels?

If so, any recommendations re where to bet it done in Melb?

Matty Coleman (not sure the name of his shop!) in Richmond is the man for the job. PCM and others use him regularly and he is a really good guy (and the best track instructor!).

[Smacca]

I had the wheels (sanded/machned back) to remove the orignal paint.

So if the wheels were machined back before being painted, would it be possible to get a similar machined or shiny finish like that on a genuine Detroit rim?

[Frostee]

What is the durability of the paint job?

[gavs]

So if the wheels were machined back before being painted, would it be possible to get a similar machined or shiny finish like that on a genuine Detroit rim?

Yes but the labour charge involved would probably cost you so much, you would be better off getting a set of replicas for the money, or make a friend in NZ and get them sent over!

[Corey_R]

What is the durability of the paint job?

Any competent body shop/wheel repair shop, the durability should be as good as the original paint job. The paint would go on in the order of:
Black internal and side of "spokes"
Silver facia
Clear coat over the entire thing

Practically ALL rims are painted, even if it's just a clear coat over the metal/alloy finish - such as with the real Detroits over the machined alloy surface.

[Ilikebrunettes]

lol... being that he's a long time forum follower, he's probably seen Ozram's photos and me post about it 1000 times by now

Yeah thats where I got the idea, its defo not an original idea on my part although I may be the first to do it on a polo

[way]

Does anyone know if the factory Detroits for Polo have a different offset or width? I am assuming the factory one is also only 17's yeah?

[gavs]

Can't buy factory here in Oz, only europe or NZ have them but yes, they are 17" and the same as the Denvers.

[crumbs]

Is a group import of Detroits via a dealership even possible?

[JaneAusten]

Is a group import of Detroits via a dealership even possible?

Someone look into this pls. 400 NZD

[noone]

That's the price of 4 new VW wheels? Not the option upgrade cost?

If they are that cheap I'll grab a set too... Something tells me that it's not quite like this.

[GTI JOE]

The $400NZD refers to extra cost for an option of Detroits (17") instead of the stock Denvers which is not available here. Both gav and I have emailed Volkswagen NZ and a couple of dealers over there without any response. Maybe someone else can have a go...and let us know how you go More than likely you would have to pay the full value of the wheels, whatever that is, NOT the $400NZD mentioned in the NZ Polo GTI brochure

[gavs]

Both GTI Joe and I have contacted dealers over in NZ and they really like ignoring us. So not only do their immigrants come and steal our dole and split open our heads in bars, throw patrons out in the middle of Ferntree gully road over the railing at the wheelers, but they also ignore us! I think Will Anderson was right, maybe we should invade them....

Disclaimer for our Kiwi members: Aside from aforementioned bouncer, I have no ill feeling towards our accross the pond, sheep enjoying, sorry, sheep FARMING, farming, not enjoying,... neighbours

[GTI JOE]

Boy gav....just as well you weren't stereotyping them baaahhhhh then they would really get made.....haka made!