After a couple of weeks of researching and trying to get some answers as to how I was going to get the Mercedes Benz wheels onto the Galaxy, I happened on a guy who specialises in Alloy wheels, attachments, and adaptors.
I was really keen on the stud insertion idea as it’s done a lot for racing applications which surely tests stuff more than a school run.
Anyway, after about 10 exchanges, he suggested I machine the M12 bolt holes to accept M14 wheel bolts
With vernier in hand I had established that the existing holes were 13mm anyway.
Having ally spigot rings fitted to keep the wheels in place, the lug bolts only exert energy to keep the energy centralised.
I liked this diagram, helps me understand what the parts are about.
So......
Action.
Cheap enough drill bits to fit into a 13mm Chuck, Tool,Station only 5 miles away.....
Two bought, just in case.
Indoors workshop....
Yes, I do pay the mortgage.
Wheels ready to be worked with trepidation
Sally on standby, camera and her critical eye on my trueness of attack.
I was amazed at how little material came out of the 20 holes in the end.
Result.
Spigot rings also seated with help of a wooden block and mallet.
I did remove the front wheel after lifting the Galaxy up to trial fit one of the wheels.
However, it became apparent that the Ford wheel bolts are too short to safely get purchase in the hubs.
So I went back to my searches and bought a set of:
20 X M14 X 1.5 50MM LONG RADIUS ALLOY WHEEL BOLTS FIT MERCEDES VIANO VITO
THREAD = M14X1.5
HEAD SIZE = 17MM
COLLAR = RADIUS
THREAD / SHANK LENGTH = 50MM
All of our products are of a high quality, We do not sell any cheap inferior products. Made in Italy, Fully TUV approved with Bimmec packaging where applicable.
Lastly........
A bit of fun.
This car will never be Prozac with a full NASCAR livery, but maybe a wink every now and then.
Ordered replacement centre caps to replace the Benz items.
A nod toward Harley my loyal helper.
So now we wait.