Beautiful wheel bolts coming soon!

[Maserati V8]

First, an update on the Brembo’s on my 4200GT... Working really well and no issues. Look lovely too and after a few months use are well bedded in. Braking is excellent compared to previous set up on the worn and corroded original OEM ones. Mintex pads I used also seem fine.

Now for the next project, I recently had all 4 wheels chemically stripped, blasted and powder coated, they look fantastic. Only issue now is the wheel bolts look naff. So I have decided to get a set of 20 made to my specification as a direct replacement is not available (unless using Maserati OEM ones again and then they will rust, prices are shocking too!).

I have modelled the part in 3D CAD (images below) using an original bolt as reference for precise dimensions and now investigating a suitable material with high strength properties and corrosion resistance for the production shortly. I’ll be using a precision engineering company I know very well who supply components to the high performance engineering/motorsport sector/teams and who I have supported with various activities/racing in the past. Quality will be second to none – and expected for the discerning Maserati owner!

At the moment cost is not known (depends on material used, finish, quantity etc) but if there is any interest on the forum for a set of 20 please add your name below, (the more units run off the cheaper each bolt will be). I’ll then come back in a week or so with expected cost.

The design is for the 4200 Coupe, i.e. wheel bolts with 22mm hex, 32mm shaft with m14x1.5 thread and 60 degree cone seat (front and rears are the same). I have not done the earlier 3200 bolts as I do not have any to take datum’s from and reference to, but they could also be done if enough interest.

Regards
James

 

[Parisien]

Very nice James.

I got mine chromed last year and they seem to be holding up well with great care!!

Good luck with the product and no doubt there will be takers!


P

 

[adam01]

Maybe of interest subject to price - r u planning to engrave/embosse the trident or it that OTT?

 

[Andyk]

Would imagine you will get a few takers wth those......Saw the title and though is there such a thing as a beautiful wheels bolf.....Would have to say yes now I've seen the pic.....

P.S....Got any pics of your cars wheels and the Brembo's now you have got them done..Would love to see them..

 

[doodlebug]

Put me down for a set - if the price is right!

 

[Easyplan66]

Maybe of interest subject to price - r u planning to engrave/embosse the trident or it that OTT?

that's a good idea, is there a problem with trademarks?
it would certainly set them apart from others if they had the trident on them....

 

[Roger]

Hi James

I might be interested depending on the price of course.

Cheers

Roger

 

[BennyD]

Likewise. They look very good.

 

[davy83]

might be interested it depends on the price!!! I think its about £3.50 a bolt to have them chromed? so whats the price for shiny bolts? I was about to get my existing bolts chromed along with the trident and grill surround but might buy these if they are reasonable, and made from decent tensile steel?

 

[Maserati V8]

Currently investigating the best material to use and have metallurgy person checking out. Needs balance of strength and corrosion resistance and good machining ability. Some very interesting materials which can be accessed through specialist aerospace and motorsport metal suppliers out there.

Price will depend on numbers and type of material up to the job. At the moment gathering idea of potential interest. Regarding motif, would not be able to use exact type face/logo without upsetting Maserati, so would be a close looking script. This could be laser marked or engraved after machining process, not CNCd as it would be too time consuming in unit production.

Looked at chrome plating but issue for me is it does not last forever and caution has to be taken with sockets as plating only needs a small split or pin hole for lifting to start and once it does the appearance is ruined. Coatings like plating are not idea.

J

 

[Maser Sod]

. Some very interesting materials which can be accessed through specialist aerospace and motorsport metal suppliers out there.
J

Is there a NASA version of David Askew? Must be some nice material to be had off those shuttles they are scrapping.

 

[davy83]

you just need to avoid the obvious 316 SS route as the bolts are probably a decent alloy carbon steel with yield of 400+ mPa and tensile in the 650 mPa region, 316 and 314 the regular grades of stainless have tensile and yield strengths about half this. This is why they are not stainless in the first place! It is probably over kill and its hard stuff to machine but one of the Inconel alloys like inconcel 625 would have the right mechanical properties, and would have a very hard wearing shiny finish, but might be expensive!!! (inconcel 625 has yield of 550 mPa and tensile strength over 900 mPa)
good luck any way let us know how you get on

 

[hunta]

Might well be interested also, subject to cost, so I'll be keeping a keen eye out.

 

[ZAM400209]

"Regarding motif, would not be able to use exact type face/logo without upsetting Maserati, so would be a close looking script."

Hey J,

regarding using a Trident on the tops of your bolts; I think you'll find, unless you know someone personally who is connected to Brand-Management at the factory and who would "sell you out," that at this distance and age of car, they won't have anything to say and would never know.

It might be a nice touch, although it kind of harks back to those QP4s which used to have little Tridents round the edge of the wooden steering wheel- mabey a bit much!

JimP

 

[hunta]

"Regarding motif, would not be able to use exact type face/logo without upsetting Maserati, so would be a close looking script."

It might be a nice touch, although it kind of harks back to those QP4s which used to have little Tridents round the edge of the wooden steering wheel- mabey a bit much!

JimP

Personally I agree - there's a trident on the wheel centre cap. One can get too much of even that good a thing!

 

[Danny]

I would be interested in a set without the tridents on them.

 

[F355GTS]

Possibly interested in a set, I'm currently using some old Ferrari 328 bolts I had in stock but the chrome's fairly poor now

 

[petronic]

Again would be interested subject to final cost? "My nuts" are chromed but my wife says they are becoing"rusty" any suggestions!!

 

[bill]

I looks into stainless steel ones they work out about £10+vat each for 50 of each size. This is for top grade SS used on aircraft and oil rigs. Strengthwise, SS is used for many more demanding apps from motorbike racing to aircraft manufacture so I am sure they will be up to the job. If you can get a better price I am in ( with out trident)

Cheers
Bill

 

[alfamaserman]

I'm interested but WITHOUT any motif and technical assurance that stainless steel is up to the job and, of course, the right price.