MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Andy_GTI on March 12, 2012, 06:14:58 pm

Title: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Andy_GTI on March 12, 2012, 06:14:58 pm
Hi everyone, well its lasted nearly year, longer than I was expecting for my refurbed alloys to stay immaculate, the dreaded white worm has started appearing on one of the alloys:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fdjakster%2FMy_VW_Golf_GTI%2FIMG_0017.jpg&hash=d7ec93c109556fbd9685c78fd8a8a18b195fbd5d)

Despite my best efforts to wash them weekly with Blackfire Gel Wheel cleaner and wax them monthly with Collinite 476s

So what are my options guys?

I was told by S.E.M (who did a great job for what its worth) that theyd probably stay immaculate for a few months before deteriorating, and that because theyve been machine polished once they would not be able to refurb them again. Can anyone confirm this?

Would it be possible to have them just powder coated regular silver whilst keeping the inserts black as they are now?

Or am I best selling these whilst theyre still pretty good condition and going for something different? My car is a standard KO3 GTI in reflex silver if anyone has any ideas for replacement alloys.

Thanks in advance guys
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: andrewparker on March 12, 2012, 06:19:10 pm
Look at Holtys car. Reflex silver with Detroits. Great combo.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Andy_GTI on March 12, 2012, 06:21:47 pm
Im going through the MK5/6 Wheel thread as we speak, you dont have a link do you?  :smiley:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: andrewparker on March 12, 2012, 06:53:56 pm
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,19818.0.html
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 12, 2012, 07:13:38 pm

Is that normal for it to only last a few months to a year after re-furb?

Does anyone know how long Lepsons reckon it should last if they do the work?
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: SRC on March 12, 2012, 09:04:27 pm
If you love the look of diamond cut, but don't want the whiteworm, then get them powdercoated in black chrome (also called smoked chrome).  Best of both worlds, and recommended by many here:
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,42652.msg504854.html#msg504854 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,42652.msg504854.html#msg504854)
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: jimble on March 12, 2012, 09:08:01 pm
I'd probably refurb them to look like detroits, ie black with a polished lip, would look nice on reflex silver imo.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 12, 2012, 09:11:39 pm
.
The best way to guarantee no white worm is to powdercoat:  http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,726.0.html

Jeeze! seeing those pics I forgot how bad I let mine go!
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: heady2010 on March 12, 2012, 11:10:53 pm
The smoked chrome powder coating on that top link looks really good. would it be possible to have the inserts powder coats or even sprayed black?
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: chowgar on March 13, 2012, 12:20:47 am
The smoked chrome powder coating on that top link looks really good. would it be possible to have the inserts powder coats or even sprayed black?


http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,41345.msg487168.html#msg487168 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,41345.msg487168.html#msg487168)

YEP :drool:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 13, 2012, 05:48:56 am
That's a great write-up Robin,  :congrats:

You say "Showing the grey 'inserts' and clean edge join to the diamond-cut face. This can only be achieved by firstly powdercoating the whole wheel in grey and then cutting back to the raw alloy on the face and then lacquering it".

Does this powdercoating mean the whiteworm will be banished long-term? (or until re-kerbed, and allowing it back in)

I've got a Lepsons refurb on my list, but at 100 a corner I don't think I'll bother if it's only to last 6 to 12 months. I'd rather put the money towards some BBS Ed30 rims. But I love the look of the Monza18's so much.  :drool:

Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 08:04:21 am
The smoked chrome powder coating on that top link looks really good. would it be possible to have the inserts powder coats or even sprayed black?


http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,41345.msg487168.html#msg487168 (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,41345.msg487168.html#msg487168)

YEP :drool:

....Hey! Those look pretty cool, Chowgar - First time I've seen your pics.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 08:12:53 am

That's a great write-up Robin,  :congrats:

You say "Showing the grey 'inserts' and clean edge join to the diamond-cut face. This can only be achieved by firstly powdercoating the whole wheel in grey and then cutting back to the raw alloy on the face and then lacquering it".

Does this powdercoating mean the whiteworm will be banished long-term? (or until re-kerbed, and allowing it back in)

I've got a Lepsons refurb on my list, but at 100 a corner I don't think I'll bother if it's only to last 6 to 12 months. I'd rather put the money towards some BBS Ed30 rims. But I love the look of the Monza18's so much.  :drool:


....Yes, powdercoating the wheel will banish whiteworm long term - It's the raw metal (diamond cut) under a relatively thin layer of clear lacquer which gets exposed and the worming surface corrosion sets in and organically grows. It's not just VW wheels of this finish which can suffer the whiteworm - I've seen it on Mercedes too. Obviously any chip or kerbing is going to break the surface but not result in the dreaded whiteworm.

I'd say that a refurb back to diamond cut with clear lacquer will last more like 12-18 months as it's the winter and those road salts combined with chips which cause the problem. Not everyone experiences the whiteworm but it's a gamble if you drive the car often enough.

My Smoked Chrome Monza 18's are in storage and I could sell them but find it difficult to part with them. I think I might hang one on my bedroom wall (the girl in my sig won't mind).
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: GrayMK5GTI on March 13, 2012, 08:22:58 am
I had mine refurbished by A1 in wolverhampton (on Robin's recommendation). They use a special Aston martin Lacquer which although will chip, the water cant creep underneath like normal lacquer allows.

So although there is a couple of small chips, I have NO WHITEWORM  :star:

I've done over 10k miles with them like this, used them all year round with no issues.

Maybe worth a trip to A1?

Graeme
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 08:35:51 am

I had mine refurbished by A1 in wolverhampton (on Robin's recommendation). They use a special Aston martin Lacquer which although will chip, the water cant creep underneath like normal lacquer allows.

So although there is a couple of small chips, I have NO WHITEWORM  :star:

I've done over 10k miles with them like this, used them all year round with no issues.

Maybe worth a trip to A1?

Graeme

....Aha, I don't think A1 offered the Aston option back in the day when I had mine done. Very glad you were pleased with A1 - Rim King Nath Greeners had recommended A1 to me and he is anal about wheels.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 10:52:14 am
What a load of sh*te saying they'd last a few months!!!  :fighting:

Ask Stealth how his are doing! I had them refurbed nearly four years ago and there is no sign of the worm!!  :fighting:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 12:46:36 pm
^^^^
But Nath, it's a gamble. In your ownership they were subjected to very low mileage and extreme, really exceptional, care on your part. Stealth does the mileage (or certainly used to) and has been lucky so far.

Whether they last months or years without whiteworm it's a gamble in my opinion and it's backed up by there being so many cases of it. VW have even replaced wheels with it - It's a well established issue  :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: bigmig95 on March 13, 2012, 12:51:33 pm
Hopefully longer than  3 months FFS, I pick up mine (black inserts and diamond cut) from A1 later this week, If I have problems I'll post up to add to the ongoing wheel refurb info already on here.  Dealt with Nick at A1, all good so far.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 12:53:11 pm
It's not a gamble at all Robin.

It's mostly to do with the laquer and the way it has been applied. You will notice from the OP's pics that they are 'worming' from the bolt holes so I would suspect it is nothing to do with stone chipping (normally the main culprit), rather than poor workmanship, hence my annoyance at the ridiculous comment from the refurber regarding them lasting a few months!!  :fighting:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 01:00:01 pm
^^^^
Fair do's Nath - I thought you were challenging my comment of 12 -18 months. But I agree with your points - It's very much down to lacquer. I was responding to the general way which these wheels suffer from whiteworm. The point I'm making is that this finish is much more vulnerable than other finishes and in that sense I think it's a gamble.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 01:06:11 pm
I know you have your reservations regarding the finish of the Monza 2's, but if refurbed to a high standard and cared for there is no reason why they cannot last as long as any other design/finish.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 01:09:10 pm
Yes, I can't really help having strong reservations due to my own direct experiences. But I am guilty of not looking after my wheels as well as you do. On the other hand, I'm not careless and I do feel that BBS/VAG should have made such wheels far more practical in the real world.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 01:20:08 pm
It's just the downside of a Diamond Cut finish, and by no means are VW/VAG group the only manufacturers affected with this issue.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Gene Hunt on March 13, 2012, 03:40:21 pm
Looking at the pic,do you think the lacquer could have been damaged when the wheels have been removed?. Could have had a bit of a bash from the wheel bolt socket?.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 04:12:19 pm
Looking at the pic,do you think the lacquer could have been damaged when the wheels have been removed?. Could have had a bit of a bash from the wheel bolt socket?.

Possibly, but you've gotta be a bit of a tard to do all of them!  :rolleye:  :surprised:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: winrya on March 13, 2012, 06:10:49 pm
Here is a pic of one of my 6.5 year old Monzas with 50k on them... Owned since new
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fe58%2Fwinrya%2F45e99273.jpg&hash=dda251d2b232cb431fa83db6014fc7285743785d)

Taken 5 mins ago, they will last as long as you look after them!

3 of mine are like this, 1 has been refurbed (bus pushed me off the road) by A1 and unlike others here, I wasn't so lucky as it looks absolutely shocking so hoping a new bbs will turn up one day....
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 13, 2012, 06:15:37 pm
I know you have your reservations regarding the finish of the Monza 2's, but if refurbed to a high standard and cared for there is no reason why they cannot last as long as any other design/finish.  :happy2:

Would Lepsons fall into the 'refurbed to a high standard' Greeners?
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 06:17:53 pm
^^^^
Judging by that pic, winrya, you are seriously into detailing - Even your tyre walls look treated! Hats off and respect to you for your dedication but all that takes time and not everybody wants to take quite so much care. A car needs to be driven and must be practical through the seasons on UK roads. In my opinion it's simply not good enough for the likes of BBS/VW to palm us off with such a finish on wheels even if they do look great.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 07:49:03 pm
I know you have your reservations regarding the finish of the Monza 2's, but if refurbed to a high standard and cared for there is no reason why they cannot last as long as any other design/finish.  :happy2:

Would Lepsons fall into the 'refurbed to a high standard' Greeners?

Couldn't comment, never used them.......
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Greeners on March 13, 2012, 07:50:12 pm
^^^^
Judging by that pic, winrya, you are seriously into detailing - Even your tyre walls look treated! Hats off and respect to you for your dedication but all that takes time and not everybody wants to take quite so much care. A car needs to be driven and must be practical through the seasons on UK roads. In my opinion it's simply not good enough for the likes of BBS/VW to palm us off with such a finish on wheels even if they do look great.

Like most things in life Robin, if you look after it, it will look after you!  :wink:

You haven't got to be 'into detailing' just to take care of your car!!
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 10:12:10 pm
^^^^
Well, the level of care which the Monza 18's need is somewhat too high to be practical in many cases - Hence all the number of whiteworm problems.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 13, 2012, 10:25:32 pm
^^^^
Well, the level of care which the Monza 18's need is somewhat too high to be practical in many cases - Hence all the number of whiteworm problems.

I agree, They're so easy to kerb, and I have whiteworm starting in the centre. 3 of mine are lightly  kerbed, but the passenger side front is f**ked! If a diamond cut refurb is only going to last 18 months in all weathers, I reckon a set of the cheaper BBS Ed30 style from Rimstyle for 600 sheets for the winter has got to be the way to go for me, and then get the Monza's refurbed and kept for Summer use only. And all once the Mrs is safely tucked into her Up! 
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 13, 2012, 10:44:07 pm
.
I think that we all need to realise that some Monza's will stay free of whiteworm (greatly helped by extra special care by their owners) and others won't. There's no reliable timeframe or guarantee.

I must update my extensive post on the subject, especially now I know about A1's use of Aston Martin lacquer.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Zodium on March 17, 2012, 01:27:03 pm
Anybody else heard about Aston Martin laquer?
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: GrayMK5GTI on March 17, 2012, 02:14:54 pm
Ring A1 and ask for Nigel for more info - mention this forum & Red Robin for a discount if you decide to go for it  :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Zodium on March 17, 2012, 02:35:18 pm
Ok thanks  :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Andy_GTI on March 19, 2012, 09:46:21 pm
Looking at the pic,do you think the lacquer could have been damaged when the wheels have been removed?. Could have had a bit of a bash from the wheel bolt socket?.

Its interesting you've said that, as the only wheel that is really suffering (the one shown in the original pic) recently had a flat tyre due to a damaged valve and so its been taken off by my local tyre garage to have a new valve fitted. They didnt charge me neither for the new valve so maybe theyve damaged it during removal and not told me  :fighting:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: stealthwolf on March 19, 2012, 10:36:26 pm
My rims from Nousey are fine *touch wood*.

I don't run them on the car except in the summer months. Too scared of damaging them. Not an ounce of white worm and I can confirm the rims are the same as when I bought them from nousey. I've covered a total of 10k with them on I reckon.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: stealthwolf on March 19, 2012, 10:41:11 pm
From last years Inters:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fstealthwolf%2FED30%2FDSCF1415.jpg&hash=317ecb449c46d0281a63bded8d3d0c61613b17a8)


(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fstealthwolf%2FED30%2FDSCF1413.jpg&hash=acd80a96bcd568392fcb9ce6e8c06507deaa3aeb)
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: driver rider on March 19, 2012, 11:35:28 pm
Really liking those wheels.   :happy2:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 20, 2012, 05:39:57 am
Really liking those wheels.   :happy2:

+1

I'm really considering the Monza shadow look by getting my inserts black instead of graphite. Torn between this slight mod and keeping the exterior OEM.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: RedRobin on March 20, 2012, 08:25:22 am

I'm really considering the Monza shadow look by getting my inserts black instead of graphite. Torn between this slight mod and keeping the exterior OEM.


....The Monza's are so unique to the GTI that you would easily get away with having black inserts.

The way it would be best done (assuming you don't already know) is to refurb, coat whole wheel black and then diamond-cut the face, finishing with clear lacquer. For extra protection I would recommend going to A1 Wolverhampton (contact Nigel) and having their Aston Martin top grade lacquer.
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: bigmig95 on March 20, 2012, 11:20:21 am
Really liking those wheels.   :happy2:

+1

I'm really considering the Monza shadow look by getting my inserts black instead of graphite. Torn between this slight mod and keeping the exterior OEM.

Another recommendation for A1 here  :happy2:.  Just had mine wheels sorted as can be seen on the pictures during my visit to them last weekend. Diamond cut with black inserts.  The quality of the wheels gets 10/10 from me. :congrats:
The guys were extremely helpful and kept me posted whilst the wheels were being sorted during the week.   :smiley:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fjj45%2Fgodsy1969%2FIMG_1990.jpg&hash=b360fbe09adc9ceed1c3b3bb5cc190a5b158e74f)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fjj45%2Fgodsy1969%2FIMG_1989.jpg&hash=6bfceec1d0f4fbdada171b014ce21bdfc8b3d8ae)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fjj45%2Fgodsy1969%2FIMG_2017.jpg&hash=7287d49595f49d2e10da904c578fad279e1115ae)
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Upperoilcan on March 20, 2012, 02:16:10 pm
Look at Holtys car. Reflex silver with Detroits. Great combo.

Your right as that's what i have... :signLOL:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: andrewparker on March 20, 2012, 02:55:49 pm
Look at Holtys car. Reflex silver with Detroits. Great combo.

Your right as that's what i have... :signLOL:

Not quite as good as on a diamond black pearl car though :wink:
Title: Re: Monza II whiteworm, time for a change?
Post by: Mk5 GTian on March 20, 2012, 05:01:50 pm

I'm really considering the Monza shadow look by getting my inserts black instead of graphite. Torn between this slight mod and keeping the exterior OEM.


....The Monza's are so unique to the GTI that you would easily get away with having black inserts.

The way it would be best done (assuming you don't already know) is to refurb, coat whole wheel black and then diamond-cut the face, finishing with clear lacquer. For extra protection I would recommend going to A1 Wolverhampton (contact Nigel) and having their Aston Martin top grade lacquer.

I did know that's how it's done Robin, ......but only because I read your write-up on them!

It's looking like A1 then, rather than Lepsons! I'm going to aim to get them done when I'm on hols in September, then they can just have the cart for the whole week. I do like the shadows.