How do you ... take apart BBS centrecaps ?

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GDBN
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Sat May 27, 2006 3:44 pm

As above.
I want to paint the plastic "nut" shaped bit in the middle as the paint is flaking off. But I can't see how you take the thing apart. I ´have taken out the circlip and then what ????
Also thinking about changing the BMW logo for BBS ones at the same time.

G
kidsinister
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Sat May 27, 2006 3:48 pm

You should just be able to push the centre bits out.
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orangecurry
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Sat May 27, 2006 3:52 pm

difficult to explain, easy to do....

part a) taking the BMW black plastic bit out is easy - there are 3 tabs at 120 degrees intervals - use a flatbladed screwdriver from the back of the cap to move one of these tabs, then push the centre out (from back to front) with your thumb

part b) taking the whole thing apart - as the grey plastic nut is held to the alloy disc by the black plastic circle-thing, you simply prise the black plastic thing from the back of the cap - VERY CARFULLY you insert a smallish flat-bladed screwdriver between the black plastic and the grey plastic - there is a gap between them that makes it easier - work your way AROUND prising a small distance as you go each time.... clear as mud?

just have a go, carefully - if you get no joy I can do a set of pictures... but I'm pressed for time today.
GDBN
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Sat May 27, 2006 5:03 pm

Thanks for the replies.
I'll have a go soon.
Would I be right in thinking the centre sticker disc is 70.6mm ?
Just that I have some nice BBS replacements.

G
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sithorpe
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Sat May 27, 2006 7:49 pm

This is very easy got my wheel caps back yesterday and have just rebuilt them.
Remove the black emblem cap by pushing.
Remove spring clip.
Using a very small screw driver hook it between the back of the nut and black surround on the back and push the centre nut through.

Any ideas on how to stop these centre caps falling off, i have lost 2 now and am getting fed up of getting them repainted every time!!!!!
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sithorpe
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Sat May 27, 2006 7:52 pm

This is very easy got my wheel caps back yesterday and have just rebuilt them.
Remove the black emblem cap by pushing.
Remove spring clip.
Using a very small screw driver hook it between the back of the nut and black surround on the back and push the centre nut through.

Any ideas on how to stop these centre caps falling off, i have lost 2 now and am getting fed up of getting them repainted every time!!!!!
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orangecurry
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Sun May 28, 2006 6:43 pm

BBS centre caps will never fall off if they are
a) not broken - if someone has previously turned them the 'wrong' way when locking, the three retaining tabs can get broken off; putting a layer of plastic insulating tape around the whole nut around each tab can give enough purchase to do the trick
b) the correct caps!
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orangecurry
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Sun May 28, 2006 6:58 pm

very broken

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very not broken

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AndrewL
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Mon May 29, 2006 8:28 pm

They do come apart very easily with a screwdriver in the right place.

Agree that once one of the lugs breaks off the whole thing's finished; otherwise they're fine. If yours are very wasted you mightn't realise what an OK one look like!

Andy
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