Help with center caps little cracks

[McLenin]

Dear lads,
I just got my wheels nicely refurbished, even the plastic center caps.
All where freshly painted etc.
Thing is the center caps have small cracks near the bolt holes? Not sure what the proper term is...

I would really like to keep them as much In original condition as I can. Do you think it is a good idea to try and apply some kind of model glue? Maybe some putty ( if so, which one should I look for?) Any other ideas? I just want to strengthen it so I can use them for years to come.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Mazda Mender]

Did they come back from refurb like that?
M-m

[McLenin]

They where like that before, when I bought the car. Now they are only painted to match the rest of the wheel. I have a feeling that the bolt was tightened too much and cracked the plastic even before I got them.
I dont think I will be able to get rid of the cracks, I just to secure it so it wont fly away during driving.

[Mazda Mender]

I am really shocked that the refurb guys did not repair them...
I'll reply at dinner to help...just in work at the minute.
M-m

[Mazda Mender]

What Mazda are they off? Mazda 2?
M-m

[McLenin]

They should be original wheels for my MX-5 NA, at first I was sceptical, but when I saw them in the book of the Mazda MX-5 by Brian Long.
There was one small picture of ad. Thing is, those wheels where AFAIK only sold in Switzerland (mine is originally from there). That's also why I would like to conserve them as best as I can.

Will wait for your response in the evening and thanks in advance.

[Mazda Mender]

They are dealer fit rims not mazda...so aftermarket rims...there should be a make or name on the back dish?...

The holding bolt as been over forced against the plastic pulling it down to much to deform/stretch the plastic to the rim causing the pressure and cracking it (or them ?) And also making fracture lines just waiting for it to become even more brittle with the heat and cooling of the rim and shatter into more bits...have you a pic of the securing bolt please before i start to offer my personal advice to cure it...
M-m

[McLenin]

I bet it happened exactly as you described. There is no name or make on the backside. And all four are cracked, although the others not as much as the one photographed.

Aand here comes the bolt

[Mazda Mender]

Ok what i would do is invest in some good super glue, the bit that is about to fall out needs to be cleaned and have some glue applying to it, then clamped flat with plastic on the clamps to not mark the cap, a vice would be perfect and left over night to go off , the fractures on the back needs the glue running into them and left to set, on the back where the plastic connects to the rim where the securing allen bolt goes through to hold the cap in place stick/bond a stainless steel washer to the hole which will help in strengthening the hole and plastic, i would also add a small S/S washer to the front of the bolt head so it fits into the recess on the front, if that can be stuck or bond in place... then great, it will strengthen/stiffen it all up even more and the washers cannot be lost,any super glue that you wish to remove or thin down , get a bottle of 100% pure acetone ( nail remover) it will thin it down and remove the glue, just don't remove it all, remember the backs cannot be seen.

Don't rush it ,take your time which will get you a better result.

I would also get in touch with the rim refurb Co for the colour of the paint or get some for touching up if needed, but i am still shocked that they have not sorted them for you after spending good money to do so as a full package .

Let me know how you get on.
M-m

[McLenin]

Thank you very much, the idea with washers is great. I am just curious, when you set them there permanently, isn't there a risk of corrosion? I know it's stainless steel, but that sometimes can rust too. I think I'll better only try to put them there, and not sticking them with glue in case it needs changing.
And the trick with acetone is new to me

When I get around to do the operation I will post pictures here.

Cheers

[Mazda Mender]

Depends on the grade of stainless steel they are made of, cheap s/s will rust with the iron content so get marine grade S/S....Stick the S/S washers in place otherwise you will be fiddling and you will lose them, smear some grease on them if you are that worried.
M-m

[McLenin]

Finally got around to mount the glued center caps on wheels. The cracks are still visible as before, but now are hardened by glue. The washers were a bit tricky to have there, will try thinner ones in the the near future.

Just wanted to say thanks again MM

[Mazda Mender]

Finally got around to mount the glued center caps on wheels. The cracks are still visible as before, but now are hardened by glue. The washers were a bit tricky to have there, will try thinner ones in the the near future.

Just wanted to say thanks again MM

M-m