PSA: Beauty Ring Bolts -- Removal Issues & Replacement Cost - BE AWARE!

[Kayphix]

what was the process to get color matched aerosols? Where did you get it? I’m also along front range CO, thx

I ordered two ready to spray paint cans and a clear coat from these guys:

https://www.automotivetouchup.com

Was super simple to find Velocity Blue. I was originally worried about the paint match as I read our paint color is like 3 layers(?). However I think they matched it perfectly.

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[Jazer]

The beauty rings do not extend beyond the lip of the wheel. So that means the tires can be removed/installed without having the remove the rings. The rings do not interfere with the bead breaker bar sliding around the lip of the wheel.

I was initially planning on taking the trim rings off when I get new tires mounted so they don't damage them installing the tire. The ring sticks up a bit more which leads me to believe it will be even more complicated for them. We just had a new set of tires put on our Stinger and they damaged every wheel, at the dealer. Fortunately my husband took photos in their parking lot before leaving it for service, and they have agreed to fix the problem.. I am even more paranoid about wheel damage now. Seems like this is a bad idea now with how common issues with these ring bolts are.

I feel so old school and slow...so many people put a power tool to anything with threads on it. I always reach for a ratchet or breaker bar unless I need a couple hundred lb ft of torque. I'm sure it's because I grew up working on cars with hand tools, before the battery powered gizmos were available.

I am the same way. I always use hand tools. I have some air tools too, and unless I physically need the impact, I always prefer the ease of grabbing a wrench or breaker bar.

 

[Tilzbow]

what was the process to get color matched aerosols? Where did you get it? I’m also along front range CO, thx

Google the Ford paint color you’re trying to match and a few rattle can options should come up. Some sell kits that include the clear coat and those are the ones you want. I used the kit in the link below.

I removed the rings, then used heavy coarse steel wool to scuff the OEM silver paint real good, followed by extra fine steel wool and finally cleaned with a solvent (I think I used lacquer thinner). I then applied 2 color coats and one coat of clear coat. I was surprised at how well they came out. So far they’re holding up well, although several hundred miles of off-roading in rocks and brush has scratched up the rings, the black rims and my body paint pretty good.

https://usa.specialistpaints.com/products/ford-cactus-grey-paint-code-ne?variant=39903218008243

 

[pakrat]

Does anyone know the part number for the bolts?

I've had my tires swapped twice and each time Discount Tire has removed the beauty ring. Unfortunately, I didn't know to tell them they didn't need to be removed and not many Broncos in our area so they are not familiar with them. Anyhow, noticed one of them is missing so I need a replacement. Thanks!

Edit: Found it...
W716548-S450B. List for $20! Most places are about $12, but still $12 for one bolt!

 

[0ne]

Does anyone know the part number for the bolts?

I've had my tires swapped twice and each time Discount Tire has removed the beauty ring. Unfortunately, I didn't know to tell them they didn't need to be removed and not many Broncos in our area so they are not familiar with them. Anyhow, noticed one of them is missing so I need a replacement. Thanks!

Edit: Found it...
W716548-S450B. List for $20! Most places are about $12, but still $12 for one bolt!

More interesting info included:
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/beauty-ring-bolts-part-number.31492/

 

[pakrat]

The best deal I could find was either Varsity Ford at $12/each plus almost $10 for shipping or ebay at $16/each with free shipping.

 

[Jimmiee]

How did this turn out? Actual beadlock rings?

Here’s the real beadlocks

 

[Ranbronc]

Finished installing bead lock rings on all 5 wheels, 3 bolts stripped ( torqued to about 30lbs and left them there) 1 wheel I had to chase the threads on every bolt hole other wheels only a couple on each, I hand tightened them at first if there was resistance I chased them, used a shitload of anti seize ( i put that shit on everything).

 

[mpeugeot]

Here’s the real beadlocks

So you are not going to run it on the highway anymore? After all, it's not DOT legal.... LOL

 

[Jimmiee]

So you are not going to run it on the highway anymore? After all, it's not DOT legal.... LOL

Now you tell me.

 

[samdogg87]

ill add my 2 cents, just finished replacing the silver rings with black rings on my Badlands. I was very nervous after reading this thread. I ordered the black rings from ford accessories and used this torx socket set from amazon specifically the T45. Connected it to a 12 inch 3/8 drive breaker bar to loosen them all and then took them out with a socket wrench. A few were tighter than others but nothing scary. Swapped the silver for the black and then put the bolts back in with the socket wrench. I consider myself lucky but it was pretty smooth and the new rings look awesome. Good luck everyone!


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9ZF35W?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[da_jokker]

Yeah I guess I was one of the lucky once as well. Getting ready to swap rings with someone so I pulled out all 60 bolts.

Used my Harbor Freight torxs with a breaker bar to get at least 1 turn on them all (and to feel that they were not cross-threaded). Then used an impact to take them the rest the way out. With that Ford glue they put on the threads, my arms would have fallen off if I had hand done 60 of them suckers.

Used a wire wheel to clean off all the ford glue, air compressor to blowout threaded holes, and anti-seize on all the bolts when I put them back in (torqued to 20 lbs).

Hopefully I'll never have to take them off again, but at least I know that nothing is cross-threaded.

 

[Wgchrs]

My 2 Cents, 2022 Bronco beauty ring removal started stripping one of the bolts with a 45 Torx - 1/2 breaker, some would come out, some did not. Actually started to sheer a torx bit... The partially stripped bolt came right out with a 47 impact Torx, electric impact gun on low. All bolts after were removed with 47 torx - NO ISSUES. Go ahead and flame me, just wanted to pass this on in case there is a person with a bolt or two that needs to be removed, the 47 might give you just enough to forgo a trip to the dealer. Good luck!

 

[bniknar]

Finished installing bead lock rings on all 5 wheels, 3 bolts stripped ( torqued to about 30lbs and left them there) 1 wheel I had to chase the threads on every bolt hole other wheels only a couple on each, I hand tightened them at first if there was resistance I chased them, used a shitload of anti seize ( i put that shit on everything).

What size thread chaser did you use? I'd like to get a thread chaser from Amazon or HD.

 

[mdk77]

I just went through all 8 pages of discussion on this topic. Going to replace my silver rings with black this weekend. Nervous as hell hah

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