Beauty Ring ?

[Iceman62]

Going to have local shop swap my carbonized gray rims for badlands bead lock capable ones. As a precaution, would you remove the outer beauty rings so they don't damage?

This is a local shop I've used for many years, but some of the threads I see show owners who experienced damage when getting tires/rims serviced. Thoughts?

I know...it's an off-road vehicle and scratches show toughness, but I'd like to be the one who does the damage vs. service tech.

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[GnormalGnome]

A competent tire tech using modern equipment/tools should have no problem performing the swap with the rings still on the wheels.

But...I've seen those pics and heard the stories, too. I'd probably go ahead and remove the rings ahead of time just for peace of mind. Better safe than sorry.

Be aware that the screw heads are easily stripped. Between the thread locker and road grime, they will feel like they are perma-glued to the wheel. Use as much downward force as possible to keep the bit fully seated and slowly break them loose. I prefer to loosen them all before removing any.

Also, the screws are easily crossthreaded during reinstall. Take your time and get them all started before tightening them. Don't forget a drop of loctite on each.

Good Luck!

 

[Car Guy Bill]

I recently removed my rings so I could have them color matched to my Marsh Gray paint. I used a T45 Bit and did not have any problems but it felt like it was not engaging properly. I did some research and found Ford uses the Torx Plus bit which is a slightly different design and the sizes are marked different. In a Torx Plus it is a TP 40 bit for the wheels. I ended up purchasing this kit from Amazon and it works great. https://amzn.to/4miTm5C

 

[NC_Oak]

take the rings off. no worthy tech would swap the tires off with the rings on.

 

[Iceman62]

A competent tire tech using modern equipment/tools should have no problem performing the swap with the rings still on the wheels.

But...I've seen those pics and heard the stories, too. I'd probably go ahead and remove the rings ahead of time just for peace of mind. Better safe than sorry.

Be aware that the screw heads are easily stripped. Between the thread locker and road grime, they will feel like they are perma-glued to the wheel. Use as much downward force as possible to keep the bit fully seated and slowly break them loose. I prefer to loosen them all before removing any.

Also, the screws are easily crossthreaded during reinstall. Take your time and get them all started before tightening them. Don't forget a drop of loctite on each.

Good Luck!

Great advice & definitely will follow these suggestions. Much appreciated!

 

[Iceman62]

I recently removed my rings so I could have them color matched to my Marsh Gray paint. I used a T45 Bit and did not have any problems but it felt like it was not engaging properly. I did some research and found Ford uses the Torx Plus bit which is a slightly different design and the sizes are marked different. In a Torx Plus it is a TP 40 bit for the wheels. I ended up purchasing this kit from Amazon and it works great. https://amzn.to/4miTm5C

Nice - just added this TP set to my tool inventory...arriving tomorrow.

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