Wheel Deal

I've recently bought a set of Fittipaldi alloys, described as being suitable for 4-stud VW fitment. The size was 7x15 H2, 4x100, ET35. They were supplied with bolts and spiggot rings and were a very decent price. On initial inspection they looked great but there were only 3 spiggot rings. This alerted me to looking at them more closely. It was apparent that a bit of machining had taken place.

The rear faces of three of them had been machined, plus the inner bore and also there was evidence of machining to the bolt holes and collars. The paint and laquer being worn on all four stud holes.

The bore diameter had been widened to 64mm on these three but the 3 spiggot rings seated okay and reduced it to about 56mm, which I think is correct for my MK1 Cabrio. The bore on the 4th was 66mm and would not accomodate a spiggot ring.

THREE ARE LIKE THIS:



ONE IS LIKE THIS:



PAINT SHAVED OFF AROUND STUD HOLES ON THREE WHEELS:


 
When placing the bolts through it was clear that they protruded more on the 'trio' than the 4th.

Anyway, I've spoken with the supplier who has agreed to take them back but insisted that wheel manufacturers make a casting and that it is normal for them to be re-worked after they have been painted. The 3 that had clear re-working had OZ stamped on them, together with the revised offset. The supplier said that OZ Wheels had reworked them.

FRESHLY STAMPED BY OZ ?



Does anyone else have any knowledge on this re-working of alloys ? Is it normal practice ? Perhaps I've been taught a lesson and should stick with original equipment.

Anyone got some nice, original BBS' for sale ?