Replacing pie plate cover with alternative

[Guest]

I’ve just bought a one owner 99k 2002 in black which I’m mostly delighted with but really don’t like the pie plate covers as is the general consensus. However, I’ve seen that after removing just the “pie plates”that the basic 5 spoke design is actually really nice ( even just without the covers) but I have seen that there are alternative inserts which make for a proper finish and totally enhance the look. I’ve seen photos of these but mostly from the USA so I trawled through searching for some here in the UK. 

So I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction to finding this type of enhancement please🙏 ( and not just suggesting that I change the whole wheel, since I do like the 5 spoke design overall - reminds me of older 911 design)

For clarity I’ve attached an example of what I’m looking for 

[Peter1208]

22 minutes ago, Nexus7 said:

I’ve just bought a one owner 99k 2002 in black which I’m mostly delighted with but really don’t like the pie plate covers as is the general consensus. However, I’ve seen that after removing just the “pie plates”that the basic 5 spoke design is actually really nice ( even just without the covers) but I have seen that there are alternative inserts which make for a proper finish and totally enhance the look. I’ve seen photos of these but mostly from the USA so I trawled through searching for some here in the UK. 

So I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction to finding this type of enhancement please🙏 ( and not just suggesting that I change the whole wheel, since I do like the 5 spoke design overall - reminds me of older 911 design)

For clarity I’ve attached an example of what I’m looking for 

Congratulations on buying an SC430, personally I am keeping the pie plate covers on my 2003 model.

Good luck with your new set of wheels.

[Glyn Jennings]

3 hours ago, Peter1208 said:

Congratulations on buying an SC430, personally I am keeping the pie plate covers on my 2003 model.

Good luck with your new set of wheels.

Mine came with the Pie Plates as well which are not to my taste either. The only place I have seen the replacement spinners for sale is on eBay from the US which works out quite expensive with shipping etc. I did end up buying some from another UK owner that were on refurbished wheels so I used those and sold my existing wheels which needed refurbishing without any inserts.  Since then I have put on some nice new alloys but am keeping the OEM wheels as the car is worth more with the original wheels if ever I sell it. 

[Tomtit]

I thought it was worth the cost of getting them from U.S.A. The wheels look much better with these covers. See my post dated 22.11.22 for photos.

[Guest]

Having continued my trawl of the net, and finally by including the term “twist” in the wheels description, I found a few suppliers in the US on eBay (UK) and include shipping to UK. They were reasonably priced too ( less than £200) so just awaiting their delivery in a couple of weeks and I’ll post some photos once fitted. 

Apart from a much better look, it keeps the original wheels ( and stored pie plates) in the unlikely event of ever selling the car - plus no issues with insurance - win-win👍

 

[Guest]

Just looked at your pics showing the great comparison and now I can’t wait to get mine! Thanks for that and reassuring to confirm the difference. 

[Guest]

I hadn’t quite finished placing the order ( only “saved/watched”) for the sub-£200 ones and as luck would have it I found some totally refurbished OEM ones at just over £300 from a very reputable Lexus specialist in Texas, so I ordered those instead. They look obviously even more of a quality product and include the Lexus “L” centre badge too. 

As such, and since they are an original product , I am going to sell my “ pie plate” hubs now. 
 

They are in excellent condition and so if anyone is interested please message me to negotiate a fair price. 
 

[Guest]

Seems fate is trying to tell me something!
 

My order was just cancelled and refunded unexpectedly due to a technicality which has given me the opportunity to rethink it all, so I started searching again.

I have since decided on an interim solution and intend to take off the pie plates ( see web photo of unknown car below) and see whether this will provide me with the look I’m after. I expect this will possibly split opinion but meanwhile I would appreciate any photos from users of the forum who have already done this please. 
 

[Guest]

Continuing my online research I came across the following ( apologies for the rather dark photo which is the only one I’ve come across so far) of what in my opinion Lexus ought to perhaps have fitted as a standard replacement hub ( although definitely not in the chrome finish pictured - for me personally).

I haven’t yet been able to identify a source for these yet so will have to continue my quest - unless anyone can supply me further information about these please?

Meanwhile, I shall be removing the pie plates within the next week which should help me to determine where to go from there hopefully. 

[Guest]

Just took the first one off while I had brief opportunity to do so - so here’s first photo showing with and without on the offside - obviously need to do something with the centre to finish it off but already very happy with having it off 😁. 

[Guest]

I had some more free time this afternoon and since the 10 bolts holding the pie plates were, contrary to what I've read elsewhere, easy to remove. So it only took a short while to do them all and then clean them up a little. I have now also ordered some Lexus logo centre caps from the US to arrive in a few weeks. My next task is to refurb the wheels, although only one is really bad, so I will see if I can do it myself (something I did a few years ago with my lovely Alpina alloys) when the weather improves. Meanwhile here's a few more photos:

[Glyn Jennings]

9 minutes ago, Nexus7 said:

I had some more free time this afternoon and since the 10 bolts holding the pie plates were, contrary to what I've read elsewhere, easy to remove. So it only took a short while to do them all and then clean them up a little. I have now also ordered some Lexus logo centre caps from the US to arrive in a few weeks. My next task is to refurb the wheels, although only one is really bad, so I will see if I can do it myself (something I did a few years ago with my lovely Alpina alloys) when the weather improves. Meanwhile here's a few more photos:

I think don’t they look to bad to me especially if you get the Lexus centres. I think if you didn’t know different they are how they were meant to be.

[Guest]

Thanks Glyn, I totally agree and really do think that they complement the overall design and look of the car as a whole. 
 

i have ordered a pair of 20mm H & R spacers for the rear because the centre caps I ordered won’t fit on otherwise, plus they will enhance the look further along with slightly improved road holding I understand. Once I get to see what effect they have I may well transfer those to the front and buy some 30mm ones, which I’ve seen someone else has done on this forum and spoke very highly of the result. 

[Localhero]

Hi Nexus I have these wheels which I have had  refurbished  one has a few scratches all have less than 1000 miles on davante tyres, also I have fitted spacers back and front 25mm front 30 rears got all 4 new for around £175, they have been excellent 😀 

[Localhero]

Quick ps these are my rear spacers currently £89=99

[Guest]

Very very nice and was thinking about an alternative colour like this but unfortunately have already ordered and received silver now 🙄. Never mind I’m sure I’ll be just as happy especially with being refurbed. 
 

I have in fact just negotiated a price for an oem wheel on eBay ( less pie plate and tyre), so that’s that resolved. 
 

it also needs a slight refurb so I’ll do that one first before buying a tyre for it and starting on the existing wheels. 
 

Since I eventually want to run all on normal tyres I need to determine if it will be alright in the meantime to mix a normal tyre with the runflats? Ive already disconnected the TPMS connectors  (as many have recommended and also done) because I was getting the familiar erroneous warning light coming on occasionally, so that wont be an issue. Also I’ll only be using the new wheel with normal tyre until I complete all the refurbs so it’s effectively temporary for a short while🤔. To my mind I can’t see any reason why not unless there’s something I’m unaware of? I’d appreciate any feedback or input on this from anyone please?

PS LocalHero - I’m a long-standing Magpies fan, so presume your tag derives from that?👍

[Guest]

51 minutes ago, Localhero said:

Quick ps these are my rear spacers currently £89=99

Too late for me now having bought the 20mm H& R ones - but would love to hear your comments about any difference it has made, whether significant or not noticeable, apart from looks. I’d decided on the 20mm with intention to add 30mm later based on a post which had done this ( also with H &R ones), so very interested to get feedback on this. 👍

[Localhero]

Tbh had wheels changed, coilovers and spacers done over a 2 week period coilovers made big improvement and I can lower my car so other than looks not sure if spacers have improved handling I am not that good a driver to know and if I really feel the need for speed l can borrow this to play with 

[Guest]

….Also very very nice - you obviously have good taste! My son-in-law had a 7 which he improved to a very high standard a few years ago and that was gorgeous too. 

Regarding the spacers improving handling, etc, I wasn’t meaning that I’d be exploring the limits with the SC as it’s not what I bought it for, but was curious to know if it felt any different in normal driving which would be a bonus if it did. As I mentioned, I had to get them for the rear so that I can fit the Lexus Centre caps which I’ve ordered to finish off the look of the alloys without the pie plates. 
 

I know that once I get normal tyres ( a long way off) and coil overs though, that that will make a noticeable difference when the time comes. 
Regards, Anthony

 

PS Which coil overs did you fit please?

[Localhero]

12 hours ago, Nexus7 said:

….Also very very nice - you obviously have good taste! My son-in-law had a 7 which he improved to a very high standard a few years ago and that was gorgeous too. 

Regarding the spacers improving handling, etc, I wasn’t meaning that I’d be exploring the limits with the SC as it’s not what I bought it for, but was curious to know if it felt any different in normal driving which would be a bonus if it did. As I mentioned, I had to get them for the rear so that I can fit the Lexus Centre caps which I’ve ordered to finish off the look of the alloys without the pie plates. 
 

I know that once I get normal tyres ( a long way off) and coil overs though, that that will make a noticeable difference when the time comes. 
Regards, Anthony

 

PS Which coil overs did you fit please?

I fitted bc racing coilovers most on here run meister rs  I am pleased with mine they are both about the same  price, mine fitted laser alignment and corner balanced, so car sits even, worked out at £1100 this was a company called tuned in Wrexham, 👍

[Guest]

22 hours ago, Nexus7 said:

Very very nice and was thinking about an alternative colour like this but unfortunately have already ordered and received silver now 🙄. Never mind I’m sure I’ll be just as happy especially with being refurbed. 
 

I have in fact just negotiated a price for an oem wheel on eBay ( less pie plate and tyre), so that’s that resolved. 
 

it also needs a slight refurb so I’ll do that one first before buying a tyre for it and starting on the existing wheels. 
 

Since I eventually want to run all on normal tyres I need to determine if it will be alright in the meantime to mix a normal tyre with the runflats? Ive already disconnected the TPMS connectors  (as many have recommended and also done) because I was getting the familiar erroneous warning light coming on occasionally, so that wont be an issue. Also I’ll only be using the new wheel with normal tyre until I complete all the refurbs so it’s effectively temporary for a short while🤔. To my mind I can’t see any reason why not unless there’s something I’m unaware of? I’d appreciate any feedback or input on this from anyone please?

PS LocalHero - I’m a long-standing Magpies fan, so presume your tag derives from that?👍

Here's a few photos of the one I bought on eBay ( next day delivery by DHL excellent👍). Even better than I thought and only a couple of minor blemishes and scratches to redo so very pleased to be able to make a start once the temperature and rain improves.

[Perry Mahoney]

Just an idea Anthony, but how about purchasing  a spare set of the pie dish bolts and shorten them so that, when fitted, they fill the 10 holes left from the pie removal? Together with a nice wheel centre, that would set these off nicely?

[Dr Philip]

Anybody know what size the pie dish bolts are? Looking on eBay they seem quite expensive at around £3.00 + each times 40 that could work out quite expensive!!!!!

[Localhero]

If you Google socket head screws a company will come up called Westfield fasteners, bright and shiny £59-60 per 100, or toolstation, screwfix etc  sorry tied to send you a link but didn't work 

[Guest]

7 hours ago, Perry Mahoney said:

Just an idea Anthony, but how about purchasing  a spare set of the pie dish bolts and shorten them so that, when fitted, they fill the 10 holes left from the pie removal? Together with a nice wheel centre, that would set these off nicely?

Great idea Perry!👍 funnily enough I did put one of the standard bolts on to see what it looked like but of course they sit too proud. I agree that it would be best to buy additional sets for each wheel and keep the original ones to sell them with the pie plates should I decide to go that ( which I probably will once I’m satisfied with the refurb and shortened bolts. 

Coincidentally my centre caps were just delivered late this afternoon so I can see what they look like tomorrow ( except the rear since I need to fit the 20mm H & R wheel spacers which aren’t due for another couple of weeks). Meanwhile I’ll post a couple of photos of them on the front tomorrow.