Genuinely decent alloy reconditioning?
Discussion
I'm struggling to find a really decent place with flawless feedback.
My Z4 '107' style alloys were bought used in 2009, clearly OE finish but kerbed etc.
I reconditioned averagely with powder at the wheel specialist in Gargorth.
They did an ok job but after a year or so cracks and lifting appeared, and by now the rear inner drums are just bare where huge areas have delaminated.
I'd be tempted to powder again but worried the finish will just go to crap again and also more heating etc.
So I'm looking for someone to properly strip (but not blast details away), then repair any issues (build up not sand down), and then wet paint in OE finish.
I'm thinking I might just keep this Z4 long term now so want it right and in an OE quality finish, not just something to sell on with.
Anyone have any recommendations?
I'll admit last time I checked in 2009 a really decent job was £800 and same price as new from BMW.
If that's still the case I might just buy new (if possible)
I've spotted a few wet painters around but some have patchy feedback, or aren't so close to easily drop the car off.
My Z4 '107' style alloys were bought used in 2009, clearly OE finish but kerbed etc.
I reconditioned averagely with powder at the wheel specialist in Gargorth.
They did an ok job but after a year or so cracks and lifting appeared, and by now the rear inner drums are just bare where huge areas have delaminated.
I'd be tempted to powder again but worried the finish will just go to crap again and also more heating etc.
So I'm looking for someone to properly strip (but not blast details away), then repair any issues (build up not sand down), and then wet paint in OE finish.
I'm thinking I might just keep this Z4 long term now so want it right and in an OE quality finish, not just something to sell on with.
Anyone have any recommendations?
I'll admit last time I checked in 2009 a really decent job was £800 and same price as new from BMW.
If that's still the case I might just buy new (if possible)
I've spotted a few wet painters around but some have patchy feedback, or aren't so close to easily drop the car off.
Transalloy in Heckmondwike seem to have good press. They do painting and powder coating according to their website. I have not used them but my neighbour has and likes them. Details in the thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Russ and Tim at Jorvik Engineering http://www.yorvik-es.co.uk.
Wouldn't let anyone else near my wheels and I have 64 to worry about! :-)
Wouldn't let anyone else near my wheels and I have 64 to worry about! :-)
After trying many and most, there is only one option IMO and that's Chris at Exel Wheels: http://www.exelwheels.co.uk/Unique-Service.html
The service may be a little more expensive than your average or local refurbisher but the end product is second to none. Any finish in any colour achievable and he will come to you and offer you loan wheels if available.
C.
The service may be a little more expensive than your average or local refurbisher but the end product is second to none. Any finish in any colour achievable and he will come to you and offer you loan wheels if available.
C.
Jorvik could be handy as they're next to Autohaus, so drop car off and pickup a few days later with all jobs done.
But then exel look great too!
My main concern is powder coated wheels, base and top.
Mine were done 8.5 years ago and are pretty much shot now.
Rear barrels delaminated all along inner bead edge, and into barrel proper.
Small chips at 1yr old were big unsightly thumbnail sized spots of missing lacquer.
All around bolt holes are bubbled up.
I'm concerned if I do them now, and want them 'mint' again in 4 years it'll be the 3rd powder coat session.
And £1000 on reconditions!
I'll have to ring them but I'm really after a full wet paint service...
I'm really not keen on paying £££ to have a road chip ruin the finish in 6 months.
I'm also a bit worried about these high heating/cooling cycles.
Are they totally safe if done right?
But then exel look great too!
My main concern is powder coated wheels, base and top.
Mine were done 8.5 years ago and are pretty much shot now.
Rear barrels delaminated all along inner bead edge, and into barrel proper.
Small chips at 1yr old were big unsightly thumbnail sized spots of missing lacquer.
All around bolt holes are bubbled up.
I'm concerned if I do them now, and want them 'mint' again in 4 years it'll be the 3rd powder coat session.
And £1000 on reconditions!
I'll have to ring them but I'm really after a full wet paint service...
I'm really not keen on paying £££ to have a road chip ruin the finish in 6 months.
I'm also a bit worried about these high heating/cooling cycles.
Are they totally safe if done right?
I rang Chris at Exel, he seemed like a sound chap.
I was quoted £500 and I sit on my backside which seems good value to me.
I think the fact they can take a bit more time results in better quality than those trying to rush the work over 48hrs.
Not the cheapest but on balance the method works, and makes many other outfits appear to exist just to make stuff look nice for selling on... whereas Exel look to do lots of work for people wanting to keep their cars long term... so exactly the kinda person I want to use!
Also though I'm not normally one for fancy websites or facebook, for this kinda thing where looks are everything on the finished product, and customer testimonials need to be trusted, his website approach really proved to win me over.
Having what are obviously real owners with his recon wheels looking amazing in high res photos is hard to beat!
Most websites have 'static' testimonials or a handful of google or whatever ones which may also be made up... and/or poor photos of the close ups.
So another thumbs up to Exel for selling themselves to me with minimal effort.
I'll report back with pics!
Cheers
Dave
I was quoted £500 and I sit on my backside which seems good value to me.
I think the fact they can take a bit more time results in better quality than those trying to rush the work over 48hrs.
Not the cheapest but on balance the method works, and makes many other outfits appear to exist just to make stuff look nice for selling on... whereas Exel look to do lots of work for people wanting to keep their cars long term... so exactly the kinda person I want to use!
Also though I'm not normally one for fancy websites or facebook, for this kinda thing where looks are everything on the finished product, and customer testimonials need to be trusted, his website approach really proved to win me over.
Having what are obviously real owners with his recon wheels looking amazing in high res photos is hard to beat!
Most websites have 'static' testimonials or a handful of google or whatever ones which may also be made up... and/or poor photos of the close ups.
So another thumbs up to Exel for selling themselves to me with minimal effort.
I'll report back with pics!
Cheers
Dave
Edited by Mr Whippy on Friday 19th January 22:58
_Leg_ said:
Russ and Tim at Jorvik Engineering http://www.yorvik-es.co.uk.
Wouldn't let anyone else near my wheels and I have 64 to worry about! :-)
Another vote here for Jorvik - small business, just two blokes that are fastidious about quality and doing the job right the first time. Usually have a long waiting list too...Wouldn't let anyone else near my wheels and I have 64 to worry about! :-)
http://wheelemin.co.uk/
Doing a lot of diamond cut wheels for main dealers in the area now, including Jag Centre.
I used Pristine wheels in Milton Keynes last time for my E46 M3 19" wheels, and if/when they need doing again will be using these guys as they are local to me.
Seen some work they did on a mates 19" VXR alloys which were diamond cut and they looked back to factory.
Andy
Doing a lot of diamond cut wheels for main dealers in the area now, including Jag Centre.
I used Pristine wheels in Milton Keynes last time for my E46 M3 19" wheels, and if/when they need doing again will be using these guys as they are local to me.
Seen some work they did on a mates 19" VXR alloys which were diamond cut and they looked back to factory.
Andy
Mr Whippy said:
I rang Chris at Exel, he seemed like a sound chap.
I was quoted £500 and I sit on my backside which seems good value to me.
I think the fact they can take a bit more time results in better quality than those trying to rush the work over 48hrs.
Not the cheapest but on balance the method works, and makes many other outfits appear to exist just to make stuff look nice for selling on... whereas Exel look to do lots of work for people wanting to keep their cars long term... so exactly the kinda person I want to use!
Also though I'm not normally one for fancy websites or facebook, for this kinda thing where looks are everything on the finished product, and customer testimonials need to be trusted, his website approach really proved to win me over.
Having what are obviously real owners with his recon wheels looking amazing in high res photos is hard to beat!
Most websites have 'static' testimonials or a handful of google or whatever ones which may also be made up... and/or poor photos of the close ups.
So another thumbs up to Exel for selling themselves to me with minimal effort.
I'll report back with pics!
Cheers
Dave
Another vote for Chris at Exel wheels. He has done a few sets for me over the years and always a top quality jobI was quoted £500 and I sit on my backside which seems good value to me.
I think the fact they can take a bit more time results in better quality than those trying to rush the work over 48hrs.
Not the cheapest but on balance the method works, and makes many other outfits appear to exist just to make stuff look nice for selling on... whereas Exel look to do lots of work for people wanting to keep their cars long term... so exactly the kinda person I want to use!
Also though I'm not normally one for fancy websites or facebook, for this kinda thing where looks are everything on the finished product, and customer testimonials need to be trusted, his website approach really proved to win me over.
Having what are obviously real owners with his recon wheels looking amazing in high res photos is hard to beat!
Most websites have 'static' testimonials or a handful of google or whatever ones which may also be made up... and/or poor photos of the close ups.
So another thumbs up to Exel for selling themselves to me with minimal effort.
I'll report back with pics!
Cheers
Dave
Edited by Mr Whippy on Friday 19th January 22:58
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