Wheel refinishing

2alexcoo · Dec 12, 2003

Guys & gals

I need some opinions on getting my wheels refinished/refurbished. I have the vanilla 16" cups, two of which are pretty discoloured where the lacquer has gone, plus a couple of scratches.

My questions for people who've had this done:

1. What is the 'going rate' per wheel?
2. Any recommendations in either the Bristol or W/SW London area?
3. Will this make them good as new and how long before they need doing again?

Or, should I just try and find some secondhand wheels for sale - anyone upgraded and got any 16s lying around?

Thanks in advance!

ScottishSpyder · Dec 12, 2003

I have had 944 wheels both powdercoated and painted ( different cars )and was pleased with both finishes. They seem to last well. Confirm the exact colour and make sure it matches your centres or have them done at the same time, but you will lose the coloured crests. The tyres need to come off the rims for a proper job.
I think the going rate is about £30-35 per wheel.

Melv · Dec 12, 2003

£300 per set, ring Chris at Diamond Styling, NW10 -020.8969.9690.

Melv

2alexcoo · Dec 12, 2003

Thanks guys. Interesting to see the variation in prices - being a terminal cheapskate I don't think I'd pay £300 but if I can get them done for less than £200 I'll go for it.

John H · Dec 12, 2003

There are several places around here which will do a first rate job for about £30 - £40 per rim, and that means tyres off, blasted, cleaned, powdercoated, and baked, tyres re-fitted, new valves and balanced. Anyone asking £300 is taking the Michael, IMHO.

I was going to have mine done, but elected to paint them myself instead. My local paint shop mixed me a 1/2 litre of silver paint to match (based around a Peugeot colour no less). I sanded out the corrosion with a mixture of power tools and hand finishing, masked the tyres off, sprayed them with paint and a laquer coat, and they look good. Granted I have a compressor and a small spray gun, but it was dead easy, and dead cheap, and there is no denying that paint has more depth than powdercoating, even if it wont last as long.

JH

2alexcoo · Dec 12, 2003

Hmm, you've got me thinking, John. My dad just bought a compressor and spray gun to do a few 'little jobs' on his 911 (knowing him it'll end up getting a full respray!) - I will have to ask nicely if I can have a go with it [

]. Could come in handy for the collection of stone chips too...

John H · Dec 12, 2003

I bought what I believe they call a "spotting gun", essentially a small spray gun for detail areas. This is what I did the wheels with, and in fact the paint match was so good, I only spotted in the corroded areas, then re-laquered the whole thing.

Your main problem at this time of year will be temperature and humidity, as you need a dry warm day for good results, unless you have a heated garage.

I also have a cheap Machine Mart engine stand, the revolving sort, and I made up an adapter so that I could bolt each wheel up to it, and revolve the wheels. easier to paint, and you can defy gravity if you runs in the paint.

I'm sure a professional could have made a better job, but there is something deeply satisfying about knowing that you have done it yourself.

JH

John H · Dec 12, 2003

The paint which I used is from Autopaint International, and is labelled ...

Peugeot ETP, Gris Futura Metallic.

Normally there is reference number too, but if you are getting a paint factor to mix you some, this is a good place to start. I got a small tin of 0.3 litre, which is more than enough.

JH

Melv · Dec 13, 2003

As with all things, 'ya gets wot yer pays for....'

Melv

John H · Dec 13, 2003

As with all things, 'ya gets wot yer pays for....'

Agreed, but I am at a loss to see how you could improve on the job that the guys here do. After all, how much else can you do to an alloy wheel?

JH

paulf968 · Jan 3, 2004

Would now be tempted to do my own spray job if required, have even done the alloy wheels on my Previa with Hammerite Smoothrite! Not suggesting that method for a Porsche rim though.

If you have damaged or scuffed the rim then I have just spotted this web page which goes into some depth on what can be achieved and does give prices.

http://www.tyresave.co.uk/alloyrfb.html

This 'Pristine' branded service is available through my own local tyre place - so might be available near you.

bye

paul

John H · Jan 3, 2004

Can someone please ask James C exactly how he achieved the effect on these blue wheels, 'cos they are stunning.

JH

Guest · Jan 3, 2004

ORIGINAL: John H

Can someone please ask James C exactly how he achieved the effect on these blue wheels, 'cos they are stunning.

JH

Yeah, i want to know too as i have red wheels and i'm not sure if i want to keep them but this might be a good option to go with.

Del.

John H · Jan 3, 2004

Thanks Steve,

If the rims are simply painted silver, then it's a pretty easy job, given a roll of masking tape and some patience. If however the rims are polished, and they look like they are, that is another ball game altogether, and I'd love to know who did them.

JH