Has anyone considered a wheel refurb group-buy???

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 17:35

STOP PRESS - PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BEFORE 20TH NOVEMBER AFTER READING THIS THREAD AT: http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopi ... 116#176116.... AND DON'T FORGET TO SPREAD THE WORD EVEN IF IT'S NOT A Z3 OR EVEN A BMW, THE MORE THE MERRIER. THIS WILL INCENTIVISE A GOOD PRICE TENDER.

There must be lots of people out there who's wheels could do with a refurb... mine could as I have the 17in 5 spoke wheels without a true rim that came pre- grazed all round the edge.

I think it's about £50 per wheel normally - but you could probably get that down to about £30 with a group buy, and some credit-crunch directed negotiation!

You could even do it yourself, but it's a bit hard to totally clean off the paint from the old wheels.

I was wondering how many people would be interested in such a group buy... clearly it would have to be a geographic thing, or else approach a franchise.

We could do a London, Herts and Essex one and try and tender a job lot to some hungry workshop.

I would think that 10-20 cars would probably be enough to get the best rate.

... Anyone interested. I don't mind being shot down in flames on this one, as I know we are getting near Christmas, the economy is shot, everyones's Z's are worth half what they paid for them last year etc etc, but we could always look on the bright side too, especially if a bargain price could be obtained!

Allow me to cast the hook!

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 18:17

I'm up for this, the original alloys seriously need some TLC.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 18:28

Sounds like a good idea - but I would NOT recommend Fenwicks
(see this thread http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18306)

However, I have since been to see Brian and Linda Scott who run

The Wheel Specialist Leeds
Unit 4 Phoenix Court
Lotherton Way
Garforth
LS25 2GY
Telephone 0845 465 4867
http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

I was most impressed by their attitude, workshop (they had an M3 in while I was there) and examples of their product. As a result I am now contemplating not only a refurb but also a change of colour to the wheels on our Z3.

I don't know how far down you will get the price - this is Yorkshire - short arms, deep pockets and times is hard you know

but there's nothing to be lost by trying.

(PS Both Brian and Linda have seen the thread above)

Good Luck
Titan

MarkOliver · Post by **MarkOliver** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 18:29

What a good idea ( as long as we don't just get a £30 a wheel re-furb)

Is there any northern interest if a deal cannot be set up with a franchise

Orinoco · Post by **Orinoco** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 18:51

Hi
I would be interested in a Northern based refurb group buy. I am near Durham.

Regards
Orinoco

topfuelking · Post by **topfuelking** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 19:15

HI ALL

give my mate a ring he's a bmw man

Wheelbright is situated in sevenoaks, kent.

10 minutes off the M25 junction 5.

Phone: 07799668128

prices start from as little as £35 for a full refurb (per wheel

http://members.aol.com/woodcarlos/main.html

Zed Carer · Post by **Zed Carer** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 19:41

Interested in a northern group buy. The Wheel Specialist Leeds looks good on their website and only about 25 minutes away from me.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 19:51

Zed Carer wrote:Interested in a northern group buy. The Wheel Specialist Leeds looks good on their website and only about 25 minutes away from me.

Plus 25 minutes to get into Phoenix Court !!
They are tucked away right at the end of the Lotherton Way estate but well worth a look

Torres09 · Post by **Torres09** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 21:13

Good Idea... count me in for a nothern deal if we can get somewhere close for all

thewheelspecialist · Post by **thewheelspecialist** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 21:19

Re:www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk

Hi

A mate of mine who has BMW sent me this thread on your site.I was really interested to read the comments.I happen to be the MD for The Wheel Specialist and would be pleased to discuss a good rate for your members.We have or are currently opening branches in:

Birmingham
Manchester
Leeds
Portsmouth
Nottingham
Derby
Cardiff
Newcastle
Middlesbourgh
Sunderland
Glasgow
Kent

with full UK coverage to follow.
To see our full range of services and finishes go to:

www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk

Please pass this e mail to your club discounts group buyer to discuss a special discount deal.

Regards

Neill Murphy
[/b]

///M_aniac · Post by **///M_aniac** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 21:27

No Belfast outlet?

aceman · Post by **aceman** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 21:37

I would also be interested as I have just bought a full set of original alloys which are in pretty good condition just a few light scrapes so would be easy for me to have them done without leaving the Z in the dock.

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 23:06

thewheelspecialist wrote:Re:www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk

Hi

A mate of mine who has BMW sent me this thread on your site.I was really interested to read the comments.I happen to be the MD for The Wheel Specialist and would be pleased to discuss a good rate for your members.We have or are currently opening branches in:

Birmingham
Manchester
Leeds
Portsmouth
Nottingham
Derby
Cardiff
Newcastle
Middlesbourgh
Sunderland
Glasgow
Kent

with full UK coverage to follow.
To see our full range of services and finishes go to:

www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk

Please pass this e mail to your club discounts group buyer to discuss a special discount deal.

Regards

Neill Murphy
[/b]

What price would you offer? I'll try and get as many people to register their interests, and then we can channel work through your company, provided nobody else tenders it at a more favourable rate.

Clearly, this is a good start. What we have to do now is find a way of getting numbers - and then divide the country into regions.

so something like:

South East
South West
Midlands
North East
North West
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland

What I am going to do now is start another thread just for people to register their location, and interest.

I wonder if £100 a set will be achievable on this? I think it will, business is bad out there.

Let's start a bidding war on this forum now if we can. Please all of you who want to take this further contact who you like and get some preferential prices. The best price should get all the business.

Just to clarify, in my books a wheel refurb includes blasting all the old paint off, filling damage and making good, then rubbing down and painting/ laquering.... or whatever the process is - it's something like that I have seen it done.

It is NOT simply just fixing the scrapes and giving it a quick spray.

Geoff H · Post by **Geoff H** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 23:36

phb10186 wrote:What price would you offer? I'll try and get as many people to register their interests, and then we can channel work through your company, provided nobody else tenders it at a more favourable rate.

Clearly, this is a good start. What we have to do now is find a way of getting numbers - and then divide the country into regions.

so something like:

South East
South West
Midlands
North East
North West
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland

What I am going to do now is start another thread just for people to register their location, and interest.

I wonder if £100 a set will be achievable on this? I think it will, business is bad out there.

Let's start a bidding war on this forum now if we can. Please all of you who want to take this further contact who you like and get some preferential prices. The best price should get all the business.

Just to clarify, in my books a wheel refurb includes blasting all the old paint off, filling damage and making good, then rubbing down and painting/ laquering.... or whatever the process is - it's something like that I have seen it done.

It is NOT simply just fixing the scrapes and giving it a quick spray.

If I ran a wheel refurbish company and read that I wouldn't give you the time of day, You make it sound like we are doing them a favour by using them, not them doing us a favour by doing a lower price for a group buy. At the end of the day they are in business to make a profit and at £25 a wheel what sort of finish do you think you will get.

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 23:48

Titan wrote:Sounds like a good idea - but I would NOT recommend Fenwicks
(see this thread http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18306)

However, I have since been to see Brian and Linda Scott who run

The Wheel Specialist Leeds
Unit 4 Phoenix Court
Lotherton Way
Garforth
LS25 2GY
Telephone 0845 465 4867
http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/

I was most impressed by their attitude, workshop (they had an M3 in while I was there) and examples of their product. As a result I am now contemplating not only a refurb but also a change of colour to the wheels on our Z3.

I don't know how far down you will get the price - this is Yorkshire - short arms, deep pockets and times is hard you know but there's nothing to be lost by trying.

(PS Both Brian and Linda have seen the thread above)

Good Luck
Titan

Good point, people in this group-buy should get some choice in the final colour, e.g silver, darker silvers or graphite etc.

When times are hard, people are more likely to do a deal, not less - thats called survival. I have less disposable income now than last year, so I cant afford to pay those rediculous on-line prices..... come on work with us here....

I cant speak for Yorkshire, but in London you can do a deal, because there is ALWAYS someone who wants the business. Leave it to the free market economy, and you'll see the results on this.

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Wed 22 Oct, 2008 23:49

Geoff H wrote:
If I ran a wheel refurbish company and read that I wouldn't give you the time of day, You make it sound like we are doing them a favour by using them, not them doing us a favour by doing a lower price for a group buy. At the end of the day they are in business to make a profit and at £25 a wheel what sort of finish do you think you will get.

How old are you? It's called economies of scale and it works. Don't be such a kill-joy and spoil the fun for everyone else. Besides, we are looking for a sensible tender, not a rock bottom price. Saying that the price has to be good.

Given fixed costs, would you prefer no work when offering your services at £200, or lots of it at £100? Have a look at Sky News there is a pub offering meals for £1, and they cant keep up with demand, and they are still making money. We ARE doing them a favour by getting business for them - trust me on this!

skinny · Post by **skinny** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 05:47

I agree, £25 per wheel? what makes you think they have no work?, you already stated all the work thats in involved, i've had wheels done for £35 and £50 a wheel, and £200 a set is good value for a proper job.

As for economic down turn, i'm in the motor trade and we have more work than ever with people keeping older cars on the road rather than buying new. But then again we do all earn £80 an hour

italex · Post by **italex** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 08:02

Hi,

There's no harm in trying, as they say 'if you don't ask you don't get'.

But bagsy I don't go first.

Alex

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 08:52

skinny wrote:I agree, £25 per wheel? what makes you think they have no work?, you already stated all the work thats in involved, i've had wheels done for £35 and £50 a wheel, and £200 a set is good value for a proper job.

As for economic down turn, i'm in the motor trade and we have more work than ever with people keeping older cars on the road rather than buying new. But then again we do all earn £80 an hour

I think there may be a conflict of interest between those in the motor trade and those that use the forum for knowledge, information and for the common good of the BMW roadster community here. This was not the purpose of this thread.

I think that it is important to realise that whatever the factors, and whoever thinks that I/ we are trying to exploit the motor trade or whatever, we are offering a potentially large amount of work to somebody that gets back and offers a good deal.

Those of you in the motor trade who earn £80 an hour, just keep doing what you are doing, as you are earning £2,800 per week - I hope the tax man knows that you are earning almost £150,000 a year, and if so congratulations on your career choice, perhaps you would like to donate some of your success for altruistic purposes for all of our benefit here!

As for keeping old cars on the road, the used car market is in a shocking state as values for older cars continue to plunge. There is one UK bankruptcy every 5 minutes, and the economy is in a recession. So to buck the trend, you are very lucky, but the overall picture might be slightly different when analysed.

The fact remains that for the less wealthy majority, we would still like to get a group-buy on this if possible, and that's a valid and innocent proposal.

Also, if people have got 1 wheel done for £35 - where is the cause for frustration at say £120-130 for a set of 4. That's only a potential saving of £10-20. Thats no reason to get upset!

estocks · Post by **estocks** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 09:36

I'm throwing in a recommendation for my friend at Danum. www.danumpowdercoating.com is the site, they'd be happy to take some of the BMW boys as their customers. Have a good look around their site, the prices are very competitive, and a discount could be negotiated if enough takers come along.

adam666999 · Post by **adam666999** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 10:56

Im not too far from Leeds and recently got a brand new set of wheels and alloys, silly little brother curbed it on the driveway so i need one refurbing. Had a look at the wheel specialist in Leeds' website, looks very good but was a bit pricey as it is shadow chrome aswel..

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 14:22

Estocks, have you had yours done there?

Doncaster isn't too far from me and I am rather attracted to the drive up option as I don't fancy trying to take wheels off and put them back on again.

I would get my money's worth as Toadster's wheels are a pig with all the spokes on.

I owe him something as he might get jealous of Sharky otherwise.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 17:54

adam666999 wrote:Im not too far from Leeds and recently got a brand new set of wheels and alloys, silly little brother curbed it on the driveway so i need one refurbing. Had a look at the wheel specialist in Leeds' website, looks very good but was a bit pricey as it is shadow chrome aswel..

You may find talking to them brings a reduction ....

Orinoco · Post by **Orinoco** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 19:15

Middlesbrough would be ideal for me if we use thewheelspecialist.

Is there a different charge for split rim alloys?

Regards
Orinoco

skinny · Post by **skinny** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 19:16

phb10186 wrote:
skinny wrote:I agree, £25 per wheel? what makes you think they have no work?, you already stated all the work thats in involved, i've had wheels done for £35 and £50 a wheel, and £200 a set is good value for a proper job.

As for economic down turn, i'm in the motor trade and we have more work than ever with people keeping older cars on the road rather than buying new. But then again we do all earn £80 an hour
I think there may be a conflict of interest between those in the motor trade and those that use the forum for knowledge, information and for the common good of the BMW roadster community here. This was not the purpose of this thread.

I think that it is important to realise that whatever the factors, and whoever thinks that I/ we are trying to exploit the motor trade or whatever, we are offering a potentially large amount of work to somebody that gets back and offers a good deal.

Those of you in the motor trade who earn £80 an hour, just keep doing what you are doing, as you are earning £2,800 per week - I hope the tax man knows that you are earning almost £150,000 a year, and if so congratulations on your career choice, perhaps you would like to donate some of your success for altruistic purposes for all of our benefit here!

As for keeping old cars on the road, the used car market is in a shocking state as values for older cars continue to plunge. There is one UK bankruptcy every 5 minutes, and the economy is in a recession. So to buck the trend, you are very lucky, but the overall picture might be slightly different when analysed.

The fact remains that for the less wealthy majority, we would still like to get a group-buy on this if possible, and that's a valid and innocent proposal.

Also, if people have got 1 wheel done for £35 - where is the cause for frustration at say £120-130 for a set of 4. That's only a potential saving of £10-20. Thats no reason to get upset!

That comment was supposed to be taken in jest, you really do get upset easily and go off on a rant, if you remember from a previous post you accused all MOT centres earning £80 an hour. If i did earn £80 i dam sure wouldn't be driving a Z3.

As for £30 a wheel refurb, i can't wait to see the results.

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 21:59

skinny wrote:
phb10186 wrote:
skinny wrote:I agree, £25 per wheel? what makes you think they have no work?, you already stated all the work thats in involved, i've had wheels done for £35 and £50 a wheel, and £200 a set is good value for a proper job.

As for economic down turn, i'm in the motor trade and we have more work than ever with people keeping older cars on the road rather than buying new. But then again we do all earn £80 an hour
I think there may be a conflict of interest between those in the motor trade and those that use the forum for knowledge, information and for the common good of the BMW roadster community here. This was not the purpose of this thread.

I think that it is important to realise that whatever the factors, and whoever thinks that I/ we are trying to exploit the motor trade or whatever, we are offering a potentially large amount of work to somebody that gets back and offers a good deal.

Those of you in the motor trade who earn £80 an hour, just keep doing what you are doing, as you are earning £2,800 per week - I hope the tax man knows that you are earning almost £150,000 a year, and if so congratulations on your career choice, perhaps you would like to donate some of your success for altruistic purposes for all of our benefit here!

As for keeping old cars on the road, the used car market is in a shocking state as values for older cars continue to plunge. There is one UK bankruptcy every 5 minutes, and the economy is in a recession. So to buck the trend, you are very lucky, but the overall picture might be slightly different when analysed.

The fact remains that for the less wealthy majority, we would still like to get a group-buy on this if possible, and that's a valid and innocent proposal.

Also, if people have got 1 wheel done for £35 - where is the cause for frustration at say £120-130 for a set of 4. That's only a potential saving of £10-20. Thats no reason to get upset!
That comment was supposed to be taken in jest, you really do get upset easily and go off on a rant, if you remember from a previous post you accused all MOT centres earning £80 an hour. If i did earn £80 i dam sure wouldn't be driving a Z3.

As for £30 a wheel refurb, i can't wait to see the results.

I do, yes. Don't take it too personally: it's easy to misenterpret how someone is saying somethng on a forum. I don's say things in anger - but I will stand up for my opinions.

I don't generally dislike all garages - of course I don't, but I have had some issues with this car, and the garages don;t ever seem to be capable of a proper diagnosis. It is easy to say that X or Y are wrong with a car and then just do work at someone elses cost - I have been the one to diagnose and fix my car in the end, basically with intuition, common sense and info from this forum, most notable thanks to Mike Fishwick's knowledge I have to say.

So I do also praise those who are worthy.

If we didn't have differences of opinion then we wouldn't advance much, so yeah I don't mind either way. I'm a realist at the end of the day, and and try and aproach things with a degree of common sense.

Finally, if there is no overall damage on a wheel, and its just blasting and painting, I cant see how it cant be done for £120 for a set..... it;s not that much work for a proper set-up. I have seen a place that does this on a large scale, and they do 40 wheels at a time on a production line.

If it goes nowhere, hell, i'll do it myself.

I don;t even care about it that much at the moment - I have a headache.

estocks · Post by **estocks** » Thu 23 Oct, 2008 22:56

whiteminks wrote:Estocks, have you had yours done there?

Doncaster isn't too far from me and I am rather attracted to the drive up option as I don't fancy trying to take wheels off and put them back on again.

I would get my money's worth as Toadster's wheels are a pig with all the spokes on.

I owe him something as he might get jealous of Sharky otherwise.

Can you use your lady charms to convince a few others to join you?

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Fri 24 Oct, 2008 09:03

I'm interested but for me quality is what matters.

spurs fan in a coupe · Post by **spurs fan in a coupe** » Fri 24 Oct, 2008 16:22

I'm in the Surrey area and would love to have my wheels re-done.

They couldn't look much worse, the chrome plating is starting to come away and they have some serious kerb-rash. Can't imagine that my wheels would be easy to touch up.

On the garage bashing front. I suppose it's very much a case of pot luck when you try certain garages but I have to say that there are a lot of very good mechanics out there who will always do their best to sort your car out without stinging you along the way. As cars get more and more overly complicated mis-diagonise is common.

There's no harm in asking for a discount they can only say no.

Zed Carer · Post by **Zed Carer** » Fri 24 Oct, 2008 17:15

whiteminks wrote:
Estocks, have you had yours done there?

Doncaster isn't too far from me and I am rather attracted to the drive up option as I don't fancy trying to take wheels off and put them back on again.

I would get my money's worth as Toadster's wheels are a pig with all the spokes on. I owe him something as he might get jealous of Sharky otherwise.

estocks wrote

Can you use your lady charms to convince a few others to join you?

Doncaster would be very convenient for me - the Z3 wheels are generally OK but are over 9 years old so it wouldn't hurt them to have a refurb and the Z4 has two wheels with a bit of kerbing - well actually the back door step!

Torres09 · Post by **Torres09** » Fri 24 Oct, 2008 18:18

Liverpool, Manchester or Preston would be good for me if there is a franchise in the north west.. would really need it to be a drive in if possible to save carting wheels around

Boma · Post by **Boma** » Fri 24 Oct, 2008 20:26

Cardiff branch for me please for a full refurb of my spare set.
Can a list of those interested be compiled from the post muddle above ?

Orinoco · Post by **Orinoco** » Fri 21 Nov, 2008 23:59

Hi
I just wondered if anything is happening with this group refurb? I'm still up for it.

Regards
Orinoco

DreamZ · Post by **DreamZ** » Sat 22 Nov, 2008 02:16

Orinoco wrote:Hi
I just wondered if anything is happening with this group refurb? I'm still up for it.

Regards
Orinoco

Me too!

phb10186 · Post by **phb10186** » Sat 22 Nov, 2008 11:03

Hold on til next year I think now, some emails might have to be written. Due to the logistics it would be a franchise offering a good price, but I'll have to find a good franchise to contact.

fi fi · Post by **fi fi** » Sat 22 Nov, 2008 21:18

anyone in the teeside area needing wheels done should give romax a bell excellent quality

Orinoco · Post by **Orinoco** » Sun 23 Nov, 2008 21:19

fi fi
Do you have the contact details for Romax. I work in Middlesbrough. Where are they based?

Regards
Orinoco

spurs fan in a coupe · Post by **spurs fan in a coupe** » Thu 21 Jan, 2010 18:48

Not sure this is the right thread to add to but hey at least I tried the SEARCH function!

I'm looking to get a couple of silver wheels painted black.

Anyone any ideas?

or indeed recommendations

or indeed an idea on price

or i'm sure a few comments along the lines of I love silver!

rock on

zedder3 · Post by **zedder3** » Thu 21 Jan, 2010 18:53

google the wheel specialist. just had mine done at the manchester branch and they are perfect - good as new. Pics up on Sat once my car is cleaned!

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 21 Jan, 2010 18:56

I and a few others have used The Wheel Specialist in Leeds although it is a franchise organisation with branches up and down the country.

Have a look at these two threads:

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18306
and
http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=205321

(There's a direct link to the wheel specialist at the top of the second one)

Tufarlian · Post by **Tufarlian** » Thu 21 Jan, 2010 21:52

Anybody tried these guys in Blackpool for refurb'ed wheels?

http://www.pxwheels.com/

Ian_C · Post by **Ian_C** » Fri 22 Jan, 2010 07:56

Tufarlian wrote:Anybody tried these guys in Blackpool for refurb'ed wheels?

http://www.pxwheels.com/

A colleague at work has used them - their opinion was that pxwheels do good quality work but that they are expensive.

zedder3 · Post by **zedder3** » Fri 22 Jan, 2010 09:04

tip re. the wheel specialist: do an online quote, let it get emailed through then hold off a few days. 9 times out of 10 a discounted one will come through a few days later. usually 15-25% off the service. either that or they have seasonal discounts on (I booked mine in for jan before xmas and based on this there was a 25% discount.

i had a few quotes prior to actually booking them in, and each one came through discounted.

bottom line, don't dive in with taking the first quote as you could most likely get a discount!

(BMW silver is 'TWS sport 3' there - their 'standard silver' is a flat silver which doesn't look so good. they also do the black chrome which on multispoke wheels looks fantastic)

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Fri 22 Jan, 2010 09:42

zedder3 wrote:tip re. the wheel specialist: do an online quote..................
bottom line, don't dive in with taking the first quote as you could most likely get a discount!

No need to wait- just ring them up and ask for a better price!

zedder3 wrote: black chrome which on multispoke wheels looks fantastic)

Yep - it sure does!

Tufarlian · Post by **Tufarlian** » Fri 22 Jan, 2010 10:36

myredzed wrote:
Tufarlian wrote:Anybody tried these guys in Blackpool for refurb'ed wheels?

http://www.pxwheels.com/
A colleague at work has used them - their opinion was that pxwheels do good quality work but that they are expensive.

I thought they looked a bit pricey but they say you can visit so I like the idea of being able to see the refrubished wheels before buying.

I am hearing a lot of good things about the Wheel Specialist so I plan to shop around first.....

zroadster.net

Has anyone considered a wheel refurb group-buy???

Has anyone considered a wheel refurb group-buy???

The Wheel Specialist Leeds

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Re: The Wheel Specialist Leeds

Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment

Why not