Alloy Wheel Refurbishment - Done! 6 August 2009

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 19:02

Caveat emptor - "Let the buyer beware"

I was contemplating using Fenwicks refurb service http://www.alloywheelrefurbishing.co.uk for my wife's Z3.

However I have just seen the results achieved on my son's mini following a factory (as opposed to mobile) job. We are both very disappointed and can only wonder what standard the mobile service may produce.

The samples on display at their premises are of a far higher quality than has been demonstrated in practice. Depending on the response to this thread (and weather permitting) I'll post pictures if you're interested.

I believe in giving praise where it's due so feel it equally fair to let others know where potential dissatisfaction may lie.

Would anyone care to recommend someone who they consider does a good job?

Titan

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 19:05

What area are you needing the refurb to be done?

aj2007 · Post by **aj2007** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 19:08

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17227

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 19:58

Justin Time wrote:What area are you needing the refurb to be done?

We are near Northallerton in North Yorkshire - hence the use of Fenwicks.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 20:04

aj2007 wrote:Have a look at this thread:

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17227

Thanks AJ - that shows some hefty prices.
My lad paid £50+VAT per wheel for 18" rims.
Is it a case I wonder of you get what you pay for?

aj2007 · Post by **aj2007** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 20:39

I haven't used pristine wheels myself but have heard good reports.
Were the mini wheels stripped back and re powder coated or just painted over for that price?

Ade

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Tue 07 Oct, 2008 21:43

aj2007 wrote:I haven't used pristine wheels myself but have heard good reports.
Were the mini wheels stripped back and re powder coated or just painted over for that price?

Ade

They had alrady had a poor over paint which was beginning to peel.
The work quoted was to:

Remove exisiting coating
Blast clean
Powder coat
Lacquer

My complaint is about pitting and roughness in the corners where the spokes meet the outer rim. Some are acceptable, others quite poor.
If they were all the same I would be more tolerant.
It's the fact that they vary to which I object.

I'm trying to assess whether I'm being over critical but if the guy can't get a 5-spoke rim right on a mini, what chance does he stand with 20 spokes of the Type 78s (below) on the Z3?

pdwarren · Post by **pdwarren** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 01:26

aj2007 wrote:I haven't used pristine wheels myself but have heard good reports.

I too heard good things about Pristine, used them and was very disappointed with the results. They were sent back once, but even the second time around, the finish around the wheel bolts is far from perfect. I know people who've had great results from pristine, but I couldn't recommend them based on my experience.

Paul

321bhp · Post by **321bhp** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 17:13

hi,i had my old zm wheels done at my local bmw dealers,think they were around £55 each wheel plus vat,great job as well

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 20:02

321 - many thanks for the reply but...

Am I hearing this right.... ?

321bhp wrote:hi,i had my old zm wheels done at my local bmw dealers,think they were around £55 each wheel plus vat,great job as well

Are you saying the dealers were not living up to their name.... ?

Why didn't I think of going there....?

What we have is this:
(Apologies for the poor quality - these were taken early this morning)

Am I being over critical?

Is the rough powder coat and pitting in the corners a "good job"?

Does anyine think £55 per corner is a reasonable price for this standard of workmanship?

Regards
Titan

Ian_C · Post by **Ian_C** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 20:15

That is a poor standard of workmanship IMHO. Give them the opportunity to rectify the problem. It would be extremely difficult for them to justify why they have delivered the wheels back in that condition. Very poor quality control.

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 20:19

Titan wrote:Does anyine think £55 per corner is a reasonable price for this standard of workmanship?

For that standard? No, it should be less as they obviously cut corners if that's present on each wheel.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 21:08

Thanks for the replies guys.

You've backed up what my son and I thought last night when he collected the car. Unfortunately Mr Fenwick disagreed and maintained it was a "good job"

Given that he considered it a good job, getting them re-done may (with the "ill will" factor to be considered) have resulted in a poorer job.

As he had the car keys and we wanted to go home, the only away out was to pay......

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I began this thread, I wanted to know if I was being harsh or
over-critical. It would seem not.

The conclusion to be drawn would seem to be:

If you want a good job, don't take Fenwick's word for it.

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Wed 08 Oct, 2008 21:19

Noone likes orange peel on there car or alloy, and for the manager to say that that is acceptable is ludicrous.

I'd be looking for a part refund, or rectification of the problem by either Fenwicks, or a third party company at the expense of Fenwicks. The idea of refurbishing alloys is to get them back to "fresh out the showroom" condition, not to be left looking like they were done in someone's shed.

If you don't get any joy out of them, there is always trading standards that you could approach.

skinny · Post by **skinny** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 05:59

looks to me as they have been sprayed not powder coated, as far as i am aware you do not laquer powder coat it comes out of the oven as is, no over spray and very even coating, i've only heard good things about theses guys.
http://www.lepsons.com

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 06:49

skinny wrote:looks to me as they have been sprayed not powder coated, as far as i am aware you do not laquer powder coat it comes out of the oven as is, no over spray and very even coating, .......

Skinny -
Thanks for the comments and link

Receipt says powder coat and lacquer - are you sure ?

aj2007 · Post by **aj2007** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 09:06

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powder_coating

Have a read, the orange peel effect is caused on areas where the powder coat is too thin apparently. Not seen anything about laquer yet!

Edit - These use lacquer afterwards:

http://www.lap-tab.co.uk/alloywheels.php

Ade

pop_sausage · Post by **pop_sausage** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 10:19

Paid on Credit card? Issue a chargeback - hit them in the pocket. They refused to hand back the keys to the car without payment (hearing this really gets my goat up), refused to consider that their workmanship was up to standard expected

your credit card company should get the money back for you. Act now though.

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 17:22

skinny wrote:i've only heard good things about theses guys.
http://www.lepsons.com

I went in for some parts at Coopers today, and spoke about this to one of the servicing guys behind the counter. He said to give lepsons a go as they're the only company that they've had absolutely no complaints from customers about the work done.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 17:49

aj2007 wrote:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powder_coating

Have a read, the orange peel effect is caused on areas where the powder coat is too thin apparently. Not seen anything about laquer yet!

Edit - These use lacquer afterwards:

http://www.lap-tab.co.uk/alloywheels.php

Ade

Thanks again Ade

I guess I should have read up on it more but the job was done quickly. The mini needed a new tyre and this was combined with a refurb of the wheels - old tyres off, new tyres on

There was no reason to think anything was wrong - samples of other rims looked OK

Can't understand why the guy thinks he did a good job

The payment saga follows below...

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 18:03

pop_sausage wrote:Paid on Credit card? Issue a chargeback - hit them in the pocket. They refused to hand back the keys to the car without payment (hearing this really gets my goat up), refused to consider that their workmanship was up to standard expected

your credit card company should get the money back for you. Act now though.

Oh Dear. I paid cash.
I refused to pay the full £200+VAT
To get the car I had to go to the cashpoint and give him £220

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 18:05

Justin Time wrote: .......................If you don't get any joy out of them, there is always trading standards that you could approach.

I'm tempted ......

PERRIN Z3M · Post by **PERRIN Z3M** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 18:14

My brother works for BMW and they use Lepsons for their refurbishments, my brother sent his e36 M3 wheels to them and they came back absolutely stunning, so much so mine are going there when i get a chance.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 18:37

skinny wrote:looks to me as they have been sprayed not powder coated, as far as i am aware you do not laquer powder coat it comes out of the oven as is, no over spray and very even coating, i've only heard good things about theses guys.
http://www.lepsons.com

Thanks Skinny

Their web site looks pretty similar to this one http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/
The 1-day service is £329

EDIT
Just ran a quote via lepsons and the response has come back from
"leeds@thewheelspecialist.co.uk" for £376

I guess at £220 we got what we paid/ripped off for - a cheap job

Although it's my son's car that has been poorly finished it could have been worse......
I was going to get Dot Com's Z3 done

AntMan · Post by **AntMan** » Thu 09 Oct, 2008 19:11

Is it pitting to the alloy?? As said it looks more like they have been based and lacquered,the finish looks more like "Fish eyes" i.e traces of silicone that haven't been removed from the old finish correctly from cleaning products etc used in the past. The base coat would have gone on ok but when the lacquer is applied it reacts with silicone shifting the paint away from the silicone covered area giving the effect you have.
The areas affected are corners and in between spokes where silicone would gather i may be wrong but it looks very similar.
If it is powered coat then the damage is likely to be to the wheel but i've never known anyone to lacquer powder coat as it dry's shiny in nearly every application i've ever seen..
Either way it seems alittle poor to me and i'd be unhappy too...

skinny · Post by **skinny** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 05:27

Titan wrote: Their web site looks pretty similar to this one http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/
The 1-day service is £329

EDIT
Just ran a quote via lepsons and the response has come back from
"leeds@thewheelspecialist.co.uk"

Lepsons are based in Gillingham in Kent, they also do a service where you can just drop the car off to them.

Maybe thewheelspecialist.co.uk is some kind of franchise they are linked with?

Justin Time · Post by **Justin Time** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 17:59

Just got my quote back from Lepsons:

The cost to do all 4 BMW Style 47 16 inch wheels will be approx £212 + vat, depending on your location will depend on a collection and delivery.

Kind regards

Not a bad price if you ask me.

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Fri 10 Oct, 2008 18:23

The drop in service sounds cool!

Am feeling a bit guilty about not paying enough attention to Toadster and playing around with Sharky

Perhaps can tell Toadster I love him by getting his wheels done and his seat belt mounting fixed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat 11 Oct, 2008 08:36

PERRIN Z3M wrote:My brother works for BMW and they use Lepsons for their refurbishments, my brother sent his e36 M3 wheels to them and they came back absolutely stunning, so much so mine are going there when i get a chance.

I can concur. Vines used Lepsons do do all four of my wheels. The colour wasn't right for the S54, but the quality of the work was first class.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Sun 08 Mar, 2009 10:49

My son went to have new tyres fitted to his mini yesterday.

Unfortunately one of the Numbties at the tyre depot damaged the rim. (Click the images below)
Fair play though - they have agreed to fund refurbishing the wheel so no complaints there whatsoever

However it transpired in the ensuing converstaion that Fenwick's have gone bust.
Can't say that I'm surprised given the attitude and workmanship experienced last year.

I've already spoken to Brian at The Leeds Wheel Specialist and we'll be off down to see him as soon as a mutually convenient date can be organised.

I'll post pictures in due course.

Regards
Titan

NickDale · Post by **NickDale** » Sun 08 Mar, 2009 11:23

Titan wrote: I've already spoken to Brian at The Leeds Wheel Specialist and we'll be off down to see him as soon as a mutually convenient date can be organised.

Looking forward to your reply, would be nice to be able to go close to home for this when i get around to it in the summer.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Sun 08 Mar, 2009 14:24

NickDale wrote:Looking forward to your reply, would be nice to be able to go close to home for this when i get around to it in the summer.

Nick
Brian's place is just off M1 Jn47.
However you will possibly have gathered it's a national franchise.
There was talk of them opening a Teesside/Middlesbrough branch which may be even more convenient for you.

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Mon 20 Apr, 2009 12:55

Has any one had their wheels done yet by the Wheel Specialist?

I have just had a quote for £299 for my 2.2 sport.

I am chomping at the bit to get them done. There is a Wheel Specialist in Nottingham so I am thinking of going there.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Mon 20 Apr, 2009 17:27

whiteminks wrote:Has any one had their wheels done yet by the Wheel Specialist?

Just got the tyres for my son's mini so will be down to see Brian (Leeds Wheel Specialist) once we can fix a date - hopefully next week

I have just had a quote for £299 for my 2.2 sport

Think I said before not to just meekly accept the web prices.
Either visit or ring them and do some bargaining.
It's obviously dependent on rim size, colour shadow effect etc but you should be able to get lower than £299

John Boy · Post by **John Boy** » Mon 20 Apr, 2009 17:59

whiteminks wrote:Has any one had their wheels done yet by the Wheel Specialist?

I have just had a quote for £299 for my 2.2 sport.

I am chomping at the bit to get them done. There is a Wheel Specialist in Nottingham so I am thinking of going there.

Paula, try DKM Bodyworks for a quote, they used to be the approved BMW bodyshop in Lincoln, as used by Soper BMW, until Soper build their own bodyshop!

Dkm Bodyworks Limited
Beech House
George Street
Lincoln
Lincolnshire
LN5 8LG Phone: 01522 530540

JB

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 22 Apr, 2009 19:34

Titan wrote:Just got the tyres for my son's mini so will be down to see Brian (Leeds Wheel Specialist) once we can fix a date

Seen Brian today and decided on colour....
But you'll have to wait until 5th May for pictures

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Tue 05 May, 2009 19:09

Titan wrote:...you'll have to wait until 5th May for pictures

My son's mini has had its wheels redone at last.
Following our trip to The Wheel Specialist (Leeds) here are a couple of pictures as promised......
Apologies for the poor quality - it's been a cloudy, wet overcast day in Yorkshire.
I'll post some better before and after shots when it's sunny (and the car is next at home

)
The colour is Black Chrome which gives a wonderful dark reflection in the shadow and spokes. Unfortunately the dark conditions don't do it justice.
I've christened it "Brake Dust Chrome" 'cos it doesn't show the muck

Outside The Wheel Specialist's Unit (still got tyre soap on the side walls)

Back at home next to the Z after a quick wash

Close up of rear wheel

Brian Scott and his team have done a great job and I'm pleased really pleased with the result - it's been well worth waiting for

If you want your wheels doing, I'd have no hesitation in recommending him.

Two things to note:

1. Don't just accept the internet price Ring and talk, or do as we did and go and meet Brian.
2. The unit is near Tesco in Garforth, but GoogleMaps shows it incorrectly. It's actually at the extreme east end of Lotherton Way, and Ash Lane is an overgrown footpath

Finally, for the avoidance of any doubt, I have nothing to do with company except for being a satisfied customer.
Titan

italex · Post by **italex** » Wed 06 May, 2009 07:44

They look really good and I like the colour. That is another item on my to do list. I will just have to save up my pennies

I noticed you have the same rims on your Z as mine. Do you have any idea how much they would cost to be refurbed

Alex

whiteminks · Post by **whiteminks** » Wed 06 May, 2009 08:26

Alex,

You can do an on-line quote with them. I did one with the Nottingham Wheel Specialist and it was £299.

I think I am going to book Toadster into the one in Leeds though as I would rather take him to the exact branch Titan has used because I can see the actual product in the pics.

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Sat 09 May, 2009 17:37

whiteminks wrote:.....I think I am going to book Toadster into the one in Leeds though as I would rather take him to the exact branch Titan has used because I can see the actual product in the pics.

Here are some better pictures now that:

the car is clean and
the sun is (was) shining

I've uploaded them at high resoution so click the thumbnails below

Points to note:

1 Apologies for the rusty brake disc/ hub - remedy in hand
2 Mike F If you look closely you can see my neighbour's house in the background of Pic No 4
3 The gloss finish is the same on the inner rim
4 Chrome valve stems (Titan Tim will approve )
5 The wheel colour seems to change with distance from the car

I like them but appreciate they may not be to everbody's taste

shoegazer · Post by **shoegazer** » Thu 06 Aug, 2009 10:01

Well, I've also taken up this recommendation (Don't worry Terry, I won't hold you responsible!!) and booked mine in with Brian for a week on Monday. Will post the results.
Interestingly, when I parked up at the wheel specialist, there was a nice looking M coupe parked there too, not sure if the word is spreading through this forum or if it was someone who works there?

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Thu 06 Aug, 2009 20:08

Had the wheels done today and am really pleased with the results

Brian The Wheel Specialist has done another excellent job but it wasn't really bright enough to get a decent photograph

However I'll whet your appetites with this "after shot"

Any guesses as to what the colour is?

I'll start a new thread when I've had chance to get some better photos.

(You will see that the ///M Coupe which Tim saw is still there.
It doesn't belong to anyone on the forum (yet) - its wheels were done at the request of a Knaresborough dealer so presumably it will be advertised soon.)

yalden · Post by **yalden** » Fri 07 Aug, 2009 07:14

The workmanship looks second to none; as a result I completed an online quotation to repaint just the centres of my ACS splits. I will prepared to courier the centres out to them and arrange a courier to collect upon completion; however they're quoting me £320...

That seems a lot just to do 4 centre pieces

shoegazer · Post by **shoegazer** » Fri 07 Aug, 2009 08:16

yalden wrote:The workmanship looks second to none; as a result I completed an online quotation to repaint just the centres of my ACS splits. I will prepared to courier the centres out to them and arrange a courier to collect upon completion; however they're quoting me £320...

That seems a lot just to do 4 centre pieces

Think you need to talk to them, you'll get it for less if you have a chat to Brian

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Fri 07 Aug, 2009 08:28

yalden wrote:That seems a lot just to do 4 centre pieces

Yalden - you have PM

yalden · Post by **yalden** » Fri 07 Aug, 2009 12:21

Thanks guys - I've certainly got a better price having now spoken to them on the phone!

Cheers again,

Chris

zroadster.net

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment - Done! 6 August 2009

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment - Done! 6 August 2009

Caveat Emptor

Update

Re: Update

Re: Update

Here they are .....

Impressed

hijack

Wheels refurbed