MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Appearance Related => Topic started by: enid_b on April 4, 2008, 18:11

Title: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: enid_b on April 4, 2008, 18:11
Folks,

With some of the northern crew having new wheels fitted etc i began to think about my own.  They were changed about 3 years ago and are now starting to look a little sorry for themselves.  I read through many of the threads posted on here in relation to refurbs and so forth, then started a little digging.

I recently made an enquiry The Wheel Specialists (http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/?adw&gclid=CInKp8vwwZICFQ46QgoddEGlbw) who have a few sites across the uk.

Basically, they called me back and i asked a few questions etc and this is a summary of the processes they do during refurb.


1, You drive to them and leave your car or wheels with them.
          15" + 16" wheels = same day service
          17" and above 2-3 days
2, they remove the tyres for you.
3, wheels are shot blasted and/or dipped in acid
4, then completely stripped to the core
5, then baked in an oven (or should that be kiln)
6, sprayed with a substance
7, then baked in an oven (or should that be kiln)
8, powder coated
9, then baked in an oven (or should that be kiln)
10, new valve fitted
11, tyres replaced on the rims
12, fitted to car


i have managed to negotiate a 25% discount for MR2ROC members.  they also do work for the BMW and Porsche Owners Clubs too.


so for to have your stock wheels revived to an uber high standard within a day, guaranteed from defects for 12 months you are looking at a grand total of £205.63which includes VAT. (£51 per corner).  I have had other quotes and have heard mention of around 35 pounds per corner, but i dont think that they do quite as much work on the wheels by all accounts.



If there is sufficient interest i may be able to lean on them a little more with respect to the price, so let me know your thoughts.(and has anyone used them already)

Enid
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Post by: Chris_h on April 4, 2008, 21:00
Good work El Edino.

This makes great sense if you are in the process of changing tyres as you can buy them mailorder and save the £10per tyre fitting cost (as they are removed anyway).

Mine are OK for now, but the tell tale signs are there (only 18 months old as well   s:( :( s:(  )
Title:
Post by: enid_b on April 4, 2008, 21:09
get them back to mr t chris. im sure they can do something about it.

there have been lots of views on this thread, but no replies.

im keen for your thoughts?

too dear? unknown quantity? etc etc  c'mon people talk to me

E
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Post by: uktotty on April 5, 2008, 01:49
Great but still not as great as £25 a wheel for a superb finish
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Post by: Anonymous on April 5, 2008, 06:40
Hi Jason

There is a place in Stoke, not this company you are talking about, that offer a similar service, for black they charge about £50 per wheel for silver they charge £55 per wheel.

The reason for the difference is silver as a metal flake making it more expensive to buy. Also they apply a second clear coat (powdered) to finish the wheel off (both black and silver)- this is important especially on the inner rim to get a good seal with your tyre.

And then there is the gold mine which I use for my nylon / powder coating - Kelcoat in Leek. They would only refurbish a wheel that was off the car and did not have a tyre fitted - price is negotiable but starts from about £20 per wheel (cash)  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Might be worth checking with your company, just to make sure they do the same process - base coat followed by clear coat, if it does then the price seems pretty good if it's for silver.

There is one additional bit of information with regard to powder coating, it is slightly porous so a good waxing afterwards is not a bad thing to do  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Rob
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Post by: kanujunkie on April 5, 2008, 07:55
nice work Jason  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

i'll add it to the list of discounts
Title:
Post by: Wabbitkilla on April 5, 2008, 07:58
Good work E.

I found some places that would do a similar service when I was looking .

One thing i'd like for everyone to keep in mind. It's best to get them done in the early stages of corrosion as once the aluminum has been eaten into it costs more to get a wheel refinished as opposed to refurbished with powder coating.
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Post by: Anonymous on April 5, 2008, 17:37
Why dont you do it by yourself?

will cost you 30 quid for 4 wheels and you dont need to be an expert.

besides that, Doing something by yourself is FUN!!!
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Post by: enid_b on April 5, 2008, 21:52
simos, i did read and smile at your thread.

i even printed it out so that i can have a go.

just considering all the options, as im not convinced my hand is as steady as yours.

E
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Two's Company on May 23, 2009, 23:22
Enid - is this offer still going?  Do I have to say a secret password to get the deal?

Cheers

Steve
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: enid_b on May 24, 2009, 01:23
certainly is as far as i know steve. perhaps take a printout of this thread with you.

  s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: custardavenger on May 24, 2009, 18:41
Sweet. I have a couple of 16" I need doing. Will have to give them a call as I have no tyres on them so hopefully they may knock a bit off for that.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: uktotty on May 24, 2009, 20:26
Still more money than the guys I use
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Two's Company on May 26, 2009, 07:55
Quote from: "uktotty"Still more money than the guys I use

Fancy a trip to Manchester to pick the wheels up and bring them back the same day?   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Anonymous on May 26, 2009, 09:28
I think £50 a wheel is expensive, £30 a wheel down here and they do a brillant job.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Two's Company on May 26, 2009, 13:14
From reading around on the t'interweb it seems 30 quid a wheel used to be the going rate but it's gone up to 50 if you want it doing properly.  Metal Magic in Barnsley get good write ups as well but are also around 50 a wheel.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Anonymous on June 29, 2009, 22:25
Hello,

does anyone know who can refurbish alloy wheels in Plymouth, UK? I have tried several obvious places but I have not had any joy?

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Anonymous on June 29, 2009, 23:18
if you dont want to fork out 50 quid a wheel which is what i was quoted for my yaris 15s, you might wanna check this out:

http://www.yarisclubuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6259

edit: my 50 quid quote was without powder coating too i think, thats a pretty good deal id say they do a good job. dont think theres any of them over here tho
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: manchestermatt1986 on July 10, 2009, 18:41
Does anyone know anywhere that would repair twisted/bent rims. i have a set of £1900 16" rays lightweight volks. i ran over a letal bar that fell off the back off a lorry and didnt get the reg. all 4 were buckled and need sorting.

If anyone could help it would be amazing   s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:   they have been sat in my room for 4months now  s:scared: :scared: s:scared:
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: markiii on July 10, 2009, 18:42
if they are buckled I'm pretty sure you've losty the structural strength now

in wish case too late
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: aaronjb on July 10, 2009, 19:50
I know you can straighten (slightly) bent cast alloys.. not sure on forged alloys like the Rays though  s:? :? s:?  Davy probably knows, if he spots this..

(I feel a lot better about the price I paid for my Rays, now, reading that!)
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: manchestermatt1986 on July 17, 2009, 12:09
iv started a new topic in apperance  l viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25995 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25995) l  showing what happned to my wheels and asking for anyone who can help. just thought i woul dadd the link rather than post all d pics again.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: dipper84 on September 18, 2009, 11:16
does anyone know of / can recommend a wheel referb place in south wales? i know the wheel specialist has been mentiones but if i could get away with doing them being a little less expensive i probably would as the bank accound is fairly dry at the mo.....
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 09:41
Good morning all. I know this is an old thread however I just wanted to get some thoughts and comments. My wheels need some refurbishment as the paint is flaking from the back and they have curb scratches ( some quite deep). They are stock wheels 16 and 17 inch and were on the car when I bought it. I knew they would need some attention at some point but I have started looking now. I have been quoted £55 per corner, for a strip down, sand blast or acid dip and repaint. This includes tyres off and on and rebalance in a day. How does that compare with any of you that have had a refurb recently?   
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Zxrob on January 29, 2020, 09:58
Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 09:41Good morning all. I know this is an old thread however I just wanted to get some thoughts and comments. My wheels need some refurbishment as the paint is flaking from the back and they have curb scratches ( some quite deep). They are stock wheels 16 and 17 inch and were on the car when I bought it. I knew they would need some attention at some point but I have started looking now. I have been quoted £55 per corner, for a strip down, sand blast or acid dip and repaint. This includes tyres off and on and rebalance in a day. How does that compare with any of you that have had a refurb recently?   

If they are 16" and 17" they are not stock wheels, do you mean 15" and 16"

I have recently had mine done, all four cost me £180, left the car there, picked it up next day, I think £50 seams the going rate, generally though, the larger the wheel, the more you pay

Rob
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 29, 2020, 10:07
That doesn't seem a bad price to be honest, taking regional variations into account.
No mention of repair/refurbishment of any damaged areas though?
If they're badly scuffed or scratched then just stripping and repainting won't hide any rough stuff.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 10:53
Quote from: Zxrob on January 29, 2020, 09:58
Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 09:41Good morning all. I know this is an old thread however I just wanted to get some thoughts and comments. My wheels need some refurbishment as the paint is flaking from the back and they have curb scratches ( some quite deep). They are stock wheels 16 and 17 inch and were on the car when I bought it. I knew they would need some attention at some point but I have started looking now. I have been quoted £55 per corner, for a strip down, sand blast or acid dip and repaint. This includes tyres off and on and rebalance in a day. How does that compare with any of you that have had a refurb recently?   

If they are 16" and 17" they are not stock wheels, do you mean 15" and 16"



I have recently had mine done, all four cost me £180, left the car there, picked it up next day, I think £50 seams the going rate, generally though, the larger the wheel, the more you pay

Rob

Oh ok yes I have 16" and 17" but look stock?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 10:54
Are these stock wheels do you think?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: tricky1138 on January 29, 2020, 11:16
Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 10:53
Quote from: Zxrob on January 29, 2020, 09:58
Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 09:41Good morning all. I know this is an old thread however I just wanted to get some thoughts and comments. My wheels need some refurbishment as the paint is flaking from the back and they have curb scratches ( some quite deep). They are stock wheels 16 and 17 inch and were on the car when I bought it. I knew they would need some attention at some point but I have started looking now. I have been quoted £55 per corner, for a strip down, sand blast or acid dip and repaint. This includes tyres off and on and rebalance in a day. How does that compare with any of you that have had a refurb recently?   

If they are 16" and 17" they are not stock wheels, do you mean 15" and 16"



I have recently had mine done, all four cost me £180, left the car there, picked it up next day, I think £50 seams the going rate, generally though, the larger the wheel, the more you pay

Rob

Oh ok yes I have 16" and 17" but look stock?

Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 10:54Are these stock wheels do you think?

They def look stock. Why do you think they are 16 and 17? Are you measuring them?

What size tyres have you got on?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Carolyn on January 29, 2020, 12:05
Some GEN 7 Celicas had 16 and 17 inch wheels.  Very similar to the Roadster in looks.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: tricky1138 on January 29, 2020, 12:55
Quote from: Carolyn on January 29, 2020, 12:05Some GEN 7 Celicas had 16 and 17 inch wheels.  Very similar to the Roadster in looks.

But are they not 5 stud?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 29, 2020, 13:32
Quote from: tricky1138 on January 29, 2020, 12:55
Quote from: Carolyn on January 29, 2020, 12:05Some GEN 7 Celicas had 16 and 17 inch wheels.  Very similar to the Roadster in looks.

But are they not 5 stud?
Yup, I nearly fell into the same trap, I thought the same as Carolyn until I remembered I got offered some last year.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 17:51
Just got home from work and measured my wheels. Definitely 16" front and 17" rear. Do you think they are Celica wheels?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 17:52
And 4 stud
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: jvanzyl on January 29, 2020, 18:06
So you've somehow got hold of what looks like an exact replica of an OEM but in 17" size... wow.. didn't know that was possible!
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: tricky1138 on January 29, 2020, 20:06
Quote from: Smithy on January 29, 2020, 17:51Just got home from work and measured my wheels. Definitely 16" front and 17" rear. Do you think they are Celica wheels?

I still think they are MR2 wheels. I've measured wheels before and they sometimes measure wrong.

What size tyres are on?
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: H1GRM on January 29, 2020, 21:57
Hi,

If you are having them done properly make sure the wheels themselves are "true". Any decent refurb place should be able to check each wheel and correct if necessary.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Ardent on January 29, 2020, 22:18
It is worth checking out the quality of the finished result of those they are working on now.

You only want to do this once. it is better to pay that little bit more and get it done right than go cheap and go twice.
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 30, 2020, 09:53
This is what I'm up against. Paint flaking and pitting 
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 30, 2020, 09:54
Kerb scuffs
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: Smithy on January 30, 2020, 09:55
Just poor quality paint to start with I feel
Title: Re: Alloy Wheel Refurbishments - a solution for you
Post by: tricky1138 on January 30, 2020, 12:14
Quote from: Smithy on January 30, 2020, 09:54Kerb scuffs

They dont look too bad, any decent refurber will strip, blast and repaint them fine.

Also I noticed a tyre size in the photo - 215/45/16 is shown. That means that wheel is 16 inch and is standard size MR2 wheel. I'd still say they are standard MR2 wheels. I'd guess the front tyre will be the correct size of 185/55/15.