Looking for new wheels

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
My Berli comes of age this year and for her 21st birthday I am thinking of getting new wheels. That, or I get my existing ones re-conditioned.

A few questions:

- Re-conditioning could be the "dip and strip" thing but I am told this is not a great finish. Any comments?
- Anodising - is this something I should look into instead of dip and strip. Anyone have any comments?
- I have no idea about what to look for in terms of wheel spec if I am to get new wheels. Can someone point me in the right direction for a Cortina based Berli and what I am supposed to ask when looking for replacements ie offset etc?

Totally ignorant of the complexities involved so looking for as much advice as poss.

Thanks in advance.

[Patrick]

Re: Looking for new wheels

IMO a better quality finish than paint would be strip/blast and then powder coat - tougher and more chip resistant than paint. You can get some nice finishes too. Instead of going on wet you spray the powder on the part (which is charged so the powder sticks) and it's then baked at which point the powder melts together and become the final finish.

I've heard good things about www.lepsons.com but have not personally used them. I think the do powder coating.

As for paint, I had one wheel done on my daily driver after it was badly curbed that was painted and the results were not particularly good - mainly the colour matching and colour coverage. That was mainly down to the people who did it not being very good, but I don't know who as it was done via a local tyre shop. I plan on getting all 4 powder coated some day

Patrick
www.msportster.co.uk

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
The powder coat thing is certainly an option as long as the finish os not too flat and dull. I prefer a more sparkly look but not as shiny as chrome! Yeuck! Bit boy racer for me. Will look into prices.

Thanks Patrick.

[Patrick]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Powder coat can come out nice and shiny depending on the type used - this was done DIY by someone I know: http://www.tmaughan.co.uk/powdercoat/wheeldone.jpg

Some different colours:

http://www.tmaughan.co.uk/workshop/redpurp.jpg
http://www.tmaughan.co.uk/fiat/powder1.jpg
http://www.tmaughan.co.uk/workshop/gunmetal2.jpg
http://www.tmaughan.co.uk/workshop/gunmetal1.jpg



Patrick

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Hmmm, they do look good.

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Message originally posted by: Lee Hunter
Hi Darl,
Forgot to say when I spoke to you that I have a man that will remove your tyres, bead blast your wheels, fill and repair any damage to your wheels, then powder coat your wheels in either normal silver or high power bright metalic silver then fit your tyres and balance them. All for ?40/?50 per wheel I could arrange this for you if you like and run you car on the seirra wheels you have.??

[goo]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Another vote for powder-coated wheels here! I got the alloys I'm fitting to my Sportster done at a place called Lap Tab in Birmingham.

Before and after pics here:

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showpost.php?p=1345295&postcount=297

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Hi Guys

I think I am probably going for the powder coating thing! The finishes all look fabulous and would certainly lift the look of my car.

Lee, your guy is local I presume? The logistics of travel with 2 sets of wheels is a bit tricky, unless he collects??

[artrider50]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Before you go for refurbishment, have a look on the 'net and even in Halfords - I got new wheel AND new tyre package for ?90 a corner, which I think is much simpler and more economical. Just had to bolt them on...

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Looking for new wheels

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
OK Chris. Will do. I was at the Welsh wander and looking at other people's wheels and am back to being undecided. The Minilites are simple to clean and look quite good....Will check out Halfords. Thanks.