Wheels & bodywork

[Gmund]

Evening all

I've decided my old friend (997 Carrera S) could do with a little TLC. I need to get the wheels refurbished, and could also do with getting the rear bumper painted. On top of that, the black leather (mainly driver's) seats are starting to look a little creased and scuffed. They're not really that bad for 50,000 miles, but I like things to look the best they can.

I'm in Andover, Hants, so if anyone could suggest any really decent localish (100 miles) companies to paint the bumper, that would be great. The wheels, I would like to have done properly, i.e. have the tyres removed, the wheels stripped back and powder coated. I've seen an ad in this month's GTPorsche for Exelwheels, they loan you a set whilst they work on yours. Anyone on here used them? And any idea of the costs?

Regarding the leather, has anyone on here used any wonder products that made a tangible difference? I've been told Raceglaze Professional Leather Care Kit is pretty effective at minimising imperfections.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

[CampingGaz]

For wheels - My Alloys @ Basingstoke did mine and did a great job, left car with them : http://www.myalloys.co.uk/alloy-wheel-process

Edited by CampingGaz on Tuesday 2nd June 20:39

[Gmund]

CampingGaz said:

For wheels - My Alloys @ Basingstoke did mine and did a great job, left car with them : http://www.myalloys.co.uk/

Brilliant, thanks! Can I ask how much? And did they remove the tyres and powder coat?

[CampingGaz]

I really can't remember exactly, but I think it was £60 per wheel (18") a few years ago...? That includeed tyre removed, stripped, coated (porsche silver), tyre re-fitted & rebalanced. They will also arrange for new tyres if you need them replacing. Plenty of colour options also available.

[Gmund]

CampingGaz said:

I really can't remember exactly, but I think it was £60 per wheel (18") a few years ago...? That includeed tyre removed, stripped, coated (porsche silver), tyre re-fitted & rebalanced. They will also arrange for new tyres if you need them replacing. Plenty of colour options also available.

Great, I'll give them a call. The fact that they're 20 mins away is a major bonus!

[David Hype]

For the wheels try Lepsons in Swindon, I've had three sets of Porsche wheels fully refurbished by them and they do it properly. See the full process here...

www.lepsons.com

For the paintwork try Specialised Paintwork behind the OPC at Reading, they have done great work for me on a couple of Porsche cars including tricky stuff. Decent portfolio here...

www.specialisedpaintwork.com

For the leather, it really easy to do it yourself if you have the right gear. I swear by Glyptone and believe me, I've tried all sorts and for the money this is the best...

www.liquidleather.com

HTH

[sidicks]

Gmund said:

Evening all

I've decided my old friend (997 Carrera S) could do with a little TLC. I need to get the wheels refurbished, and could also do with getting the rear bumper painted. On top of that, the black leather (mainly driver's) seats are starting to look a little creased and scuffed. They're not really that bad for 50,000 miles, but I like things to look the best they can.

Excel did my wheels and left me a spare set whilst mine were being refurbed back to new condition - £125 per wheel, from memory.

[mr pg]

Chris at Excel wheels provides a great service, particularly if you don't want to leave your car, or chock it up without wheels. He also ensures that the wheel mounting surface is free of paint and that there is not excessive paint where the centre cap fits so that when you have the geo checked the fitting fits correctly. Great service, and fantastic finish to the wheels.

[Gmund]

David Hype said:

For the wheels try Lepsons in Swindon, I've had three sets of Porsche wheels fully refurbished by them and they do it properly. See the full process here...

www.lepsons.com

For the paintwork try Specialised Paintwork behind the OPC at Reading, they have done great work for me on a couple of Porsche cars including tricky stuff. Decent portfolio here...

www.specialisedpaintwork.com

For the leather, it really easy to do it yourself if you have the right gear. I swear by Glyptone and believe me, I've tried all sorts and for the money this is the best...

www.liquidleather.com

HTH

Thanks, David. I'm taking my car to OPC Reading on Thursday, so will pop the car round to Specialised afterwards. Glyptone was the other brand I was recommended.

[Gmund]

Thanks all, really great advice.