wheel rim repair in west midlands?
Discussion
Ordered a pair of new wheels just after Christmas, from an ebay seller in Lithuania.
They arrived in the UK by expedited courier before the new year to avoid duty and VAT, but only got to me today because Fedex can't pick the right postcode.
Anyway the package was intact and looked undamaged so in they came, front rim box on top of the rear rim box. Front rim is perfect - rear is dented and scratched. Looks like it's had a drop, and there was only a layer of bubble wrap round the rim - no extra cardboard inside the bottom of the box to cushion it against being dropped in transit.
The ebay seller has sold all his rear rims, so getting a replacement isn't going to happen. I would rather keep the wheels than have to send both back (no point just sending the rear back, as I paid 200 for it and the only other place I can find one they want 360 plus duty...)
I'm expecting a lot of finger pointing on all sides and in all directions apportioning blame at "anyone but me". I suppose I might get something towards cost of a rim repair but not holding my breath. Didn't want to buy new rims and have one of them instantly repaired and repainted, but we are where we are.
Cut to the chase: I'm in Warwick. Does anyone know of a place near me that can repair a bent motorcycle rim and repaint it with a good colour match?
They arrived in the UK by expedited courier before the new year to avoid duty and VAT, but only got to me today because Fedex can't pick the right postcode.
Anyway the package was intact and looked undamaged so in they came, front rim box on top of the rear rim box. Front rim is perfect - rear is dented and scratched. Looks like it's had a drop, and there was only a layer of bubble wrap round the rim - no extra cardboard inside the bottom of the box to cushion it against being dropped in transit.
The ebay seller has sold all his rear rims, so getting a replacement isn't going to happen. I would rather keep the wheels than have to send both back (no point just sending the rear back, as I paid 200 for it and the only other place I can find one they want 360 plus duty...)
I'm expecting a lot of finger pointing on all sides and in all directions apportioning blame at "anyone but me". I suppose I might get something towards cost of a rim repair but not holding my breath. Didn't want to buy new rims and have one of them instantly repaired and repainted, but we are where we are.
Cut to the chase: I'm in Warwick. Does anyone know of a place near me that can repair a bent motorcycle rim and repaint it with a good colour match?
So while beating it with a block of wood might have worked, I'm not keen - it's a new wheel, the intention was to get it running true and looking like new again.
So I called a load of wheel straightening places, none of whom could help as they do car wheels and don't have jigs to put motorcycle wheels on their machines.
However I did get great response and service from Rod at TJ Reconstructions in Burntwood, between Litchfield and Cannock. Dropped it off, he showed me the runout on the rim, pointed me in the direction of McDognads for a bite to eat, and it was done 40 minutes later. He doesn't heat the wheel to the point that the metal anneals, so it doesn't stay soft forever. Still got it straightened and it's now running true.
I've no dog in the game but like seeing a decent bloke do well so I'm recommending him in case it's of any use to anyone else.
He can't do the paint side of things so it's now at my preferred smart repairer and should be back with me next week.
So I called a load of wheel straightening places, none of whom could help as they do car wheels and don't have jigs to put motorcycle wheels on their machines.
However I did get great response and service from Rod at TJ Reconstructions in Burntwood, between Litchfield and Cannock. Dropped it off, he showed me the runout on the rim, pointed me in the direction of McDognads for a bite to eat, and it was done 40 minutes later. He doesn't heat the wheel to the point that the metal anneals, so it doesn't stay soft forever. Still got it straightened and it's now running true.
I've no dog in the game but like seeing a decent bloke do well so I'm recommending him in case it's of any use to anyone else.
He can't do the paint side of things so it's now at my preferred smart repairer and should be back with me next week.
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