Scuzzy S3 alloys

[macwalsh]

I''ve had no luck finding anyone local to me that polishes alloy wheels, however, a local firm have advised that they can shotblast them to get rid of the remaining lacquer and get back to the alloy. Is it then just a case of me putting in a few hours elbow grease with a tub of Brasso to polish them up or is the "Alloy wheel polishing" process abit more involved. An alternative is to get them powder coated once they've been blasted but I''m not sure if the 8 spokes would look as good powder coated as they would polished. Has anyone had any of this done or have any recommendations? Thanks very much guys Andy Edited by macwalsh on Thursday 28th June 21:42

[johno]

This is a thread on the club group at the moment. Shot blasting will remove the lacquer and corrosion but it will not put the finish back on them, which is what you are really after. Powder coating is only another lacquer, again put on to protect the alloy underneath. Unless you re-polish them or have them re-finished then you won't get sparkling new wheels. I had my S1 wheels refinished in Kent for approx £35 a wheel. Process 1 - Chemically strip wheel of lacquer and any other crap 2 - Rim wheel to straighten it if necessary 3 - Coat wheel in Anthrocite 4 - Re-finish wheel on lathe 5 - Powder coat lacquer the wheels and cook at gas mark 7000 Result = mint wheels Place - Lepsoms at Gillingham, well impressed as has everyone else that's seen them. I would avoid 'Spit & Polish' who appear to get wheels from all round the country - contracted agent, not got a good reputation at the mo.. There are plenty of places offering the service but you really need to get personal recommendation of a place before parting with your money. Especially as your wheels are becoming rarer and more difficult and expensive to replace.

[macwalsh]

Thanks for the reply johno - how long did they need the wheels for and have you got a phone number for them? only I live near Edinburgh but am back down South later this year visiting family and friends in Essex / Kent so I may be able to get the wheels sorted whilst down South. The only quote I could get up here was for £55 a wheel and the firm wanted the wheels for 10-14 days. Thanks again Andy

[johno]

Macwalsh, I'm currently back in Norfolk with a drive shaft out with knackered bearing carrier and both CV's, inlet msnifold out and the front nearside suspension in bits. My file with the info on Lepsoms is at my place in Kent which if all goes well I'll be back to a week on Tuesday and I'll post the number etc.. As for how long they had the wheels, if my memory serves me well it was about 3 days, but I'm sure if you let them know when you'll be in with the wheels and how long you've got they'll help you out if they're not too busy.

[macwalsh]

Ouch - sounds like that's going to keep you busy for a while. Thanks for the info though - let us know the phone number when you've got it and I'll give them a bell. Good luck with the repairs. Andy

[johno]

Macwalsh, I will post the number on Tuesday evening at some point as I will be back to Kent by then. The engine is back together and running, needs tubing in now. The driveshaft is in with new bearing carrier and bearing with new brake shoes. Front wishbones are back from being shot blasted and have their first layers of paint and the poly bushes are ready to go in. Now I've got the brake servo to replace aswell ! Should be done by Monday night, as I'm losing Sundau to go to Donington for the GP Cheers Mark

[johno]

Macwalsh, As promised here are the details for Lepsons Alloys .... Lepsons Alloys Railway Ind Est - (road behind station) Gillingham Tel No - 01634 580582 Contact/owner - Tony Hope they can help you. Cheers Mark

[macwalsh]

Cheers Mark, I'll give them a call and see what I can get sorted. Thanks again Andy

[chin up]

Don't know if this is still a relevant thread or anything, but I've just got back from Gillingham & am dead chuffed with Lepsons work. Well worth 140 notes....

Cheers

[Dave_H]

quote:
Don't know if this is still a relevant thread or anything, but I've just got back from Gillingham & am dead chuffed with Lepsons work. Well worth 140 notes....

Cheers

Cheers Chin Up, I'd like mine done in the new year, I know where to go now.

Thanks,
Dave.