Genuinely decent alloy reconditioning?

[Mr Whippy]

I'm struggling to find a really decent place with flawless feedback.

My Z4 '107' style alloys were bought used in 2009, clearly OE finish but kerbed etc.
I reconditioned averagely with powder at the wheel specialist in Gargorth.

They did an ok job but after a year or so cracks and lifting appeared, and by now the rear inner drums are just bare where huge areas have delaminated.

I'd be tempted to powder again but worried the finish will just go to crap again and also more heating etc.



So I'm looking for someone to properly strip (but not blast details away), then repair any issues (build up not sand down), and then wet paint in OE finish.


I'm thinking I might just keep this Z4 long term now so want it right and in an OE quality finish, not just something to sell on with.


Anyone have any recommendations?

I'll admit last time I checked in 2009 a really decent job was £800 and same price as new from BMW.
If that's still the case I might just buy new (if possible)


I've spotted a few wet painters around but some have patchy feedback, or aren't so close to easily drop the car off.

[Mr Whippy]

I'd stumbled on another powder painters over that way, but a few iffy reviews put me off.

These guys look good, similar area too.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll give them a ring!

[Mr Whippy]

Jorvik could be handy as they're next to Autohaus, so drop car off and pickup a few days later with all jobs done.

But then exel look great too!


My main concern is powder coated wheels, base and top.
Mine were done 8.5 years ago and are pretty much shot now.
Rear barrels delaminated all along inner bead edge, and into barrel proper.

Small chips at 1yr old were big unsightly thumbnail sized spots of missing lacquer.
All around bolt holes are bubbled up.


I'm concerned if I do them now, and want them 'mint' again in 4 years it'll be the 3rd powder coat session.
And £1000 on reconditions!


I'll have to ring them but I'm really after a full wet paint service...
I'm really not keen on paying £££ to have a road chip ruin the finish in 6 months.

I'm also a bit worried about these high heating/cooling cycles.
Are they totally safe if done right?

[Mr Whippy]

I rang Chris at Exel, he seemed like a sound chap.

I was quoted £500 and I sit on my backside which seems good value to me.
I think the fact they can take a bit more time results in better quality than those trying to rush the work over 48hrs.


Not the cheapest but on balance the method works, and makes many other outfits appear to exist just to make stuff look nice for selling on... whereas Exel look to do lots of work for people wanting to keep their cars long term... so exactly the kinda person I want to use!



Also though I'm not normally one for fancy websites or facebook, for this kinda thing where looks are everything on the finished product, and customer testimonials need to be trusted, his website approach really proved to win me over.
Having what are obviously real owners with his recon wheels looking amazing in high res photos is hard to beat!


Most websites have 'static' testimonials or a handful of google or whatever ones which may also be made up... and/or poor photos of the close ups.


So another thumbs up to Exel for selling themselves to me with minimal effort.


I'll report back with pics!

Cheers

Dave

Edited by Mr Whippy on Friday 19th January 22:58