Alloy Wheel Lacquer?

[tony1815]

I've had my Plat grey 2005 Leon FR for about a month now.
I've noticed that there appears to be either a paint or a lacquer finish on the alloys, and that the finish is wearing of in patches, and can be scraped off with a finger nail.
The finish appears to be a duller metallic than the more traditional alloy colour and feels rougher to the touch.
On the areas where the finish has worn off the alloys look a more normal colour and feel smooth.

Anyone enlighten me as to what might be flaking off - paint or laqcuer?

Any remedies?

Thanks

 

[gazzy-g]

ill put my money on theyve had a cheap refurb and the paint hasnt took to the old paint

 

[lc_allan]

It is the paint m8, a common trait with the LCR also. I have 4 taken off with less than 6 miles covered and they all have patches. Very poorly painted. Even a low pressure hose would bubble the paint. A decent refurb will have them looking better than OE with decent laquer. Maybe even a change of colour for abit extra

 

[tony1815]

With it being the paint, do you think they would be covered under warranty.

 

[lc_allan]

With it being the paint, do you think they would be covered under warranty.

Yes and No, some people have had some replacements while others have been turned down. They will argue that you have washed them with acids, brillo pads or anything to get out of it . If you get all 4 replaced then well done but you'll be xxx amount of miles later and it will happen again no doubt. Always worth a try

 

[Nev_LCR]

have a search mate, i started a thread about mine and got them sorted no problem.

 

[tony1815]

Thanks.
Local Seat dealer looked at them today and stated that they had been resprayed and so would'nt be covered under warrany. Load of horses**t.
They look exactly the same as the pictures you posted.
It seems that I'll have to fight for this one, pity, I expected a bit more from the dealer, I was obviously mistaken.
You took your vehicle to a dealer in Colchester. Thats a bit far for me were they any good? Is there a contact down there who's aware of this problem?
Any help to prove that there is a history of this sort of problem would help.
Cheers.

 

[lc_allan]

This is the biggest patch on one of my wheels. It is hard to photograph due to the paint/light/flash etc..

They have definitely not been repainted before or refurbished etc...

Underneath is a normal looking alloy, not primer etc... The top coat that is peeling is like the silver sparkly/glitter effect.

This was smaller before I was washing them with normal soap/water, it just grew bigger. Even the normal hose pressure would bubble the paint in places. Worst OE paint job ever by SEAT and loads have reported the same.

 

[mcmaddy]

Ive just had 2 replaced under warranty from dealer in Sunderland. Was told by Service Manager that unless the front face is damaged then Seat wont replace them. Ive just discovered a 3rd one has the paint lifting on it now so will be going back to see him. Must say that dealer was very good in replacing them with no hassle whatsoever.