Well, the wheels are now done
Got up bright and early this morning and headed over the bridge into sunny Wales. I needed to be at the wheel place for 8am and I made it there at one minute past which wasn't bad considering I had to drag myself out of bed with a bad back.
My wheel company of choice were these guys:
http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/ after recommendations elsewhere on the forums and being only half-an-hour away.
They spent all day on my wheels, prepping (soaking them in acid for hours) to strip everything off, then shotblasting them, sanding down the edges and then powder coating them in gloss black. They really took their time and while the wheels were off I took the opportunity to spray my hubs and give my calipers a good polish and jetseal.
The guys there were really passionate about what they do and were obvious perfectionists. So much so that I'm going to make the trip in future for them to fit new tyres for me (I would provide the tyres - they are not a tyre stockist). They actually take proper care unlike most tyre fitting companies I have experienced in the past.
I'd like to write a full detailed description of the day but I'm knackered at the moment. I forgot to take my camera so I've only got some crappy phone pics that do not under any stretch of the imagination do them any justice. The finish of the wheels is 100 times better than when they were brand new. I would highly recommend them and if you mention the forum they've kindly agreed a 15% discount.
The heavens opened on the way home unfortunately so now they're all dirty.
I'll try and wash the car at the weekend and get some decent pics up. Meanwhile here's some for now:
The wheels having been stripped, shotblasted and prepped:
One polished caliper and painted hub:
Out of the oven, cooling off:
Fitted rear:
Fitted front:
Side shot:
A selection of some of the finishes on offer:
Very very happy with the results. They look awesome on the car. Just need to give it all a clean again now! They are going to be dust magnet as well I can tell!
If you have been debating getting your wheels powder coated. Do it. You won't regret it!
Scott