Yesterday saw me head down to Kent to pick up my new Shortie! :D I got on the motorway to come back home about 4pm.

 

At 9pm, I was safely tucked away... on the hard shoulder of the A1(M) near York with a grand total of 1 wheelnut holding my rear passenger wheel on!!! The other 4 studs decided to shear off while I was in the outside lane - there was an almighty bang, the back-end of the car went completely loose so I had no choice but to dive for the shoulder! :(

 

The recovery truck arrived at 11pm and I slowly edged my new tripod onto the flatbed, before we headed off back to mine.

 

Spoke to Mr F this morning and he's ordered me 10 new rear studs, so my new car is currently undrivable. Seems it had cheap slot-on spacers on the back, no spigot rings and the end result was 4 wheelstuds missing.

 

Gotta love Zeds, eh...?!

Edited December 4, 201411 yr by Mondo

Honestly they look awful, feel bad for you mate.

 

I am sure you have a few options here, first would be to at least mention trading standards.

 

I understand this is frustrating for both parties here, you obviously and I'm sure he isn't happy doing a job a third time. However at the end of the day you deserve what you payed for.

 

I have quite a bit of experience of powder coating from an industrial point of view and I can say without a doubt that the finish wouldn't pass for even agricultural equipment. Honestly the guy should be ashamed.

 

If it helps you should have my deposit.

That is cheap £250 for all that work, what's he saying if you paid the going rate he'd of done them better.

 

It looks like rattle can work..............one very thick coat.

 

I got my mercs wheels powder coated in silver sparkle, i removed the tyres and got rid of the kerbing marks and the charge was £60 a corner, i was very happy, the finish is perfection, flat, smooth and shiny - better than merc ever did them.

 

They shouldn't be like that Simon at all, it's poor work and one he obviously regrets taking on sadly.

 

Here's the thread, you commented in it.

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?182796-Powder-Coated-Wheels-in-Silver-Sparkle&highlight=silver+sparkle

Name and Shame, I'm with Joel on this one, it's thought that the heat process of powdercoating can deteriorate the wheels integrity and cause them to get brittle. You've had them done twice now, I wouldn't be going that route a third time as the wheels will most probably break up if you hit a pothole etc., that was one of the theories surrounding the late Great Joey Dunlop's death, that his newly powdercoated wheels shattered causing his fatal crash. I'd get my money back and put it towards a set of new wheels to be honest. Not what you want to hear I know, but at least it would give you peace of mind.

Honestly they look awful, feel bad for you mate.

 

I am sure you have a few options here, first would be to at least mention trading standards.

 

I understand this is frustrating for both parties here, you obviously and I'm sure he isn't happy doing a job a third time. However at the end of the day you deserve what you payed for.

 

I have quite a bit of experience of powder coating from an industrial point of view and I can say without a doubt that the finish wouldn't pass for even agricultural equipment. Honestly the guy should be ashamed.

 

If it helps you should have my deposit.

 

Yeah, received that - thanks Pete :)

 

If you have experience in powdercoating, can you tell me whether the surface should be heated before the powder's applied, then heated again to cure it...?

 

That is cheap £250 for all that work, what's he saying if you paid the going rate he'd of done them better.

 

It looks like rattle can work..............one very thick coat.

 

I got my mercs wheels powder coated in silver sparkle, i removed the tyres and got rid of the kerbing marks and the charge was £60 a corner, i was very happy, the finish is perfection, flat, smooth and shiny - better than merc ever did them.

 

They shouldn't be like that Simon at all, it's poor work and one he obviously regrets taking on sadly.

 

Here's the thread, you commented in it.

 

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?182796-Powder-Coated-Wheels-in-Silver-Sparkle&highlight=silver+sparkle

 

Name and Shame, I'm with Joel on this one, it's thought that the heat process of powdercoating can deteriorate the wheels integrity and cause them to get brittle. You've had them done twice now, I wouldn't be going that route a third time as the wheels will most probably break up if you hit a pothole etc., that was one of the theories surrounding the late Great Joey Dunlop's death, that his newly powdercoated wheels shattered causing his fatal crash. I'd get my money back and put it towards a set of new wheels to be honest. Not what you want to hear I know, but at least it would give you peace of mind.

 

He's now stopped replying to my messages so his final word (thus far) is that I can either pay him to have them done again, but in a single colour... or I can just live with them.

 

So there's no initial option of a refund, or even a partial refund, as he's made it blatantly clear that my job's already cost him more than he bargained for. He showed that by trying to get an extra £75 out of me which, ironically, would still have left me with this finish anyway!

 

I honestly think that the hammered effect to the finish is down to the primer (powdercoated) not curing uniformly and so leaving a lumpy surface. He's said that they really needed flatting completely by hand, but that apparently wasn't an option as it would eat too much time for him... WTF....

 

All in all, I find myself rather unhappy and disappointed today. I'd hoped that the refurbed wheels would pretty much finish the exterior off but, instead, they just ruin the whole look of the car now.

 

The guy's approach to "happy customers" is somewhat grating, to say the least...

Sorry to see this mate. Poor attitude from the business. I think, if you can't do a good job, don't do it or don't take it on. Hope you get it sorted. I'm curious who the company Re aswell in case I ever need anything doing.

 

Not sure if it's helps but an very well known ex trader from here called Peter (PPS) now has a shot blasting company in sunderland. Not too sure if he does powder coating though

The "company" in question is called DA Coatings in Hartlepool. Or A & D Coatings, depending on which business card you get, it seems! I think a Facebook search worls if you use DACoatings, and it should bring up two pages for the same place; one under DACoatings and the other under DACoatings DACoatings - don't ask me why there are two....

 

A chap called Aaron Dixon is who did such a stellar job of my refurb for me. :asshole:

 

In a bid to make myself feel a little better about things (and seeing as nothing is going to be done to my wheels in the immediate future), I thought I'd refit all the rim bolts and add the badges to the centrecaps:

 

 

 

 

They take the sting out a little bit, but still.....

The "company" in question is called DA Coatings in Hartlepool. Or A & D Coatings, depending on which business card you get, it seems! I think a Facebook search worls if you use DACoatings, and it should bring up two pages for the same place; one under DACoatings and the other under DACoatings DACoatings - don't ask me why there are two....

 

A chap called Aaron Dixon is who did such a stellar job of my refurb for me. :asshole:

 

In a bid to make myself feel a little better about things (and seeing as nothing is going to be done to my wheels in the immediate future), I thought I'd refit all the rim bolts and add the badges to the centrecaps:

 

 

 

They take the sting out a little bit, but still.....

Looks so much better with the centre caps and bolts, just don't let anyone get within a meter of them I guess[emoji14]

Edited February 14, 20169 yr by Alic

Looks so much better with the centre caps and bolts, just don't let anyone get within a meter of them I guess[emoji14]

 

That's the rule for the time being: don't look too closely! :lol:

Generally speaking (I've dealt with massive automated machines) the most important part is getting the clean and remove all the old paint etc. Generally speaking powder coat is very forgiving and goes on very thick.

 

They shouldn't need pre heating, if he isn't using an electrostatic charge then this will cause poor distribution (not enough and it won't flow, too much and you get sagging/runs etc)

 

The temp and baking time will also be a big factor, too short/cold and the plastic will not smooth out.

 

Sound to me like he has skipped on the prep work and doesn't really know what he is doing, the same goes on his business practices.

 

I will be getting my nismos done when I get back, hopefully I will have less haste with these. For ref they will cost about 500 but the have a diamond cut lip and centre, I'm sure a simple two colour job would be cheaper. The place is down in Tewksbury though so would be a long way for you, they do have a great rep though.

Mate I am gutted for you.

it's horrible when something you have looked forward to doesn't pan out quite the way you wanted it to.

They do look much better with the centres and caps on them.

Not sure if you are aware, but as a UK citizen one of your weird rights is access to 30 minutes free legal advice on any subject.

if you pop to your local citizens advice they can put you in touch with someone.

Also I have used

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

a couple of times with some success. It is really easy to do and doesn't cost too much. Having legal paperwork land on the doorstep might be enough to get him to refund you.

Once the ruling goes to court anyone Googling his business will find a record of the court case.

Hope that helps

Simon, at this point I would take steps to try and obtain a full refund. The business has acknowleged that they have made

a mistake which has resulted in poor workmanship and have tried unsuccesfully to redress that to your satisfaction. You have

now lost all confidence in their abilities to do the work. Obtaining a refund may include using the Small Claims Court, but at this

stage will involve you writing a letter following the details and steps outlined in the CA link below to the business owner (sent

by recorded delivery).

 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/going-to-court/going-to-court/taking-court-action/step-one-write-a-letter-before-action/

 

Keep copies of all email records and photos of the work done. Keep all communications polite but firm. Don't post derogatory comments

on their website or FB pages. It may be possible in the first instance to obtain a refund by threatening court action in your letter and is

worth a try at this stage.

If Si is going to small claims at this point, I would send the pictures to a reputable powder-coater to see his opinion.

Ask if the job is satisfactory for £250 and if the method he used was correct (i.e whether he electrostatically charged them or not), then you have a source that you can support your argument with.

Just seen the pics Si, absolutely gutted for you, why don't you see if Keith (KJZ32) can paint them up for you, didn't he do his wheels recently??

Just seen the pics Si, absolutely gutted for you, why don't you see if Keith (KJZ32) can paint them up for you, didn't he do his wheels recently??

 

It would be quite a trip but at least they wouldnt be exposed to that heat again.

The more I look at these wheels, the more disheartened I get.

 

I've told him that I want to seek legal advice seeing as he refuses to do anything to put them right unless I pay again, and he just said that my standards obviously differ from other peoples.... and, of course, there's a big stumbling block in front of me: he failed to give me a receipt for the £250.

 

Whilst I have every single message that went between he and I, there's nothing that explicitly states that I handed over £250 for the work (butchery) he did. Without that, I think I could be on to a hiding to nothing! There are plenty of messages where that price is quoted though, which could count for something... there's also the record from the bank to show that £250 was withdrawn that evening....

 

So the upshot is that now have a set of wheels that utterly let down the look of the car, and no spare money to have them put right or, as an extreme, to buy a new set of wheels!

 

Super..... :(

The more I look at these wheels, the more disheartened I get.

 

I've told him that I want to seek legal advice seeing as he refuses to do anything to put them right unless I pay again, and he just said that my standards obviously differ from other peoples.... and, of course, there's a big stumbling block in front of me: he failed to give me a receipt for the £250.

 

Whilst I have every single message that went between he and I, there's nothing that explicitly states that I handed over £250 for the work (butchery) he did. Without that, I think I could be on to a hiding to nothing! There are plenty of messages where that price is quoted though, which could count for something... there's also the record from the bank to show that £250 was withdrawn that evening....

 

So the upshot is that now have a set of wheels that utterly let down the look of the car, and no spare money to have them put right or, as an extreme, to buy a new set of wheels!

 

Super..... :(

 

I feel bad for you dude, you are right and I wouldn't rule out the possibility of buying new wheels having seen bantambunny's refurbed wheels up for sale today, which (i hope) look good and just transfer the tyres across. though as you say you've already wasted £250 for some sh*t/heat damaged wheels.

 

If you want to pursue them legally, as i said get a professional to look at them and say if the finish is worth £250 or you are just getting ripped off.

You didn't get an invoice? Simon...! [emoji848]

Such a shame Simon, was looking forward to seeing these as being the finishing touch to your car. I think without an invoice it will be difficult to get a satisfactory result, I.e a full refund

Sorry to hear this mate, keep the chin up, if you want I can ask my guy to keep an eye out for a decent 2nd hand set of hi spec wheels? He comes across the likes of Work SP's, Veilsides, Equippes, Varstoein, Ray's etc. He'd hold them for me with a deposit, hell, that's how I paid for my refurb.:thumbup1: I'd be willing to chip away at them for ya till you were flush:thumbup1: or I can see if he'd tidy up my 19's which you can have cheap, you've done me a turn or two so I'm willing to return the favour:thumbup1: Just food for thought, don't let it get you down.

Rich

I feel bad for you dude, you are right and I wouldn't rule out the possibility of buying new wheels having seen bantambunny's refurbed wheels up for sale today, which (i hope) look good and just transfer the tyres across. though as you say you've already wasted £250 for some sh*t/heat damaged wheels.

 

If you want to pursue them legally, as i said get a professional to look at them and say if the finish is worth £250 or you are just getting ripped off.

 

See the next quote....

 

You didn't get an invoice? Simon...! [emoji848]

 

Dark and raining at the time of collection, JP :( He did say that he'd forward one to me, but I find that spectacularly unlikely now somehow!

 

Such a shame Simon, was looking forward to seeing these as being the finishing touch to your car. I think without an invoice it will be difficult to get a satisfactory result, I.e a full refund

 

Me too! I've pretty much accepted that my £250 is gone and it's going to have to be a lesson learned for me, which truly sticks in my throat... that said, I've steered a couple of people away from having work done by him now so I feel a little better for helping friends to avoid the same sort of outcome as I've experienced. :thumbup1:

 

Sorry to hear this mate, keep the chin up, if you want I can ask my guy to keep an eye out for a decent 2nd hand set of hi spec wheels? He comes across the likes of Work SP's, Veilsides, Equippes, Varstoein, Ray's etc. He'd hold them for me with a deposit, hell, that's how I paid for my refurb.:thumbup1: I'd be willing to chip away at them for ya till you were flush:thumbup1: or I can see if he'd tidy up my 19's which you can have cheap, you've done me a turn or two so I'm willing to return the favour:thumbup1: Just food for thought, don't let it get you down.

Rich

 

You're a good'un, Rich, but I think I'm going to have to live with these until I can save some pennies to replace them.

 

As daft as it may sound, the effect they have on the appearance of the whole car has had me wondering if I should just call it quits and sell her! Over-reacting, no doubt... but it's sooo disheartening and disappointing at the moment :(

See the next quote....

 

 

 

Dark and raining at the time of collection, JP :( He did say that he'd forward one to me, but I find that spectacularly unlikely now somehow!

 

 

 

Me too! I've pretty much accepted that my £250 is gone and it's going to have to be a lesson learned for me, which truly sticks in my throat... that said, I've steered a couple of people away from having work done by him now so I feel a little better for helping friends to avoid the same sort of outcome as I've experienced. :thumbup1:

 

 

 

You're a good'un, Rich, but I think I'm going to have to live with these until I can save some pennies to replace them.

 

As daft as it may sound, the effect they have on the appearance of the whole car has had me wondering if I should just call it quits and sell her! Over-reacting, no doubt... but it's sooo disheartening and disappointing at the moment :(

 

Don't be like that buddy, look at all the shit I've gone through and am still going through, as stated, I can bang a few quid off a decent set for you:thumbup1: I'll be talking to my friend either later this weekend or definitely next week at the latest, He gets discounts as he refurbs all the 2nd hand ones that are straight from Japan, I think a nice set of Works 3 piece would finish your car off nicely:thumbup:

Drop me a PM or give me a shout on Messenger and we'll have a chat, we'll get ya sorted either way:thumbup:

Nice offer Rich. I'm not surprised your disheartened Si but you've done too much work to let her go now. Im sure you'd be able to sell them for a decent price even in their current condition & look for a new set. I know you shouldn't have to be considering selling them, the other option is try to get your money back. If it was me I'd drive back to the guy with my biggest ugliest mate in the passenger seat, & show him how bad they are & if he doesn't budge mention taking legal action again. He'll be hoping you just disappear.

Honestly. Sounds shit. Do what you can to get your funds back however on a personal note, even in perfect Nick I don't think those wheels are the right wheels for your car.

Drop me a PM or give me a shout on Messenger and we'll have a chat, we'll get ya sorted either way:thumbup:

 

As I said; you're a good'un! :thumbup1:

 

Nice offer Rich. I'm not surprised your disheartened Si but you've done too much work to let her go now. Im sure you'd be able to sell them for a decent price even in their current condition & look for a new set. I know you shouldn't have to be considering selling them, the other option is try to get your money back. If it was me I'd drive back to the guy with my biggest ugliest mate in the passenger seat, & show him how bad they are & if he doesn't budge mention taking legal action again. He'll be hoping you just disappear.

 

I debated that, Tom, but then I decided that's a route I just don't want to go down... and perhaps more importantly, I shouldn't have to go down.

 

I'm all for helping small businesses out - hell, I am one so I know exactly what it can be like getting established - but the way he's carried on is absolutely diabolical. But I still don't want to start going down the "my mate's bigger than your mate" route as that'll likely just end in problems...

 

Honestly. Sounds shit. Do what you can to get your funds back however on a personal note, even in perfect Nick I don't think those wheels are the right wheels for your car.

 

I quite like them, to be honest. They're not ideal, no... but I think they suit it. Or at least they did...! :(