New Wheels & Poor Mounting = #!@(%^

[NE Ohio 911]

Very nice day here in NE Ohio. Decided to take advantage of the weather and give the car a bath.

While polishing up the wheels I noticed about an inch of discoloration on one of my brand spanking new 9 inch Fuchs on the lip next to the tire. Upon further inspection, it became obvious that the anodized finish had been scratched pretty badly. I am assuming it happend when the tire was broken down and remounted because it didn't seal properly the first time. It looks like they took some silver touch up paint and tried to cover it up.

I had the tires mounted over a month ago. However, I didn't notice the damage until today due to the fact the car has been sitting in my garage.

I plan to go in tomorrow morning to see what the shop is willing to do to make it right. Anyone have an idea of what it would cost to get one wheel refinished?

[scottb]

I think Al Reed charges in the neighborhood of $125.

[TerryH]

The fact they tried to hide the damage says volumes more than the damage itself. I would speak directly with the owner of the shop first.

[FastCarFan]

Hey Doug. I am sorry to hear about your wheel. I saw you had the car out today.

Just out of curiousity, where did you get the tires mounted? I assume it was not Steinel's because you said you are going to talk to them tomorrow & they are not open on Sunday.

Good luck getting it fixed.

There is a good wheel refinishing shop near Medina. I have been there to get a wheel fixed (not for the 911). Turned out it could not be fixed. But it seemed like a good operation, although it is an hour or so away. Let me know if you want me to dig out the name. Motomotion, or something like that.

Doug

[911pcars]

Refinishing Fuchs wheels is kind of a bummer since the refinish may not, probably not match the existing wheel(s). I'd use this fact to negotiate their response to their cover up (inexcusable).

Sherwood

[GeorgeM]

Does Al Reed anodize?

If not, Harvery Weidman does. He does superb work and can vary what the finish will look like. Not sure if he'll need the other rim as an example.

[Quicksilver]

I would expect any place the does good quality wheel mounting to have good equipment. Now days good equipment means a 'no touch' mounting machine. The only place the machine actually touches the wheel is in the center where it is clamped down.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally posted by GeorgeM
Does Al Reed anodize?

Yes he does.

[NE Ohio 911]

Doug, It was not Steinels. At any rate, I stopped by the shop today and they claim that their machines could not have done the damage.

I am including a few photos. Let me know what you guys think. It is really not that noticable, however the wheels are new. Problem is the tire shop does not want to take ownership. I checked them over when they arrived but it was in my dimly lit garage. I'd hate to think it came this way.



OK so the last pic is just a gratuitous shot of my newly cleaned car.

[scottb]

Unless you're fanatical about the car and its wheels --- forget about it. It's minor, and my guess is that you won't notice it from a few feet away.

Nice car, BTW.

Scott

[holtjv]

This would piss me off, too. Maybe the guy mounting them did it and didn't tell the owner. Who knows how it could have happened? Did they have the vehicle too, or just the wheels and tires? If they had the vehicle then maybe they scraped it when moving it.

[Hoffmanmotors]

Im pretty dang sure the shop did it. Ive been at a few jobs where a goof up happened to a customers car and the tech plays dumb and the owner wasnt informed, so everyone denies responsibility.

Anyways, i cant even notice the damage that much in the picture so it probably isnt noticable standing next to it in person.

Nice ride!

-Jeff

[Vipergrün]

Looks like they may have tried to mount the balancing weights on that part of the wheel, you know, just like on a chevy truck.....

Good luck!

-Brad

[FastCarFan]

Doug,

While it is difficult to tell from the photos, it almost looks like someone damaged the wheel & then tried to cover it up.

If it makes you feel any better, even with the damage, your wheels look far better than mine. I know, you paid good $ & you expect good wheels. I would be angry too.

From your photo, it looks like you may have a rubbing problem in the rear. Your car is very low & the wheels are very wide -- there does not appear to be much clearance. I hope I am wrong.

I hope to get new wheels this spring, although I will probably get 8s instead of 9s.

I will stop by next time I see you out.

[Steve 82SC]

A few months ago, some $%#-bag in a parking lot put a crease (no paint damage) in the rear quarter fender lip of my wife's then 4-day old car. I knew the dealer had a very good paintless dent guy that they used, so I took it over there on a day that he was there. He looked at it and said that it wouldn't be a problem. When he was done, I couldn't find the crease. While I was waiting, I watched him do some stuff prior to my car. He was an artist with an airbrush. I mention this because not only was he good, but he duplicated the finish on various surfaces that he was airbrushing. I'm sure that the mediocre laquer touch-up on your wheel could be re-done the right way and you'd never notice it. It beats removing the tire and shipping the wheel off. Most high-line dealers have one or two guys that they use just for these types of issues.

Steve

[NE Ohio 911]

Stave, Thanks for the input. I think I will go that route as I am not getting anywhere with the tire shop. I am sure that the wheels will end up getting some road rash before too long. I am just ticked off because the wheels are new and it was an obvious cover up. Lesson to be learned, check your wheels over closely after you have the tires mounted.

[FenderGuy]

my 7 x 9 x 16 where refinshed by Al Reed full polish bling..month ago turning I rubbed against a curb...guess what has scratches now? I was pissed but I was like screw it...

[disfin]

Your car looks fantastic. I love the look of 9's and 7's. Don't worry about the rim as losing sleep over minor things makes us go from enthusiast to fanatical which decreases the satisfaction we get from our cars. Just let out a few explicatives and then go for a nice joy ride.

Mind me asking where you purchased the 9's?

[F16driver]

Your car really does look sweet. What size tires did you put on it?

[NE Ohio 911]

Thanks for the comments. I purchased the wheels from Jason Cullen. Very pleased with the follow-up and service. I went with Avon tires. Seemed to be a good value for the price.