Al Reed equivalent in Australia

[D911SC]

I keep reading all these threads about Al Reed and the quality of his wheel refurbs. The pictures look amazing. I would like to find an equivalent in Australia if anyone knows who can do an equally suburb job.

Preferably someone in Melbourne.

Thanks.

[OZCarrera3]

I can't help with a Melbourne-based company, but Dupulu Wheels (Depulu Wheel Reconditioners) on the Gold Coast here Qld did a great job refurbishing my Fuchs (straightened and re-anodised the rims). It worked out at about $250-$300 a rim if they don't require any repairs.

By they way, how does the Passat drive with the power chip? I find ours has enough trouble putting all it's power down with just the standard torque output.

[D911SC]

Originally Posted by OZCarrera3

I can't help with a Melbourne-based company, but Dupulu Wheels (Depulu Wheel Reconditioners) on the Gold Coast here Qld did a great job refurbishing my Fuchs (straightened and re-anodised the rims). It worked out at about $250-$300 a rim if they don't require any repairs.

By they way, how does the Passat drive with the power chip? I find ours has enough trouble putting all it's power down with just the standard torque output.

Thanks Sheldon. I am planning on going a wider rear (16x9) and will no doubt need a refurb. I'd much rather go somewhere recommended.

The Passat is a different car with the chip. Estimate HP is up about 20-25 but the torque increases to about 425Nm. I definitely have issues with wet weather wheel spin but it's easy to control and usually only floor the pedal in dry conditions.

The biggest difference is in speeds from about 30kph to about 80kph. This makes the car's new acceleration very usable. Still a bit sluggish off the line but that was to be expected. Chip is a good match to the DSG, especially in Sport mode!!

If you need some more info about it PM me and I'll let you know how it's chipped- varies according to the year of your car.

[gulf908]

+ 1 for Depulu.
I had 5 Fuchs renovated 3 1/2 years ago for about $1950 which included some minor repair work and shipping.
Bill Sipson on 07 5597 3891.
Cant recall how long it took but it was not a long wait.
Many compliments on the wheels since then.

HTH,
Dennis.

[sc911s]

Hi,

Also try Classic Road and Track based in North Melbourne, helpful guys. I hear recently they are doing wheel restorations and doing a very good job. Worth a try even if for a price. I will be getting my cookie cutters done there one day.
oh and i have a Passat 125TDi wagon 2008/2009 model, would like info on the chip, costs and what VW think about it re warranty. Please PM me.

cheers
Shaun

[OZCarrera3]

From memory (its about the only receipt I can't find), it took about 2-3 weeks for the to do my wheels. When finished, the anodising was almost indistinguishable from the factory compared to my "out-of-the-box" 8's. A great job.

Our Passat likes to "light 'em up" (well scrabble madly, even with ESP on) with anything more than about 1/3 accelerator in the dry, particulualrly at "T" junctions. Wet weather is hopeless. We were running P Zero Nero's, (a rubbish tyre), but now running Michelin PS2's - no discernable difference in grip.

[OZCarrera3]

Not trying to hi-jack the thread, but PM me if you have had trouble with your DSG. We are on our second one. Its much better so far, but we are coming close to the end of our warranty and I am a little nervous ($7,500 for the new DSG). No other issues though.

[D911SC]

Originally Posted by sc911s

Hi,

Also try Classic Road and Track based in North Melbourne, helpful guys. I hear recently they are doing wheel restorations and doing a very good job. Worth a try even if for a price. I will be getting my cookie cutters done there one day.
oh and i have a Passat 125TDi wagon 2008/2009 model, would like info on the chip, costs and what VW think about it re warranty. Please PM me.

cheers
Shaun

Thanks for the local contact. PM sent re Passat.

[D911SC]

Originally Posted by OZCarrera3

Not trying to hi-jack the thread, but PM me if you have had trouble with your DSG. We are on our second one. Its much better so far, but we are coming close to the end of our warranty and I am a little nervous ($7,500 for the new DSG). No other issues though.

Never had an issue with my DSG - although my car is still pretty new. I really like the gear box now that I have had some time to get to know it better.

As piece of semi useless info I assume VW vary the programming of the DSG in different cars - my mate has an R32 and his is fantastic from a standing start. Also hold higher revs which makes sense for a petrol motor.

[D911SC]

Originally Posted by OZCarrera3

Our Passat likes to "light 'em up" (well scrabble madly, even with ESP on) with anything more than about 1/3 accelerator in the dry, particulualrly at "T" junctions. Wet weather is hopeless. We were running P Zero Nero's, (a rubbish tyre), but now running Michelin PS2's - no discernable difference in grip.

Haven't had the same experience - perhaps VW have made some changes to the ECU in how the torque comes on, or maybe the turbo??

A cip might help this - give Peter James at Superchips a call/email. He might have an answer for you.

By the way, fuel economy simnce the mod is awesome. On the highway I get about 4-4.5ltr per 100km (flat no wind!)