GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Fabio Bignose on 30 October 2013, 08:23
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Hi All,
Just looking for some opinions on the photo below. I was unlucky enough to get a puncture (screw) in the rear tyre after only 3 days!! I was very concerned about possible damage to the new rim so asked the fitter and manager to take particular care. Anyway, after repair the wheel now has this damage on the rim.
I realise that this type of lacquered finish isnt the most durable and they are offering to repair to their credit.
So my questions are:
Is this something that will happen every tyre change?
Can it be repaired?
Should i just forget about it?
Or should i demand a new rim? :smiley
Thanks in advance
(http://i971.photobucket.com/albums/ae193/fabgtd/P1020331_zps8f72119d.jpg) (http://s971.photobucket.com/user/fabgtd/media/P1020331_zps8f72119d.jpg.html)
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They might be able to repair it but just ensure the repair is good enough for you and that the alloy doesn't look a different shade of colour compared to your others.
Also ensure you get in writing that if the repair is not satisfactory that would can come to an agreement on replacement alloy.
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Well depending on the age of the machine being used new machines that most places don't have have rubber every where to stop this. A lot of little garages deal with smaller alloys larger tyres easy to fit with no damage even with an old machine. It is the fitter that is at fault this should not of happened seems like a very amateur fitter done this job.
It may only be a small mark but it wasn't there prior fitting.
I my opinion would demand a new wheel you cannot be blamed for having that wheel its there responsibility. If they had any doubt they should have refused service but they didn't and damaged you wheel.
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You have to be careful where you get your repair to or replacement of the tyres – some places have better equipment to remove and reseat the tyres than others. Beware of the tyre monkeys that have a plastic coated iron pry bar. It may be something that does happen a lot of the time.
I personally think VW should ditch the diamond cut lacquered wheel. They look great, but down the line most people will be suffering with white worm within 2 to 5 years – some will be lucky enough for it to happen within warranty. If you kerb the wheel it will never look the same again unless the damage is tiny and you go to a very specialised diamond cut refinisher.
Painted wheels look almost as good when new and can look newer for longer – especially after a repair which is easier on the painted wheels. I can imagine a lot of people with scuffed wheels going down the painting/powder-coating route down the line.
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I'd demand a new wheel - I had the main dealer damage an alloy on my Astra VXR changing a tyre. After initially denying it (so you're one step ahead of me there) and then admitting it they offered to refurbish the wheel to which I replied that it wasn't refurbished when it arrived in here so I'd like a new wheel please. They weren't even diamond cut and they provided a new wheel eventually.
Be firm but always polite, it works wonders! Just reread the replies - ensure if you do agree to a repair it is on the proviso that it if the repair is not to an acceptable standard you reserve the right to reject it and demand a new wheel.
If you go down the repair first route they may even just supply a new wheel and then flog your old one on ebay etc. to recoup some of the costs.
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Fabio, I'd be amazed if they can repair it satisfactorily. I've never heard of anyone in Ireland that is specialized enough to take on refurbing of diamond cut wheels... if you do find someone, let me know!!!
A replacement wheel is ballpark €500, so it's hard to see them shelling that out either, but try your case.
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Thanks for all the replies.
I know its a bit of a tricky one alright. This was done at a major nationwide tyre shop (Advance Pitshop Joe). With hindsight I now know what all the 'mystery' marks were around the rims on my MK6 Seattle shadows. I always thought these were stone chips but wandered why only on the circumference. If nothing else this has made me aware to find a retailer that can guarantee no damage for the other 3 wheels.
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They may offer to repair it, but the chances are they will try to get a smart repair outfit to do it for £40. You know, I know, everyone knows that diamond cut wheels can't be repaired in the back of a van with some filler and a squirt of silver/chrome paint.
Lepson charge around £80 from memory to do a first class refurb, but it would mean being without the wheel for a few days.
For future reference as others have said, some dealers have fitting machines designed for fitting tyres on larger, delicate wheels. I do a 60 miles round trip for my tyres as I have found a dealer that I can trust 100%.