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It is no great secret that I have been quite disappointed with the RS4 wheels I got from Wheelbase last year, so after an unfortunate kerbing incident last week I was presented with a prime opportunity to rectify the problem and get the wheels sorted.
I looked around on the web for local(ish) wheel refurbishment centres, and by sheer good fortune a new centre had opened up that was fairly local to me in Swindon.
The company I used are called The Wheel Specialist, and they are based on Westmead Industrial Estate in Swindon (Unit 4, SN5 7YT). I spoke to James about getting the wheels refurbed, and they were able to provide a very quick turnaround service which is very handy seeing I'm off to the Ring this week.
The Wheel Specialist franchise have been about for a good few years now, and Swindon is their newest branch which has been opened by James (Pattinson) and his brother. It's literally 5 minutes off of the M4, so you don't need to be familiar with the town to find them.
They offer a same day service, and provide complete refurbishments in a range of colours which are all guaranteed for 12 months. You can either drive in, or just drop your wheels off and go.
I used the OEM rims to shunt about on in the meantime, and it's amazing how odd the car looked on the ET56 offset 18's (pretty lame if I'm honest).
So the good news is I went to pick up the wheels today, and all was as expected. As you will know from my candid disappointment with the 19" replicas, I'm a bit of a stickler for detail, so checked the wheels thoroughly for finishing standards. I'm pleased to say the wheels were presented incredibly well, with a great finish, tyres refitted (with chromed valves - yes you can specify black), and all fully balanced (which is a pleasure as I've had wheel vibrations since Christmas as some weights had fallen off).
In fact the job is so good I'm going to keep these for summer wheels and chuck some winter tyres on the 18's for use in the colder months as I don't want to trash these now they look so good. I went for OEM Audi silver (known as TWS D Sport), and they look a very good contrast against the Dolphin grey. I was tempted with Black Chrome but wondered whether they would sell as well later on.
The end to end service has been fantastic, and the guys have been incredibly helpful to ensure they have fitted in with my time scales and provide the service that I need.
For anyone looking to refurb their OEM rims to a 'better' (in my personal opinion) standard than factory OEM, or like me have a so-so set of aftermarkets that have been kerbed or suffered badly in the winter salt you could do far worse than give them a call. They have some introductory opening offers on in the first month, so if you are prompt you can get a good deal too. I'll certainly be taking my OEM Speedline's up to be done when I get a bit more cash reserve built up.
Here are a few photos I took during the collection process, but haven't been able to do the wheels any justice as it is absolutely tipping it down outside.
Once again many thanks to the Wheel Specialist team for doing such a great job and restoring some cosmetic quality back to my pride and joy!
Their website: http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/File/SwindonDetails.php
I looked around on the web for local(ish) wheel refurbishment centres, and by sheer good fortune a new centre had opened up that was fairly local to me in Swindon.
The company I used are called The Wheel Specialist, and they are based on Westmead Industrial Estate in Swindon (Unit 4, SN5 7YT). I spoke to James about getting the wheels refurbed, and they were able to provide a very quick turnaround service which is very handy seeing I'm off to the Ring this week.
The Wheel Specialist franchise have been about for a good few years now, and Swindon is their newest branch which has been opened by James (Pattinson) and his brother. It's literally 5 minutes off of the M4, so you don't need to be familiar with the town to find them.
They offer a same day service, and provide complete refurbishments in a range of colours which are all guaranteed for 12 months. You can either drive in, or just drop your wheels off and go.
I used the OEM rims to shunt about on in the meantime, and it's amazing how odd the car looked on the ET56 offset 18's (pretty lame if I'm honest).
So the good news is I went to pick up the wheels today, and all was as expected. As you will know from my candid disappointment with the 19" replicas, I'm a bit of a stickler for detail, so checked the wheels thoroughly for finishing standards. I'm pleased to say the wheels were presented incredibly well, with a great finish, tyres refitted (with chromed valves - yes you can specify black), and all fully balanced (which is a pleasure as I've had wheel vibrations since Christmas as some weights had fallen off).
In fact the job is so good I'm going to keep these for summer wheels and chuck some winter tyres on the 18's for use in the colder months as I don't want to trash these now they look so good. I went for OEM Audi silver (known as TWS D Sport), and they look a very good contrast against the Dolphin grey. I was tempted with Black Chrome but wondered whether they would sell as well later on.
The end to end service has been fantastic, and the guys have been incredibly helpful to ensure they have fitted in with my time scales and provide the service that I need.
For anyone looking to refurb their OEM rims to a 'better' (in my personal opinion) standard than factory OEM, or like me have a so-so set of aftermarkets that have been kerbed or suffered badly in the winter salt you could do far worse than give them a call. They have some introductory opening offers on in the first month, so if you are prompt you can get a good deal too. I'll certainly be taking my OEM Speedline's up to be done when I get a bit more cash reserve built up.
Here are a few photos I took during the collection process, but haven't been able to do the wheels any justice as it is absolutely tipping it down outside.
Once again many thanks to the Wheel Specialist team for doing such a great job and restoring some cosmetic quality back to my pride and joy!
Their website: http://www.thewheelspecialist.co.uk/File/SwindonDetails.php
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