I would like to know if anyone else has been in the unfortunate position of having to have their Diamond Cuts rims refurbed??

I bought the car knowing the front two rims needed work, and I have a deal with Dealer to re-imburse when I have it done.

Problem is I have heard from a number of places, DON'T rework using Diamond Cut process!! It is a nightmare to maintain, and always in fear of lacquer being chipped and errosion getting hold.

I understand the reasons about the Diamond issues, and as a result I have been offered a number of choices of Powder Coating to have done (I will be getting all 4 done)

I have been shown:-

Bright Silver

A Silver that has Metal Flakes in it (like little diamonds)

Black Chrome

Flash Chromed

Smoked Chrome

Has anyone got any opinions, or have even had this done and can provide photos.

I have a dark grey coloured car, and the problem I have is they look great on the shelf on the example rims, but in real life on MY rims is a completely different story.

A Silver that has Metal Flakes in it (like little diamonds)

That is what I had my winter wheels done in (high sparkle silver)

I recently badly kerned a Luxon alloy on my Superb and made enquiries as to refurb cost. I was quoted £138.00 inc vat from one of the few places recommended to do a good job on diamond cut refurbs, however (to my amazement) a new alloy from SKODA was £167.00 inc VAT, so no contest and a new alloy ordered. Have you checked price of new alloy from dealer?

"kerbed'

The only problem with buying a new alloy is they will corrode again, this is why re-furbishers do not like to diamond cut them and when they do they tend not to guarantee them.

My last car was a Merc with diamond cut rims. Some were kerned when I got the car and the Merc dealer had them refurbed to make them "as new". To cut a long story short this had to be done three times, including once by Merc themselves and all three times degradation of the alloy was apparent within six months. I created such a fuss all four alloys were replaced with new by Merc after 3 years of ownership.

Good point. At the price point for a new 19" alloy from SKODA it feels more like replacing wear and tear items rather than the 'ouch' feeling of previous cars I've owned when I had to replace an alloy

"Kerbed"....

Just kiddin'......

Kerned is absolutely fine..!

WRC in Preston do diamond cutting

A Silver that has Metal Flakes in it (like little diamonds)

Correct. The picture you have included is the right affect - but I am unsure whether mine will work as they a multi spoke affairs, and the legs are only approx 1" wide, so how good would this affect look on mine.

The only problem with buying a new alloy is they will corrode again, this is why re-furbishers do not like to diamond cut them and when they do they tend not to guarantee them.

Yep that is my problem. I have a number of places that will do it, one has their own equipment and can do it in 2 days. Another garage would take 5 days as they send them away after stripping and painting (Diamond cut is final process after all painting) Each place is asking approx £80 / wheel plus VAT

As opposed to £50 - £70 / wheel for powder coating.

I regularly detail my car and have bought some wheel sealant to use when they are returned to their as new condition - to try and keep them that way.

Does anyone have any examples of refurb you have had done, anything that looks good - not necessarily the norm - would be great

Just kiddin'......

Kerned is absolutely fine..!

Those damned fingers of mine!

Can someone explain what this dimond cut is?

I would have them powder coated. I have never seen a diamond cut wheel last more than 18months in this country.

I would have them powder coated. I have never seen a diamond cut wheel last more than 18months in this country.

Would you like some salt with that sir

I'll try to take some photos over the weekend as I've just got a set where one of the rims has been diamond cut during a refurb. However I'd always thought there was a clearcoat applied after that process. I'll prise it out of the box later!

There is clearcoat applied but it doesnt last , too many sharp edges it wears off

Another ex-merc owner here :( they drove me made , a big reason I went for Luna's on the Superb

Diamond cut wheels are not for the UK, nor are split rims I feel. if you get 12 months you are doing well. I have had my super thermistos refurbed and just given a standard finish. They look fine.

If you do want them diamond cut again, Rimfurbish in West Bromwich will do diamond cutting and will guarantee the work for 6 months.

Edited 28 June, 201214 yr by j0hn

One of the reasons diamond cuts don't last, is because of the sharp edges that makes the laquer thin in these areas, just as mentioned above.

Surely these sharp edges will have the exact same effect on the powerder coat, when you get them refurbed? or do these edges get "rounded" out?

Think powder coat is thicker , its certainly harder wearing