Hi everybody.
I am in the Army and it is looking like I am being made redundant shortly.
To that end I have a beautiful BMW ALPINA 100% original. I am spending a lot of time and money replacing worn parts. i.e. a complete brake system overhaul to include my wheels.
Which leads me onto my question.
The wheels on the car are original. They looked immaculate with only one wheel having a slight bit of flaking. Due to the brake overhaul I took them to my friend to get them balanced and it turns out they are out of true. I have now sent them off to be re-trued. I believe they go onto a lath and all high spots are removed to give perfect rotational balance.
Now my big question or dilemma.
As I am due to leave the Army shortly I am looking at new job openings. My thought first being a mobile wheel repairer. This could work in my favour due to my friend and his contacts.
To that end rather than spend £250-£350 getting them powder coated I was thinking about re-forming them myself. Rubbing out any corrosion, filleting and then re painting.
I have just bought a http://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product.php?tid=122&products_id=5456
I am beginning research on various methods to paint them. Water based 2k etc etc etc.
After reading up on this amazing web site I have learnt not to bother with the sandblasting route but to use paint stripper and course sand paper and possible attachment for power tools to remove corrosion.
I am also learning that I may need to buy a couple of HVLP mid range spray guns for primer, colour and then clear coat.
I am looking at buying an infra red lamp to help cure the paint.
I have time and patience on my side and I honestly thought that by investing in equipment and making a do it yourself approach the end result should look professional and factory perfect.
By using my rare ALPINA wheels I would demonstrate to my friend how good a job I can provide and then maybe open the door into mobile wheel refurb, repair, touch up.
I am not expecting to learn over night and then to buy a van and earn pop star wages but I would like to use the experience to enhance my learning and maybe lend to another string to my bow in this ever competitive world.
I am posted in Germany by the way and I am looking at settling here.
Phew. My life story all in one.
Any top tips or if any one can provide ideas or even meet up so I can learn the grass routes when I occasionally go back to the UK for courses etc.
Many many thanks for taking the time to read this I really appreciate any help, links or experience gained.
Is it worth my while spending £1000+ on a three day basic mobile wheel repair or am I throwing my money way.?
I look forward to all feedback.
Greg
I am in the Army and it is looking like I am being made redundant shortly.
To that end I have a beautiful BMW ALPINA 100% original. I am spending a lot of time and money replacing worn parts. i.e. a complete brake system overhaul to include my wheels.
Which leads me onto my question.
The wheels on the car are original. They looked immaculate with only one wheel having a slight bit of flaking. Due to the brake overhaul I took them to my friend to get them balanced and it turns out they are out of true. I have now sent them off to be re-trued. I believe they go onto a lath and all high spots are removed to give perfect rotational balance.
Now my big question or dilemma.
As I am due to leave the Army shortly I am looking at new job openings. My thought first being a mobile wheel repairer. This could work in my favour due to my friend and his contacts.
To that end rather than spend £250-£350 getting them powder coated I was thinking about re-forming them myself. Rubbing out any corrosion, filleting and then re painting.
I have just bought a http://www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/product.php?tid=122&products_id=5456
I am beginning research on various methods to paint them. Water based 2k etc etc etc.
After reading up on this amazing web site I have learnt not to bother with the sandblasting route but to use paint stripper and course sand paper and possible attachment for power tools to remove corrosion.
I am also learning that I may need to buy a couple of HVLP mid range spray guns for primer, colour and then clear coat.
I am looking at buying an infra red lamp to help cure the paint.
I have time and patience on my side and I honestly thought that by investing in equipment and making a do it yourself approach the end result should look professional and factory perfect.
By using my rare ALPINA wheels I would demonstrate to my friend how good a job I can provide and then maybe open the door into mobile wheel refurb, repair, touch up.
I am not expecting to learn over night and then to buy a van and earn pop star wages but I would like to use the experience to enhance my learning and maybe lend to another string to my bow in this ever competitive world.
I am posted in Germany by the way and I am looking at settling here.
Phew. My life story all in one.
Any top tips or if any one can provide ideas or even meet up so I can learn the grass routes when I occasionally go back to the UK for courses etc.
Many many thanks for taking the time to read this I really appreciate any help, links or experience gained.
Is it worth my while spending £1000+ on a three day basic mobile wheel repair or am I throwing my money way.?
I look forward to all feedback.
Greg
