ALLOY WHEEL
RE-MANUFACTURE

As well as providing high quality bodywork repair services, ECS also provides OEM alloy wheel remanufacturing to corporate, trade, insurance, and retail customers.

 

In January 2019 when due to repeated customer requests to repair diamond cut alloys, we invested in a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Lathe. This was as far as we thought it would go until we purchased the first of only two purpose built, semi-automatic, conveyorized powder coating system in Scotland.

 

Our system, along with coatings, means we remanufacture your alloys to OE standards using our 7 stage remanufacturing process.

 

Currently we are the only business in Edinburgh and the Lothians providing this state-of-the-art remanufacturing service and finish.

 

Whether you are a vehicle owner looking to revive your alloy wheel, or a bodyshop/corporate/insurer looking for a contract or partnership with our remanufacturing process, we will always be happy to discuss your needs.

Remanufacture v’s Refurbishment

Unlike alloy wheel refurbishment, we will not just aim for what we think is right. With every repair, and coating, carried out we will return your wheels to the manufacturer’s factory specification using our OEM equipment and products.

Alloy Wheels: What’s the difference?

Alloy wheels are generally fitted as typical equipment for vehicles nowadays. These fall into two main categories, Diamond Cut or Standard.

The difference between the two is in the stages of work after colour has been applied to the wheel:

 

 

 

Standard Alloys

 

Once the colour has been applied, the standard alloy will then have a topcoat of lacquer applied to complete a 5 stage process.

 

Diamond Cut Alloys

 

Following the colour stage, diamond cut wheels will be placed in a CNC lathe to have the top surface cut to a depth of less than 1mm. This provides the wheel with a “two tone” finish where the inner surface of the wheel is left with colour and the outer face is left with a shiny metallic surface. After the wheel has been cut, a topcoat of lacquer is applied to complete the 7 stage process.

Our 7 Stage Process

Stage 1 - Damage Assessment

Upon arrival, and if fitted, tyres, weights & valves are carefully removed. Tyres & wheels are individually quality assessed for damage and buckles.

Should a buckle be found, we will then straighten your wheel to enable cutting at a later stage.

Stage 2 - Chemical Stripping/Preparation

Our specially formulated hot alkaline process will strip and remove your old, worn out, paint and lacquer in a much less aggressive manner than cold acid stripping used by others. Not only is the process better for your wheel but it is also safer for our staff and the environment alike.

Stage 3 - Priming

A process called de-gassing & pre-heating is conducted to burn off any remaining contaminants. Powder coating primer is then applied to ensure excellent physical & visual properties. After primer application, all wheels are conveyed through our bespoke high temperature curing oven, at a fixed time and temperature.

Stage 4 - Base Coat & Lacquer

All wheels are manually quality checked prior to further application of an OE approved range of environmentally friendly water-based colours. After wet colour application, original equipment quality powder coating alloy wheel acrylic is applied.

Stage 5 - Quality Control (Standard Alloys)

The fully coated wheel is cured within our specially designed curing oven, ensuring that excellent flow and glass-like clarity are achieved, mirroring where possible the original finish quality. After remanufacturing is completed, and a quality control visual inspection sign-off is in place, all wheels are rebuilt with valves & tyres, prior to being balanced, for proud return to our clients.

Stage 6 - Diamond Cut Two Tone Finish

To cut the surface of the wheel it is placed in a CNC lathe and the surface contours are plotted. A thin surface of less than a mm is then cut off. This gives the wheel the two-tone finish. After this process, the wheel is then returned to the spray booth for the topcoat.

Stage 7 - Quality Control (Diamond Cut)

The fully coated wheel is cured within our specially designed curing oven, ensuring that excellent flow and glass-like clarity are achieved, mirroring where possible the original finish quality. After remanufacture is completed, and quality control visual inspection sign-off is in place, all wheels are rebuilt with valves & tyres, prior to being laser balanced, for proud return to our clients.

Wheel Straightening Service

Structural damage to wheels caused by potholes is very common. Your wheels can either become buckled or suffer from flat spot on the inner lip.

 

At the least this could be an advisory on your MOT but in the worst-case scenario it could be the reason for a fail.

 

Although you might not see it, tell-tale signs of a wheel that is buckled, or has a flat spot, could be vibration felt through the steering wheel or the car. This could in turn cause uneven or excessive wear to tyres and suspension components, costing you more in the long run.

Our alloy wheel straightening service reshapes the area(s) of the wheel that have been affected, providing you an efficient and safe wheel for your vehicle.

 

Alloy wheel straightening is a specialist job, and our trained technicians are there to help provide you the best service for your vehicle. In most circumstances we can even complete the work on the same day.

 

Our aim when straightening alloy wheels is to get them as close to perfect whilst retaining the structural integrity of the wheel.

WHY NOT ASK ABOUT OUR SAME DAY EXPRESS SERVICE

We also provide a full accident repair service, from minor bumps and scrapes to replacement panels.

Our aim is to provide you with the simplest, most professional experience you can encounter in the car bodywork repair sector.

 

Call us on 0131 629 1415 or send us an email now.

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