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My Wheel Vintques meltdown

Started by twodko, January 21, 2011, 07:43:54 PM

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quadram4

But tufcat, u dnt drive ur car!  lol
Hungry Dago

TUFCAT

Bob, you're thinking about my old mans 'Cuda...  ;)

twodko

I wish my new Mag500's were in the shape of yours Tufcat. Paint flaking off my new wheels is unacceptable. Wheel Vintiqies clearly knew this was a problem. Their fix to appease customers is to offer a rattle can repair. Again, unacceptable to me.  I've begun the process with WV to reconcile this.
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

TUFCAT

I agree with you 100% Tom.

I'd be pissed if my wheels were peeling - even after five years...then I'd be EVEN MORE pissed! :flame:

I've put over 1,000 miles and washed mine several times in the past five years.

Remember, the original manufacture Motor Wheel was able to get this process right the first time....and made paint stick to the original chrome wheels over 40 years ago!  Don't give me shit about paint "not-sticking" to chrome these days. :flame:

Geez, if the paint stuck 40 years ago, "quality control" is a no brainer.  :2thumbs:

Unless of course.... they only want to cut costs and sell an inferior quality part.  :Twocents: :Twocents:

Rolling_Thunder

Ummm -  maybe i am a little over thinking the process -  paint doesnt stick to chrome worth a damn -  break out some sand paper and sand the chrome where the black paint goes - then repaint ?    Granted, that is labor intensive and a PITA - but shouldn't that solve the problem ?   
1968 Dodge Charger - 6.1L Hemi / 6-speed / 3.55 Sure Grip

2013 Dodge Challenger R/T - 5.7L Hemi / 6-speed / 3.73 Limited Slip

1964 Dodge Polara 500 - 440 / 4-speed / 3.91 Sure Grip

1973 Dodge Challenger Rallye - 340 / A-518 / 3.23 Sure Grip

Cooter

Quote from: Rolling_Thunder on January 25, 2011, 12:35:42 PM
Ummm -  maybe i am a little over thinking the process -  paint doesnt stick to chrome worth a damn -  break out some sand paper and sand the chrome where the black paint goes - then repaint ?    Granted, that is labor intensive and a PITA - but shouldn't that solve the problem ?   


Amen....I wished I had someone that would even THINK about doing something for me everytime I bought something at the shop that wasn't correct, or didn't perform up to "claims"....Most the time, I get the same response....
" I have spent thousands of dollars and countless hours researching what works and what doesn't and I'm willing to share"

ACUDANUT

Quote from: Cooter on January 25, 2011, 12:49:05 PM
Quote from: Rolling_Thunder on January 25, 2011, 12:35:42 PM
Ummm -  maybe i am a little over thinking the process -  paint doesnt stick to chrome worth a damn -  break out some sand paper and sand the chrome where the black paint goes - then repaint ?    Granted, that is labor intensive and a PITA - but shouldn't that solve the problem ?  


Amen....I wished I had someone that would even THINK about doing something for me everytime I bought something at the shop that wasn't correct, or didn't perform up to "claims"....Most the time, I get the same response....
Yea, or to aluminum. :Twocents:

The70RT

I remember someone on here that did light sand blasting to a chrome bumper then painted it and it held up...but that would be more of a pita.
<br /><br />Uploaded with ImageShack.us

twodko

Hey gang,

I couldn't wait to share this special day with you all. After seeing the paint flaking off my new WV Mag500's, I emailed them about this small issue. Their gracious responce was to send me some "touch-up" paint. I'm happy to report this "fix" arrived today. I thought I'd share a couple pix with my mopar peeps.

The can has no label, I can understand why that might be.
The cans appears to have old glue on it.....maybe from the label.
Finally, the can has been used at some point. They didn't even clean the nozzle.

Happy days.
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

DougMN

I think you are missing the point on the spray can. You are suppose to use what you need on your wheels, and then send it to the guy that bought wheels after you. Then he sends the can to the next guy on the list, see.

terrible one

Hahaha! Wow. I know it's a serious situation and I feel for you but that is pretty funny, especially that it is used!  :hah:

TUFCAT


komninon

 i still have the spray can in the box. i wonder if mine is used too......
i got a quote to fix all the wheels for $475. i am thinking when i save that $475 i would rather buy a different set of wheels instead of  fixing them and still advertising their product.

Old Moparz

Quote from: DougMN on January 25, 2011, 08:54:27 PM
I think you are missing the point on the spray can. You are suppose to use what you need on your wheels, and then send it to the guy that bought wheels after you. Then he sends the can to the next guy on the list, see.


:smilielol:


Anyone wanting to respray their wheels & doesn't want to buy a masking kit or spend a lot of time masking it off with tape, here's an idea that I've used with no trouble.....

Cover the 5 spokes with a light coat of thick grease. I spread it onto the areas that I don't want painted, then spray the paint. Sounds too simple? Well, it worked for me & when the paint was dry I wiped the grease off the chrome.   :Twocents:
               Bob               



              Going Nowhere In A Hurry

twodko

It's a chain can! Now I got it.  :smilielol:
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

bull

Quote from: Rolling_Thunder on January 25, 2011, 12:35:42 PM
Ummm -  maybe i am a little over thinking the process -  paint doesnt stick to chrome worth a damn -  break out some sand paper and sand the chrome where the black paint goes - then repaint ?    Granted, that is labor intensive and a PITA - but shouldn't that solve the problem ?  

You're not overthinking the problem, you're just not identifying it correctly. I believe the point is that if it's possible to get the paint to stick to those lug nut areas on new wheels, Wheel Vintiques should be doing it instead of the customer.

Quote from: twodko on January 25, 2011, 07:51:40 PM
Hey gang,

I couldn't wait to share this special day with you all. After seeing the paint flaking off my new WV Mag500's, I emailed them about this small issue. Their gracious responce was to send me some "touch-up" paint. I'm happy to report this "fix" arrived today. I thought I'd share a couple pix with my mopar peeps.

The can has no label, I can understand why that might be.
The cans appears to have old glue on it.....maybe from the label.
Finally, the can has been used at some point. They didn't even clean the nozzle.

Happy days.

Wow. That's pathetic. At this point I'd return the wheels and demand a refund. I don't know what you paid for the WV Magnums but with the Specialty group buy they're around $120 each, or were when it started.

dads_69

In my opinion, I would just redo the wheels myself. Yes, masking it up is time consuming, but the way I look at it will be done correctly this time, and if not, then the blame is yours, not trying to stir the pot here either FYI.
The rattle can paint sent to you may be like car paint, which can be put into an aresol can they sent you vs Krylon.
My suggestion is mask chrome part of wheel, sand black off using 240 or 320 grit paper, after completed, re-mask, seal and paint. As stated, paint will not stick to any chrome area whatsoever.
Goodluck and yes, it does suck, but hey, at least you have the wheels and they are not bent or rusting, correct? Trying to be an optimist here..

Mark
Hey, you can hate the game but don't hate the player.

twodko

Were I to chose repairing the wheels myself your procedures would be the course I'd take. Mark I appreciate your thoughts, it means a lot to me to hear the opinions of the membership. Ultimately I may have to make the repairs muself.
Its the principle behind this that has me fried. I bought from Wheel Vintiques in good faith expecting a solid product. I'm sure WV makes many other products that are well made. Their Magnum500's are not. Considering the bag of samolians I paid for these wheels I expect no less than a well made product. The last thing I need is to be involved in a pissing match with some company. I will not be walked on, I will not be treated as so much consumer detritus and I have to take this as far as I can. I'm not a sheep and I don't roll over.
I'm waiting for their reply to a lengthy letter I sent to them including receipts etc. It would be easy and the right thing to do for them to reconcile this to my satisfaction. I hope for this outcome. If not its game on.
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

charger Downunder

When i did mine i just cleaned them with wax and grease remover and painted over what was left with VHT high temperature Roll bar and chassis, satin black.
[/quote]

resq302

Well, I ran into a similar situation when I restored my original magnum 500 rims.  I had the satin black area crack and peel and like you, had the satin chrome still behind it that did not get scuffed up enough.  I ended up having to strip them all down and repaint them.  Now granted, these are original rims that have the satin chrome or nickel finish on the spokes vs. high polished chrome like the current repros are.  I do feel your paint as it is a royal pain in the ass to get around the area where the lug nuts go but generally Ive found if you want something done right, 90% of the time anymore you have to do it yourself since no one gives a damn or takes pride in there work or product they put out.
Brian
1969 Dodge Charger (factory 4 speed, H code 383 engine,  AACA Senior winner, 2008 Concours d'Elegance participant, 2009 Concours d'Elegance award winner)
1970 Challenger Convert. factory #'s matching red inter. w/ white body.  318 car built 9/28/69 (AACA Senior winner)
1969 Plymough GTX convertible - original sheet metal, #'s matching drivetrain, T3 Honey Bronze, 1 of 701 produced, 1 of 362 with 440 4 bbl - auto

RECHRGD

They obviously have changed something in the manufacturing process in recent years.  TUFCAT has had no problems and as I previously stated I've gone 35K miles with them and have no issues.  I would ask them what has changed.  They should not cheapen the product and rely on their previously good reputation to sell it.
13.53 @ 105.32

RamZCharger

I recently bought Magnums from Specialty Wheels, with the group buy discount.  I was very pleased with the customer service over there, and would highly recommend Kelly.  I also purchased Shelby cragars for my 65 Mustang, and really do like those guys.  However, when I had the tires mounted and wheels put on my Charger - I was in the garage watching, the paint just flaked off around the lug nuts.  The wheel tech took a lot of care with me hovering, and I could get the paint to flake with my finger.  This is before I had any miles on the wheels.  I'll be masking and painting them myself.  Seems we are not alone with this issue.

twodko

Here is the first letter I've sent to WV, I'll be hammering them today if I still have no response from them.

                                                                                        January 23, 2011


Dear Wheel Vintiques,

I sent an email to you on Friday with regard to the paint flaking off my new
Magnum 500 chrome wheels. Eric responded promptly by saying:

"Sorry that you are having a paint issue. If you email me your address I can send you some paint to touch them up. Unfortunately they are almost four months old and out of our 30day warranty period."

Thank you Eric for you timely reply and please understand this letter is not directed at
you. This letter is directed at the CEO and QC of Wheel Vintiques. Let me be clear here, I am not having a "paint issue" with my new wheels you are having a "paint issue". I made the assumption that the wheels I purchased, and the finish thereon, would be in keeping with the good reputation of your company. So far my trust in your company's products has been poorly placed.
I am a member of an online vintage mopar forum. I posted a thread on it about this
problem. It appears other buyers have had this very same costly failure on chromed or
billet aluminum Magnum 500 wheels purchased from Wheel Vintiques. I regret being unaware of this costly problem with your Mag 500 wheels.  My question is, if Wheel Vintiques knew this type of finish failure occurs, and you certainly did or you wouldn't be so quick offering a rattle can "fix" for these wheels, why didn't you provide a disclaimer to this effect? Buyers would then have had the option of purchasing this
specific product of yours or not. After we purchase these expensive wheels and shortly there after discover the paint flakes off, our only remedy is the offered spray can of "touch up" paint. This is a deceptive business practice, dishonest and is outrageous to say the least. Its obvious Wheel Vintiques knew about the paint flaking off these wheels and chose to ignore the problem and continued selling a defective product to unsuspecting customers. This is fraud.
How can you allow your company to be put in the position of having to defend a problem with one of your products that is indefensible? If you are an American company your business ethics are now in serious question.
I'm told my wheels are "almost 4 months old and are out of their 30 day warranty period". This is my exact point, my wheels are only 4 months old! Few if any would think to closely examine their new wheels during the first 30 days of ownership for defects? Why would we? I didn't discover this failure until I washed my car and had paint coming off on a towel! A consumer makes a purchase with the expectation of a quality product. A professional reputable dealer orders your product and installs them on a customer's car. We happily drive off believing we have a quality product only to find out shortly thereafter it is not a quality product and in this case obviously displays premature failure of its fit or finish. I bought 6 wheels from you fully expecting a quality product free of defects. I spent $900+ for substandard, failed finish wheels I am now stuck with. Yes, that is correct, I am "stuck" with these wheels and now can not afford to purchase another set of wheels from a quality manufacturer. A manufacturer who will stand by their products and not a company whose response is, "Sorry about your problem but here's a can of spray paint". Would this be another example of arrogant corporate America saying, "we have your money now so go fish!"? Sadly, it appears to be the case.
I want and hope Wheel Vintiques will stand up and do the right thing for me and all your customers. I cannot expect to recoup sales tax or installation costs but I do want Wheel Vintiques to refund my money for the 6 wheels I bought from you or exchange these wheels for another set of different wheels. Enclosed you will find copies of my sales receipts for the wheels in dispute.

Respectfully,


Tom Owens
FLY NAVY/Marine Corps or take the bus!

dads_69

Wow. Refund for wheels, well goodluck to you with that. I'm just glad my charger won't be a show car only and a driver thank goodness.
Hey, you can hate the game but don't hate the player.

resq302

Tom,

At this point, the only thing I would settle for is to get a price from a professional shop and have WV reimburse you that cost of correcting them since the new set they might send you could do the same thing. This way you could either send them out and have a pro do them or you can possibly save some money and get it done yourself.
Brian
1969 Dodge Charger (factory 4 speed, H code 383 engine,  AACA Senior winner, 2008 Concours d'Elegance participant, 2009 Concours d'Elegance award winner)
1970 Challenger Convert. factory #'s matching red inter. w/ white body.  318 car built 9/28/69 (AACA Senior winner)
1969 Plymough GTX convertible - original sheet metal, #'s matching drivetrain, T3 Honey Bronze, 1 of 701 produced, 1 of 362 with 440 4 bbl - auto