Ciao I have had my Ferrari's (308) wheels refinished less than a year and a half ago by Custom Cars. Recently, I noticed they have all developed 'wrinkles' (not cracks. they are raised) as seen in this photo http://www.ezaic.de/pictures/fwheel_deterioration.jpg Does anyone what that is/why it would happen, and maybe how to stop it? The shop was relatively helpful but more or less said it was normal, which is sliiightly perplexing.
Not normal! I'm surprised Custom Cars told you that, they're a quality shop. Do a search on Chat; there have been other posts about this. By the way, that's not oxidation; it's checking, crazing, cracking or alligatoring of the paint.
I was surprized as well, but ... Dino has said it is normal if the wheels are not stripped. I do not know if they were stripped or not*. I simply asked them to refinish the wheels - receipt indicates repair + finish. *Dino offered to strip and repaint them again for between $2000-$2500. Previously, I had paid about half that, which suggests the wheels were not stripped. To convolute the matter, I have now been told that unless the wheels are stripped there is no warranty. However, in the tech section, DaveHanda mentions that the 'checking, crazing' etc happens if the wheels _are_ stripped. Bizarre ... Does anyone have recommendations for another shop? George
al·li·ga·tor·ing (ăl'ĭ-gā'tər-ĭng) n. The formation of cracks on the surface of paint layers. [From the resemblance of the cracks to the pattern of an alligator's scales.] SO THERE!
George, Did you get a guaranty from Custom Cars? If so, bring the wheels back until they get them right. The body/paint shops that I've dealt with, give a lifetime guaranty on their workmanship. Skip
I guess that you DO learn something every day! I never heard that term used in that reference before. But,yes,it certainly DOES look like that.... Maybe if/once/ever the whole car gets like that,I'll just paint it Green and be done with it.....
After informing them about the problem, I was told that Custom Cars offers no guarantee unless the wheels are stripped. This had not been mentioned before. In our conversation, Dino indicated that Custom Cars does not view the paint deterioration as a workmanship problem. So, are these body/paint shops that you have dealt with in the Chicago area?
Skip, since Custom Cars apparently doesn't offer this guarantee, would you mind suggesting some of the shops that do. Honestly, I don't necessarily care about a life time guarantee, but I would like the work to last at least 5 years or so. Pity about Custom Cars though.
When my 308 got crashed last yr. I had McCabe Automotive do the work. The guys there are great. He refinished all my wheels as they had some curb rash from the previos owner. My wheels look as new!!! his name is Skip McCabe 847-949-8340. Tell him Dan Giacalone sent you!!!! He knows many ferrari club members and has restored many winners.
Many thanks Dan. Glad they did a nice job on your Ferrari. Some questions: Do you have some photos? Do you know if the wheels were stripped? What was the price? Thanks, George.
Call Cork Adams at Precision Wire Wheel. He retores Cromodoras on a daily basis. Just did the spare for my Daytona, looks so good will have him do the other 4 this fall. I wouldn't let anyone else touch them. Fair price too ~$300 per wheel as I recall. Precision wire wheel Cork Adams 412 S. Tenth St. Quincy Il, 62301 217-228-8315 Best, Mark
