Cascaval alloy refurbishment?

[Borris]

Our new Bus is due to materialise soon. We ordered it with a 17" chassis. So the choice was Cascavals or Cascavals. So long story short, we went for Cascavals.

Now the thing is, I would have much preferred Devonports but alas they weren't an option. My main issue with Cascavals is that I'm not a fan of more complicated wheel designs as they have to be cleaned. The Devonports are a simple design that are a doddle to look after. The other issue is that the Cascavals have a more complicated finish with clear coated diamond turned alloy with anthracite details. Judging by some I've seen I suspect that they might be more easily damaged.

So here's my question: Before I make the decision as to whether to keep the Cascavals or look for a set of a Devonports, I would like to know how much the Cascavals cost to refurbish. They look expensive. Can anyone please advise me?

 

[Fast Freddie]

Our local specialist wheel refurbish Company would charge about £130 for a full strip, powder coat and remachining of the diamond cut finish, then re clearcoat per wheel. that assumes the damage was not too severe and the wheels were still true.

Hope that helps.

 

[blondebier]

Hi Borris,

My understanding is that the Cascavels were an option on the T5's and these were not machine cut like they were on the T6. I'm guessing you are concerned about the corrosion appearing on the exposed metal of the T6 version?

I'd suggest giving Lepsons a call. They're based in Gillingham and do a superb job. I haven't found anywhere in the south east that I'd rather use.

See here: https://www.lepsons.com/

It would certainly be possible to refurbish the new ones, but it might be cheaper to sell them and buy a set that is already fully painted.

 

[Elmo3]

Why not look out for a set of new Davenports or offer to swap (plus a bit of cash) with a new Cali owner who is after some Cascavels? I also really like Davenports, just picked up a second set to run on winter tyres.

 

[Borris]

Our local specialist wheel refurbish Company would charge about £130 for a full strip, powder coat and remachining of the diamond cut finish, then re clearcoat per wheel. that assumes the damage was not too severe and the wheels were still true.

Hope that helps.

Thanks very much,
That gives me something to go on.

 

[Borris]

Hi Borris,

My understanding is that the Cascavels were an option on the T5's and these were not machine cut like they were on the T6. I'm guessing you are concerned about the corrosion appearing on the exposed metal of the T6 version?

I'd suggest giving Lepsons a call. They're based in Gillingham and do a superb job. I haven't found anywhere in the south east that I'd rather use.

See here: https://www.lepsons.com/

It would certainly be possible to refurbish the new ones, but it might be cheaper to sell them and buy a set that is already fully painted.

Yes you're right. I've seen many wheels like these that have corroded under the lacquer. I also believe that you aren't supposed to go near them with a jet washer for the same reason. I don't want anything that's high maintenance and costly to refurb. On the other hand the Devonports are just the usual silver painted finish possibly with a lacquered top coat. I've had them before and after three and a half years they still looked as good as new.

Now you come to mention it, I've used Lepsons before with other vehicles I've owned and have always been pleased with thier work. I'll give them a call.

As for selling or swapping, that's very much on the cards.

 

[Borris]

Why not look out for a set of new Davenports or offer to swap (plus a bit of cash) with a new Cali owner who is after some Cascavels? I also really like Davenports, just picked up a second set to run on winter tyres.

I may end up doing just that. Not keen on the "plus a bit of cash" bit though. I'm already having to pay a King's ransom for wheels I don't really like and anyway the Devonports cost the same. Actually, I bought the last set on Ebay for £450! They were brand new with just delivery miles. Mind you prices seem to have picked up since then. Our dealer says he should have a set somewhere as they are always removing them from new vehicles when owners want fancy ones instead. The only question is how much will he want for a set?

Why do VW not offer Beach buyers the Devonports? If I'd ordered a Caravelle I could have had a much wider choice incl Devonports. Why restrict the choice? It makes no sense.

 

[Billy]

The problem we have found with diamond cut alloys is the refurbishment is so expensive ( last time I paid £180 per wheel) it is normally cheaper to just replace the whole wheel or look on eBay for a replacement . Also we have had two sets of diamond cut alloys in the past and they never last more than a couple of years as you start to get water marks on them even if you are really careful. Not fit for purpose TBH

 

[Sandyvan]

The problem we have found with diamond cut alloys is the refurbishment is so expensive ( last time I paid £180 per wheel) it is normally cheaper to just replace the whole wheel or look on eBay for a replacement . Also we have had two sets of diamond cut alloys in the past and they never last more than a couple of years as you start to get water marks on them even if you are really careful. Not fit for purpose TBH

That's why I am going to have my Bi-Dakar's powder coated satin black once I get a set of steels to put on. also you can only have diamond cut alloys refurbed a limited number of times, as before lacquering they are turned on a lath which removes material.

 

[B J G]

I was quoted about £500 for 4 to be refurbished. Decided that it was more sensible to get a new set of alloys with Winter Grade paint finish.
Definitely won't touch diamond cut wheels again after having them on an EOS and Cali. with dreaded 'fungus' looking corrosion despite regular cleaning etc.
Had Black painted wheels on my Wife's Citroen instead of standard Diamond Cut ones. Only a £350 extra including wider tyres and 1" larger diameter rims. Unlike VW's nearly £2,000 extra for the same increases.

 

[Elmo3]

I may end up doing just that. Not keen on the "plus a bit of cash" bit though. I'm already having to pay a King's ransom for wheels I don't really like and anyway the Devonports cost the same. Actually, I bought the last set on Ebay for £450! They were brand new with just delivery miles. Mind you prices seem to have picked up since then. Our dealer says he should have a set somewhere as they are always removing them from new vehicles when owners want fancy ones instead. The only question is how much will he want for a set?

Why do VW not offer Beach buyers the Devonports? If I'd ordered a Caravelle I could have had a much wider choice incl Devonports. Why restrict the choice? It makes no sense.

I was thinking the bit of cash would be in your favour?! I get the feeling Davenports are generally a bit cheaper because they are the standard Ocean wheel.

 

[Borris]

The problem we have found with diamond cut alloys is the refurbishment is so expensive ( last time I paid £180 per wheel) it is normally cheaper to just replace the whole wheel or look on eBay for a replacement . Also we have had two sets of diamond cut alloys in the past and they never last more than a couple of years as you start to get water marks on them even if you are really careful. Not fit for purpose TBH

Thanks for an honest answer. That's what I suspected.
I think its going to be Devonports for me.

 

[Borris]

I was thinking the bit of cash would be in your favour?! I get the feeling Davenports are generally a bit cheaper because they are the standard Ocean wheel.

Oh I see. Well I'd be all for that.

 

[Borris]

I was quoted about £500 for 4 to be refurbished. Decided that it was more sensible to get a new set of alloys with Winter Grade paint finish.
Definitely won't touch diamond cut wheels again after having them on an EOS and Cali. with dreaded 'fungus' looking corrosion despite regular cleaning etc.
Had Black painted wheels on my Wife's Citroen instead of standard Diamond Cut ones. Only a £350 extra including wider tyres and 1" larger diameter rims. Unlike VW's nearly £2,000 extra for the same increases.

Hmm. For £500 you can get a set of four Devonports with delivery miles so I think my mind is now made up.

 

[2into1]

If time permits the answer is not to pay for the 17”s as an option, but to take it as standard, buy a set of ‘new’ removed Devonports and tyres for £550 from eBay and sell your beach wheels and tyres for £350ish.

 

[Sandyvan]

If time permits the answer is not to pay for the 17”s as an option, but to take it as standard, buy a set of ‘new’ removed Devonports and tyres for £550 from eBay and sell your beach wheels and tyres for £350ish.

As 2into1 says, buy a set now and take them with you on collection day then ask the dealer to swap them, or wait until you get home then do it yourself. One set of delivery mileage wheels for sale, anything over what you shelled out for your Davenports is a bonus.

 

[RoB5urf]

I've had black Cascavals on my Beach since new (now 2.5 years). I've noticed an odd bit of discolouration on one of wheels. Its nowhere near the rim so not related to kerbing. I'll keep an eye on it but I'm not really that bothered at the moment. Actually these Cascavals have proven to be the easiest wheels I've had to keep clean. If ever they get too bad I'll ditch them in favour of some 17" steelies which I've always liked.

 

[GSX1300R]

I bought a set of Cascavels off of ebay brand new delivery miles and 235 Tyres for less than £500. Its hardly worth even thinking about refurbishment at that price...

 

[GSX1300R]

I bought a set of Cascavels off of ebay brand new delivery miles and 235 Tyres for less than £500. Its hardly worth even thinking about refurbishment at that price...

2 years later and the wheels still look like new......

 

[Elmo3]

I bought a set of Cascavels off of ebay brand new delivery miles and 235 Tyres for less than £500. Its hardly worth even thinking about refurbishment at that price...

Sounds a bargain. I reckon a delivery mileage set of black Cascavels would be £650 - 700 now. New tyres alone would cost 500. The wheels are almost throw away now.

Boris - if you are looking for a set of new Davenports, get ones with the 235 tyres. My last Cali had the 215‘s which were way less comfortable on the road than the 235’s.

 

[GSX1300R]

Sounds a bargain. I reckon a delivery mileage set of black Cascavels would be £650 - 700 now. New tyres alone would cost 500. The wheels are almost throw away now.

Boris - if you are looking for a set of new Davenports, get ones with the 235 tyres. My last Cali had the 215‘s which were way less comfortable on the road than the 235’s.

I agree with that they do seem to hold the road better that the original 215s 16 inch that came with the van. Still have them so maybe put them back on over the winter to save the 235 tyres for the summer.

 

[Borris]

If time permits the answer is not to pay for the 17”s as an option, but to take it as standard, buy a set of ‘new’ removed Devonports and tyres for £550 from eBay and sell your beach wheels and tyres for £350ish.

Time isn't an issue as I have a set of steels with winter tyres that will be fitted almost as soon as the vehicle arrives. I normally change to winters around the 1st of November depending on the long range weather forecast. I had no choice but to pay for 17" wheels as the van has 17" front brakes.

I am already on the look out for a set of new Devonports and will make a decision about advertising the Cascavals once it has arrived.

 

[Borris]

Sounds a bargain. I reckon a delivery mileage set of black Cascavels would be £650 - 700 now. New tyres alone would cost 500. The wheels are almost throw away now.

Boris - if you are looking for a set of new Davenports, get ones with the 235 tyres. My last Cali had the 215‘s which were way less comfortable on the road than the 235’s.

Yes I agree. I'm already on that.

 

[2into1]

I had no choice but to pay for 17" wheels as the van has 17" front brakes.

Ah, hadn't twigged that.

I've a set of 'new' Davenports with tyres for sale here, but you may find some more locally.

 

[Fast Freddie]

Thanks very much,
That gives me something to go on.

FYI they are based in Reading http://www.threesixtyalloys.co.uk
I am very happy with what they have done for us.