Wheels set in motion for alloy specialist

Feb 12 2009 by Graeme King, The Journal

A NEW business opening up in Westerhope in Newcastle is putting its faith in the pride people show in their cars to see it through the current downturn.

The Wheel Specialist has recently opened for business on Newbiggin Lane in Westerhope, close to Anderson & Garland auctioneers.

Owners John and Linda Walsh know the new car market is struggling with sales down around 30% annually, but they believe those not investing in buying a new vehicle will still be keen to look after their old car.

The couple say they can work with any kind of customer – whether boy racers or classic car enthusiasts, and say the results they achieve refurbishing alloy wheeels can make old look like new.

Linda said: “People can drive their car here in the morning, leave it, and then pick the car up again in the evening.

“We take the wheels off, dip them in acid, then apply a powder coat finish with a lacquer. We have a display rack with lots of refurbished alloy wheels. When I first walked in, I thought they were new.”

The Wheel Specialist opened for business in mid January and trade has been pretty swift since, with all makes of car – from a Dodge, to a Porsche, to a more mundane Ford Orion and everything in between.

Linda said: “If you look at the car market just now, sales are down and people are hanging on to what they have got to do them up.

“We are confident there is a good market place for us here.”