Is this normal for Stainless steel refinish jobs?

[TheDoctorReal]

New to the boards!

Awesome information. I did a search, but, did not find what I was looking for.

I got a set of Titleist 962B's on the cheap from Ebay. Intention was to get them, send them to RestorationGolf to have them refinished, and then play them. I got them back the other day, and noticed that the model numbers on the back were buffed to the point where they are starting to fade (see pictures). Being that this is the first time I have had clubs refinished, I didn't know if this is normal or if I should be mentioning it to the refinisher? They look awesome, but, I was a bit worried about swing weights changing with so much metal loss, bounce, etc. I should note there was a hefty layer of lead tape over the model number when I got them. Also, some of the serial numbers are now seriously faded since the refinishing.



So, what do you think, call it good to go and play or send an email asking what is up?

[sean_miller]

I've never seen refinished stainless steel irons before - what colour were the original paintfills?

If they ground them down, does that change the swingweight?

[TheDoctorReal]

Originally it was a totally black fill. I believe they are buffed, not ground, but after seeing the amount of metal that was removed I am not so sure.

I do not know if the grind/buff changed the swingweight, that is kinda what I am trying to figure out.

[sean_miller]

It could be the red. It sort of makes the numbers look stamped, like forged irons (where each irons looks slightly different / unique).

[TheDoctorReal]

No, I do not think it is the red color, some of the irons have their model stamps well intact while others are faded, as you can see in the first shot. That is by far the worst of the whole set. Some of the irons have a nice solid stamp still while others are a bit faded as in the pictures. I don't really give a hoot about being able to see the model number, it is more the swing weight I am worried about.

[sean_miller]

No, I do not think it is the red color, some of the irons have their model stamps well intact while others are faded, as you can see in the first shot. That is by far the worst of the whole set. Some of the irons have a nice solid stamp still while others are a bit faded as in the pictures. I don't really give a hoot about being able to see the model number, it is more the swing weight I am worried about.

Do you have a picture of if before getting the work done?

Honestly, I think the one in the first pic looks fine - different but fine. I think that's how it was made.

[motteler621]

not trying to sound mean or harsh, but I think you could of done a better job yourself with a metal polishing pad from lowes,

[TheDoctorReal]

I know, I was thinking the same thing myself, but, a guy I spoke with said that they did awesome jobs on restorations, so, I trusted them.

not trying to sound mean or harsh, but I think you could of done a better job yourself with a metal polishing pad from lowes,

[motteler621]

I would say something if I were you, thats a very bad job. Here is the sample picture of what their stainless steel restoration should look like, the pic is straight from their website.

[motteler621]

on your refinished irons, it looks like they just took sandpaper to them.

[TheDoctorReal]

Yes it does. Looks like the used a bench sander.

I just wanted to update everyone on the solution so I am not trashing a company. I contacted RestorationGolf this morning and they immediately offered a replacement set of irons (same make, model, and condition) as the ones I sent them to be refinished. The lead guy, Adam, was really upfront and understanding about the whole issue. Though a explaination for the reason for the severe grind was not provided, he did offer another refinished set of 962Bs with the same shaft and grip, which I think is acceptable. I do, of course, have to send my 962Bs back to them, which is no problem, since they also put the wrong grips on (noticed this morning they gave me Winn W6s instead of Winn W5s) when I sent them in. I will update again when I recieve my replacement irons and the whole process is complete, but, so far it looks like they are standing by their satisfaction guarentee, which is nice to see out of a company.

on your refinished irons, it looks like they just took sandpaper to them.

[wolverine_man]

Is it normal? No. That is a terrible refinish job and one I would refuse to pay for.

[motteler621]

Yes it does. Looks like the used a bench sander.

well thats good. I do like the color of paint they used. I would even ask them if they could send you a pic of the replacement irons first.

[TheDoctorReal]

The pictures of the clubs I am to get is part of the agreement, he volunteered to send me those pictures, which is reassuring. That said, no pictures yet, but all of this within four hours of the initial complaint is good service to me.

well thats good. I do like the color of paint they used. I would even ask them if they could send you a pic of the replacement irons first.

[TheDoctorReal]

So, the latest chapter.

They decided to replace the irons, but, they did not have a PW in stock of matching shaft. They asked me if I could keep the wedge I had from the set I am sending back. I say sure, as the initial look-over yielded nothing of worry. So, all seems to be resolved, until I am at the range after work and look at the leading sole edge of the club and this is what I see.



There is a divot ground into the leading edge of the wedge. Pretty decent one at that...

Now, I don't mean to be a douche (can I say that here?) but I think I am owed an explaination as to what the hell happened to my irons when they were refinished. I mean, the back of the irons is one thing, grinding a dawn divot into my wedge brings this to a whole new level of low.

[motteler621]

ha wow. I would just have them switch out the shaft of your ruined one and put it into the PW they have with the wrong shaft and then send it to you.