Just a little fired up...Wheel Repair?

[sdkkv]

I got new tires put on yesterday and when I went to pick the car up I noticed a "white line" around one of the front wheels. Upon closer inspection, the "white line" was a gouge about 3/8" in from the edge and went about 1/2 way around the wheel. Of course that wasn't the only wheel...yep...they got every single one of them. The shop said "no way our machine could do that...it's a special machine".

They've since agreed to pay for repairs to the wheels. He got pretty quiet when I told him the price to replace the factory 18" Sport Design wheels.

Anyone have any experience with this type of repair? I've seen the companies advertised but haven't seen what they can do myself.

Thanks,

Scott Vickery
Jacksonville, FL

[Rail26]

I shredded a tire on I-10 due to those freakin' truck treads. When I took my rim in for a new tire I took a digital picture just in case they tried to give me the same run around. I have learned that painful lesson before.

[Brucelee]

If you have painted alloys, the repair is farily straightforward IF YOU GET THE RIGHT GUY!

You want to use the technique where they slightly buff/grind the edge of the rim all the way around the wheel; they then paint it to match.

You DO NOT want anyone who is going to use filler or bondo on the rim.

Make sense?

[KRZTACO]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

If you have painted alloys, the repair is farily straightforward IF YOU GET THE RIGHT GUY!

You want to use the technique where they slightly buff/grind the edge of the rim all the way around the wheel; they then paint it to match.

You DO NOT want anyone who is going to use filler or bondo on the rim.

Make sense?

Very true, the guy usually is a mobile guy that should come to you. He can take care of this pretty quickly, and they will look brand new!

KRZ

[pinoyfiend]

I've used KwickSilver Wheel Pros in San Francisco, CA they specialize in high end rims for Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, etc. They do a lot of custom work. "Fuhrius" got his $5000 Kinesis wheels fixed there too. Let me know if you want their information.

[jtucker]

When I had my Miata, I got some curb rash on one wheel. I got it repaired for $112. I think they had to use some filler, but you could not tell where the the repair was after they finnished.

[deliriousga]

It's a very simple repair. I'm doing my phone dials myself so I'm sure there are plenty of shops who can do a good job. Just make sure they use the right paint color and most of all they clear coat it like the original. They'll look good as new.

[sdkkv]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I checked around and found a guy that will come out to the office and look at them next week. Several people in the office have used him and have great things to say. I have one tiny spot of curb rash so I'll get that fixed at the same time.

One question though...a few people mentioned paint? Are these painted?

[deliriousga]

I'm not sure if those are painted or not. I have the turbo twist wheels.

One thing my PO said was every time he took the car in he would go around it with the guy at the desk and show him "there are no scratches or knicks on the wheels" and have that put on the ticket. A good idea I started using after that just in case.

[sdkkv]

Originally Posted by deliriousga

I'm not sure if those are painted or not. I have the turbo twist wheels.

One thing my PO said was every time he took the car in he would go around it with the guy at the desk and show him "there are no scratches or knicks on the wheels" and have that put on the ticket. A good idea I started using after that just in case.

That sounds like a great idea...