Alloy wheel deep scratch :-( What to do?

[Big Tone]

My friend bought a brand new Fiat 500c Sport some weeks ago and she's very upset at new scratches which have appeared on her alloy wheels.

It looks as though the two nearside have touched a curb; front one is worse. Neither of us, (I drive it more than her), have the faintest idea who, where, when and how it happened But no matter...

It is her Pride and Joy, and I can understand her upset. The scratches are quite deep. So what are her options either to polish, linish and/or respray or other? (Buying new ones is not an option as I imagine they'll cost a fortune and I don't buy knock-offs ). I get conflicting opinions on whether they're brushed or sprayed lacquered etc.

As a general point; what a crap idea to have the alloy wheels protruding from the tyres. And for what...? . I've seen some fancy cars where they stick out further and they look like black Japanned. Good luck with them I say

 

[Burnerman]

You have quite a few alternatives, Big T - all I can say is that I don't like the idea of the mobile repair units.....I'd be much happier knowing that the tyre was to be taken off the rim, repaired, painted then sprayed with an oven bake. The quicker option is to just break the tyre bead and mask up the tyre etc before repainting.
If you visit a local bodyshop, they'll be able to recommend someone or they could maybe repair on site.
Expect £70 for a repair, £400 (approx guess) for a new wheel.
John

 

[stuartturbo]

Top tip when refurbed. Try
wider tyre if on a 205 go to 215
Look for a tyre with a good rim protector on i used goodyear gsd3 but look around
AlloyGator rim guard never used them but a college does as does the local funeral parlor

 

[luke_vibert_uk]

If you want to change the tyre sizes (and there issues in doing that) the wider tyre wont make a difference... you need a deeper profile.

If you have the diamond cut Fiat 500 Sport wheels they can be repaired (a small weld fillet is added to the damage area and then the wheel face is turned down an recut)...about £90 a wheel.

I've got an Abarth 500 and the alloys have a protruding lip on the edge. Even with tyres with built in rim protectors, the wheel lip extends beyond the "protective" edge. With their 40 profile and normal day use they get mullered without going near any kurbs. For what its worth it might be worth trying tyres with the rim protector as a minimum.

Try
AlloyGator rim guard never used them but a college does as does the local funeral parlor

On a herse they might be ok, but on a daily run about I'd steer clear. They have reportedly come off under corning load and typically flail about until they come off the wheel for good....usually damaging the body work in the process.

 

[Trazor]

It looks as though the two nearside have touched a curb; front one is worse. Neither of us, (I drive it more than her), have the faintest idea who, where, when and how it happened But no matter...

If this has happened after a few weeks, then in a years time the scratches will multiply many times.
Either live with it, or buy recessed Alloys.

My wife went through the same anguish.................

 

[Ricardus]

Have a Google for alloy wheel repair - there are several companies who specialise in repairing alloys and a number of independent mobile blokes with vans who visit the car dealers.
I had mine done at a place near me for £50 a wheel (16" alloys)

Example - http://www.prestigewheelcentre.co.uk/refurbishing-price-guide-i39

 

[Big Tone]

Cheers Ricardus and thanks. You too Trazor

By coincidence, I went past an Alloy Wheel Specialist a few days ago. (Off Brum Aston Expressway).

Popped in and the quote was, (approx), 40 squid + VAT for a rim scratch and near enough 70 squid + VAT for a full refurbishment.

Because I'm a nice guy and I honestly, truly, really don't know who done it - I want to give half to the repair.

As said, or did I, she's got sooo much crap going on and this is her Pride & Joy.

So, as small as it seems, it's doin' her head in.

And she's my lodger/friend/ex.... so.


Dear Claire...

I've got a situation.... ( :Banghead: smilie).

 

[Nige F]

I`ll bet it occured @ a roadside with excess camber and 90` edged granite kerbs . You end up with a pinch point that touches the wheel rim . Eastbourne is riddled with these kerbs , and too small parking places , so you get door bangs on your car . Poxy place Though if anyone really wants to visit there - go in the Arndale car Park - good sized places /lifts/reasonable rates.

 

[Tomas3000]

Just have them especially refurbed.

There are some really good ones out there now!

 

[foxhole]

SHOULD HAVE GONE TO SPECSAVERS.