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DIY solution to alloy wheel refurbishment?
Chaz - 9/8/09 at 08:30 PM

Has anyone had a go at DIY on your alloy wheels?

I have a few scuffs from some near misses and would like to erase the memories!

Tips, hints and links are all welcome!

designer - 9/8/09 at 10:09 PM

I read somewhere of blocking the rear wheels off the road and having the engine tick over in first and using sandpaper to sort his wheels out!

But, sounds a bit dangerous to me.

Ben_Copeland - 10/8/09 at 06:33 AM

I used metal glue, the stuff that your supposed to be able to fix engine blocks with. Sands down fine.

Fill the marks, sand and then repaint.....

nick205 - 10/8/09 at 08:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by designer
I read somewhere of blocking the rear wheels off the road and having the engine tick over in first and using sandpaper to sort his wheels out!

But, sounds a bit dangerous to me.



....

Sounds like a recipe for losing and arm to me!

afj - 10/8/09 at 08:48 AM

I ally welded a small ding sanded used hi build primer sanded again then 2 pack black easy but it took 2 days solid oh cost was ally welding free sand paper £3 primer £20 (£10 per can 1 can did 2 wheels) £40 for 2 pack paint and a borrowed gun

[Edited on 10/8/09 by afj]

flak monkey - 10/8/09 at 09:34 AM

@ £40 to £50 per wheel to have them professionally done is it worth the hassle of doing it yourself?

afj - 10/8/09 at 10:07 AM

quote:
Originally posted by flak monkey
@ £40 to £50 per wheel to have them professionally done is it worth the hassle of doing it yourself?


To be honest no, its not worth it. mine came out realy well, but we were not busy at work so i gave it a go and i was pleased with the result. a local company did my mates vw camper steels and they were shot blasted primed and painted and tyres re-mounted for £160.
it took me over an hour to put the R888s back on with out scratching the paint and 2 days labour to save around £90

DarrenW - 12/8/09 at 09:23 PM

I started my build on budget. Bought rough wheels for £40. After all of the work they stood me at £120 and easily 40 hours lost. Bought a tin top, had wheels pro done - cost me £160.

Honest appraisal - buy decent new ones or if they are your new ones get them pro done. If just scuffed you might be able to locally repair on a budget to make them last a bit longer.

Other option is to stop scuffing them