Can I fix a mildly curbed rim myself?
 

Is there any way for me to fix curb rash around the lip of a wheel? Dremel maybe? Anyone try to DIY?

I dunno, I wish. I checked at my dealer about replacing my rim (18" alloy) and it was 1400 bucks! Screw that, Concept Neeper here I come!

Possibly...depends on how/where damaged. Of course, you'll want to maintain safety. Post a picture of the damage.

if your up for the job... check out this link.

http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=30

i personally just left mines. gonna get some new shoes in the future anyways. hope that helps

s9am_me,
Thanks for the article. Looks like a good method for BENG_AMG to try. I've never used the bondo b/c it's not very tough and is brittle, but then I'm critical.
Therefore, one word of caution: Point out the repair spot when you get your tires replaced so the tire shop knows to stay away from the spot.
Good Luck.

guys...i found a girl who does wheel repair for the more high-end dealerships around my area. for $75 she fixed a badly curbed gunmetal TE-37 and i SWEAR you cannot tell a difference. i just left the wheel with her for the day, she fit it in with her other jobs, and picked it up that afternoon. i don't know how the few tools she had in the back of her honda accord wagon were able to do it, but i don't care. it looks great.

i would call around to dealerships like porsche, bmw, etc. and ask who they use. for the price, having it done and done right is much better than attempting it for yourself.

sean

If it's just a few mild scratches (like mine was) you could try a little bit of aluminum paint.

My dad had a 540i with 17" rims that his wife completely destroyed. No awareness whatsoever of how close she was to curbs continuously. Anyways, we found a place near Atlanta (up GA400 near Roswell I think) that repaired the wheels for about $100-$150 a wheel. I was amazed at what they did. The wheels looked completely new when they were done. I think that they build the chunks back up by welding and then actually machine them back down on a lathe followed by completely refinishing them. So, look around...you might be surprised.

there is a place in houston called saabs that does excellent wheel repair; curbs, bends, cracks, etc ...

the article posted above works great for minor curbs!

For slight curbage, use rubbing compound. Note, this will take a while and multiple applications, but it is the best and safest way to go. Wheels are painted after all, so it is best to use a product made for paint. You wouldn't use a Dremel to remove a scuff on your bumper, would you? ;)