Notices
Maintenance & Repair 350Z up keep and diagnosing/fixing problems

Can I fix a mildly curbed rim myself?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 17, 2004 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
BENJ-AMG's Avatar
BENJ-AMG
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 0
From: townsend
Default 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?
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2004 | 09:25 AM
  #2  
iceco1d's Avatar
iceco1d
Registered User
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: Northeast
Default

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!
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2004 | 03:44 PM
  #3  
bwilliams's Avatar
bwilliams
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Default

Possibly...depends on how/where damaged. Of course, you'll want to maintain safety. Post a picture of the damage.
Reply
Old Aug 20, 2004 | 05:00 PM
  #4  
s9am_me's Avatar
s9am_me
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
From: bay area - peninsula
Default

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
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2004 | 02:18 AM
  #5  
bwilliams's Avatar
bwilliams
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Default

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.
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2004 | 07:29 PM
  #6  
bigdaddy's Avatar
bigdaddy
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 773
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
Default

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
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2004 | 03:50 PM
  #7  
dbpoet's Avatar
dbpoet
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

If it's just a few mild scratches (like mine was) you could try a little bit of aluminum paint.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2004 | 05:38 PM
  #8  
kslerch's Avatar
kslerch
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Auburn, AL
Default

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.
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2004 | 05:51 PM
  #9  
Moroccan_Mole's Avatar
Moroccan_Mole
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA
Default

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!
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2004 | 12:18 PM
  #10  
Jetpilot718's Avatar
Jetpilot718
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 1
From: Queens, NYC
Default

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?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Uriyo_
Exterior & Interior
22
Sep 8, 2021 08:46 AM
Rev_Night
Wheels & Tires
30
Nov 7, 2020 06:00 PM
Tonyz_2004_350z
South East Marketplace
1
Oct 4, 2015 12:53 PM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:12 AM.