I've heard that there are companies out there that repair curb rash & scratches to aluminum rims. Does this process actually work? Can wheels actually be repaired to new condition? My insurance company is trying to have this done rather than replace the wheels for me, and I am not sure if I should agree to this without a fight. I want them to be perfect. Anyone with experience - how much should these types of repairs cost? Ballpark?

Reason I ask is because I've gotten into yet another wreck with this car (I think it might be time to give up the Z dream and get a freakin volvo)


Pics of the latest wreck


Thanks.

sundevil67

 

damn that sucks... I don't know much about the rim repair process, but I do hear a lot of great things from guys around here about a specific rim repair guy here in hawaii. I've heard that their rims have been repaired to perfect condition where they can't even tell where the damage is. I'm sure this is mostly costmetic as I doubt you could ever get a forged wheel like a volk repaired to the same quality/balance as it was first made, but with minor curb rash or scratches I don't think it would make any difference. you may also want to consider your options in that some insurance companies only cover factory items or the value of that item given it was factory. so it may not benefit you to attempt to get more from your ins co if they are already giving you something they don't have to. but I guess you've already had experience with your ins co, so I'm sure you know what they will and won't do. good luck!

 

i would fight with the insurance company for new rims. eventhough wheel repair shops do a very good job, the clearcoat/finish on the lip will not be a 100% match.

good luck with everything.

 

What he says. If the lip needs refinishing, it will not be matched perfectly. If you're just getting curb rash reparied then it will be as good as new however.

 

One rim just has curb rash, and I think another is damaged beyond repair - I actually paid for extra insurance just for the rims and extra items like that, so they are covered.

 

if u fix a curb rash, wouldnt u have to refinish the lip anyways?

 

I have had one rim repaired because the dealer damaged it when doing the front tire swap TSB. They gouged it pretty bad. I did not see the bill but the job was nice. I cannot tell where the gouge was. The new finish has held up for over a year.

Martin