So I got my bumper fixed and repainted because of a small fenderbender I got into, and everything looks good EXCEPT MY VOLK SF CHALLENGES NOW ALL LOOK TO HAVE THE CLEARCOAT COMPLETELY RUINED WITH WHAT LOOKS AS WATERSPOTS ALL OVER! I tried multiple things to clean it up, from claybar to vinegar and water mix, nothing works. They told me they would pay for them to get fixed at a wheel shop but I dont know if local wheel shops could re clearcoat a polished lip after refinishing them? check out the pictures...

 

ouch!

 

I have a couple challenges that look just like that....tried to use "wheel cleaner"...didn't work out too well.

 

Basically theres nothing that can fix them other than a refinish at a wheel shop? Im selling the car in the next 8 months probably anyways....

 

yep. refinish is the only way. can have a clearcoat put on but it won't be as shiny as original. its going to need a lot of polishing to upkeep them.
other option is to paint it or chrome it.

 

ouch theres some major curbage on your wheels might as well get them fixed if they can.

 

just get them dipped in chrome.

 

would u guys go the way of refinish at a wheel shop with a clearcoat?

 

I agree with Nexx. same shine as refinish but easier to clean.

 

volk wheels iirc come with anodized lips... the reason why when you curb it, most shops say they cant fix it...

i say chrome em or get them polished... but trust me polishing them everytime they get wet can be a HUGE hassle! =)

 

you can fix them by repolished it then add clear coat over them....

sorry to see that...

 

What in bloody hell did they do to them?

 

Cleaned them with wheel cleaner, wheel cleaner = acid on Volks!

 

Thanks for the photos.

Looks like chemical etching. There is no home remedy. You would think that body shops would learn to cover the wheels before washing.

 

That sucks... the worthless body shop that did my car back in the day ruined my headlights and put scratches on two of my wheels.

I feel your pain.

 

I agree, later on down the line I might do the same to my Volks... Tons of chrome cleaners and polishes out there.

 

1. You'd have to have confidence in the chrome shop to take apart the wheel so they can just chrome the lip/outer barrel. I'd also contact a Volk distributor to see if the bolts can be reused or not; usually the can not. If you are going to sell the car anyway, I'd opt to have the body shop pay for the refinish (including curbing) of the wheel. That means taking apart the wheel (see point 1) and refinishing through the clearcoat portion (I don't think they are anodized, but could be wrong), then polishing and clearcoating them.

I know of one instance in particular with a local friend who experienced damage to one of his Volk wheels from a wheel cleaner. I don't recall the brand of wheel cleaner, but after some hassle, they (the company that produces the wheel cleaner) replaced the Volk wheel for him.

The honest reality is that your wheels will never be THE SAME again. I'd suggest your body shop keep your wheels and cut you a check for FULL REPLACEMENT of them, circa $2400. They should know better, and it's their responsibility to replace your damaged product with the exact product. This is why I always put on stockers before my car is even serviced, let alone in paint. From there, you can do what you wish with the $$.

Good luck.

 

I had the same problem a while back, so I used some Metal polish on the lips and became like new...

 

NEVER EVER have the body shops wash or clean your car unless it's a beater... you need to learn to stress that to them. Whatever plan you choose, do it quickly to get your money's worth from them.

 

yikes, this is the reason why I put on my stockies when I send my car out to the bodyshop for work. Good luck, hope you get that body shop to cover it!