Alloy Wheel Repair.

[dobe]

I don't know if I should post this here, Magic started a thread a couple of months back and a couple of members wanted to know how to repair alloys.

Question for you detailing freaks.


I had a dis-agreement with a pot-hole back in January which took a small chunk out of my O/S/F wheel, I tried to claim my local council for the damage but their reply was that the hole had been ear-marked for repair so hey weren't going to pay out.

So I was off work this week and was getting a new tyre fitted so this gave me the opportunity to get this done

I used 180 grit paper to take the paint off around the damage and on the actual damage itself, if your going to try this yourself don't go any coarser than 180 as it'll dig into the alloy too much.

I cut a chunk out the tyre to allow me to get into the bit I was repairing as it was getting replaced anyway, if it wasn't getting replaced I would have took it to a tyre fitters to "break the bead" of the tyre so it would slip down from the edge of the rim and allow for the tyre to be masked for paint. Unfortunately painting the wheel is the only option after this repair, but doing it yourself would save a few quid and you would only pay for the painting to be done.






After its been feathered out and cleaned up its time for the repair putty.
I used a stick of metal repair putty which is suitable for alloy wheels, looked at a few two pack versions but they were too expensive and this stuff will do the same job.




Pretty easy to use, break a small piece off and work it between your fingers until it goes soft and a different colour then place it onto the damaged area and smooth off, always leave it slightly more "proud" than the rim so it fills the damage as it gets sanded anyway.





I left it for about 30-40 mins and it went rock hard. I sanded it with 180 again then finished it with 320 then 500 so there was no scratches on the putty.





I then took it for the tyre to get removed for painting.
Although I work in a bodyshop I took it to a guy that stays 10 mins from me, total back street garage but I know that he does a great job (and he's cheap)!

So here's the finished wheel no sign of repair and ready for new tyre, I just hope the tyre fitter doesn't damage the rim as I know that 40 profile tyres can be a pain in the hole to get on/off a rim.

This putty will work on kerb marks on wheels no probs, but as I've already said it will have to painted regardless.

[Paul J Smith]

Well done mate, so much better when you have a stab at something yourself, it's the best way to learn IMO

[Spank My Car]

Nicey done!

Possible 'how to' guide material?

[robbo51]

Well done

[wanner69]

Great job dobe, well done

[keef076]

Great job mate!! i might just try that myself

[Syx]

Originally Posted by keef076

Great job mate!! i might just try that myself

+1

[Gp_kho]

nicely done nice results

[dobe]

Originally Posted by Paul J Smith

it's the best way to learn IMO

I see this getting done nearly everyday Paul.

Up to around 3 years ago any car that had damage to an alloy got a new rim no probs, but now insurance companies are tightening the purse strings and repairing everything.

We used to use a two pack filler "for" alloys that cost around £40, but now it's normal body filler that's used, cost cutting again.

[Aqib]

Great job!

[duncansau80]

excellent job

[DEZIBOY]

Very informative and a superb job. Thanks for sharing this


👿THE BITCH👿

[shinybadrobot]

perfect job!