Patching Alloy Wheels

jackcramerr · July 27, 2015

Since the paint is flaking of slowly and I don't want to spend anything yet... I am thinking of cleaning the wheels with soap water then touch up pain and remove the flakes. Then lacquer the whole wheel. Is that bad idea ?

johnatg · July 27, 2015

The alloy under where it's flaking will be corroded. You could clean it back as much as you can and repaint, but I wouldn't lacquer it (you won't be able to remove enough corrosion to stop it breaking through again - that needs sandblasting). I don't think it will last long but it would be a stop gap.

The only long term solution is to get the wheels refurbished 'professionally' - ie at least some outfit with a bit of a track record and reasonable reviews for refurbing. Watch out for cowboys!

madasahatter · August 1, 2015

I am in the process of refurbing my original wheels, cleaned them to bare metal etched primed just waiting on paint coming.

Doing them gunmetal grey bought kit off eBay, Consists of 4 x paint 2 x laquer and one etch primer. Cost £30.00 good reviews on products as well.

jackcramerr · August 2, 2015

someone told me if I strip the oem paint, remove rust and then use normal paint and do it myself, it will last a few months or a year or two before it gives up to north's weather and grit salt. Is that the case ? I am advised to take it to a pro.

How can one know of a cowboy ? There is this place here called Diamond wheels... No idea how to assess them.

madasahatter · August 2, 2015

Etching primer is a must on bare metal , then primer and paint as normal. Thats why you get the etching in the kits, i already done the backs only used a tin.

That was 2 coats each wheel with a 400ml tin.

jumbojake · August 2, 2015

I got a local smart repair chap to do mine, superb job, £50 .... now almost 12minths and still looks like new...

madasahatter · August 3, 2015

Thats a good price was that per wheel or all 4. Ideally i wanted mine the car colour , a bright silver but the paint would have been thick end of £40.00.

Then the etching primer normal primer and laquer looking at about £90.00.

jumbojake · August 3, 2015

it was for a single wheel (kerb damage repair) ... so I guess for a set it would be less /wheel, as he had to mix up paint for such a small job.

madasahatter · August 3, 2015

Around york is 45 per wheel on average, thing with wheels they get easily marked and before you know it they spend more time off the car

than on it. As you say kerb damage stone chip pot hole and all other mannner of things.

jackcramerr · August 4, 2015

does refurbish wheels also fix the dreaded tyre bead leak ?

On one of the car I have I took it to Kwik Fit and a private garage and still there is a slow leak. I have to fill the pressure for all tyres after every 3 days. drops to 17 from 34

madasahatter · August 4, 2015

Thats the inner edge needs cleaning. whoever fitted your tyres should do this before fitting. If the wheels are that bad i would get them refurbed.

jackcramerr · August 4, 2015

I can't tell if it is very bad on inner side. I hate it when these garage people do not let you see the process or see the damage. My car and I want to see it. period.

They have cleaned the wheels few times now and keep charging me. I am to the point where I will take the tyre off myself and do it in home. I don't know if they are doing it properly.

Is it just cleaning the inner rim , put the glue and that's it ? How hard is that and why are they getting it wrong ?

madasahatter · August 4, 2015

They dont put glue on its a soap solution,to mount the tyre easier. I have had tyres lose pressure before but not to your extent.

Having said that i have never known wheels corrode like lexus wheels.

jackcramerr · August 4, 2015

I thought they put tyre bead sealant...

Maybe I need to tell them to put some on this time ?

This tyre I am talking about that goes to 17psi in few days was not so bad few months back which was a drop from 34 psi to 22 in a week. it worsened past few day's. The rest drop from 34 to 24 in 4 days.