My machined aluminum wheel repair attempt

[KrisZ]

My newly acquired Toyota C-HR has one wheel that’s been curbed by the previous owner. This would not be too bad, if it weren’t for the V- shaped machine marks done for aesthetics.

This is my attempt at making the rash less visible. The only real repair can really be done with a re-surfacing machine and a bit that could match the OE finish.

I used 220 & 600 grit paper and some aluminum polish. It’s a solid 6 footer finish I would say.

Does anyone have any experience with a dedicated wheel repair service for this type of damage? I may consider doing it professionally.

 

[shortyb]

High quality wheel refinisher near me does a fantastic job with machined finished wheels. If the rash is too deep they build up the surface with aluminum filler and re-machined the top surfaces. They then clear coat the final machining and it looks like factory. I had a set of machined surface wheels that I just had them spray all silver. Looks great and no machining finish to worry about.

 

[eljefino]

Was there clear coat on there and is it gone now? Will it look good in a year?

 

[KrisZ]

Was there clear coat on there and is it gone now? Will it look good in a year?

Yes the aluminum is clear coated. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to leave the finish the way it is or go with a pro re-finish yet. I guess I will call around and get some quotes. But it will be clear coated eventually.

 

[CarLuver]

when i went to a couple of places to inquire about getting my honda wheel redone, they were $250 to $300 to do it. i could get one off of ebay for less

 

[meep]

I’ve had excellent luck with the VHT and duplicolor paint formulations for wheels. Prep it right and it holds on well and dries super hard. Needs 7 days to fully cure. Driving a set of wheels now completely painted with it … think 4 years ago?

 

[Marcozi]

I found Wurth paint to be great when doing wheel repairs.

 

[KevinMalone]

Awesome job, that's a huge improvement

 

[SumGuy]

I must be missing something. The closeup photo showing the valve stem is a different area than where the scratch was.

 

[KrisZ]

I must be missing something. The closeup photo showing the valve stem is a different area than where the scratch was.

The wheel was curbed almost all around and I didn’t pay attention to take pictures of the exact same area as they all had the same damage.

I circled the damage locations.