DIY Alloy refurbishment

[Connor19]

Hi all,

I am currently in the process of changing the alloys on my MK3 clio to some 16" oem canasta alloys. It is very hard to find them second hand in mint condition, so I bought one which is pretty scuffed for a good price so it needs a refrub. My question is, are these DIY allow wheel refurbishment kits worth a punt for £20 or so as I have nothing to loose really. The cheapest I can find a wheel specialist near me to do a refurbishment wants £50 a wheel. Anyone had any experience?

I was thinking of this giving this kit a go - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E-TECH-Al...ssories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item4170bdfd50

Also, am I right in thinking the silver paint which comes with the kit will match the silver paint currently on the alloy?

Here is a picture of the scuffed wheel.

Thanks,

Connor.

 

[Mr Plums]

If thats the worst alloy i doubt you'll need a kit, you will be able to get away with sanding that back smooth without noticeable imperfection.

I would buy some 600,1200,2000 grade paper, masking tape, The Daily Sport Newspaper, primer, colour coat and clearcoat.

Plus, you will need a lot more than one can of each to do the job properly, it doesnt even mention primer?

 

[Simon@SprayShack]

Have them done professionally!!, by the time you work out your time, the hassle, the mess, the finish being no where near as good, the paint being far far less durable, having no come back if they dont last, its a no brainer IMO.

When you add all the little bits up you'll buy to do this, it wont actually work out as cheap as you think. That kit is crazy cheap, the paint quality will be gash! and as stated above you'll need much more that 400mls for 4 wheels!

 

[Chrisgti6]

Send them to City Powder Coaters in Birmingham. £20 a wheel!

 

[Simon@SprayShack]

Send them to City Powder Coaters in Birmingham. £20 a wheel!

Yes do that, have you wheels blasted and pitted to living hell, then caked in powder coat 3"inches deep, the kerbing / defects painted over and the gloss as dull as a badgers arse, but this is still preferable to a DIY refurb 2bh.

 

[reedy107]

Yes do that, have you wheels blasted and pitted to living hell, then caked in powder coat 3"inches deep, the kerbing / defects painted over and the gloss as dull as a badgers arse, but this is still preferable to a DIY refurb 2bh.

sounds like someone doesn't like city powder coaters then lol


£20 per wheel seems very very cheap

 

[Dan@Greenlight]

£30 difference to get it professionally done ...

Look at the effort you have to go to for the sake of £30 difference + you get a finish that you are happy with!

No point going cheap, you get what you pay for

 

[midge]

£20 a wheel seems far to cheap ?

Painting wheels is a pain as the prep is an absolute ass because of all the angles, it takes ages.

 

[Connor19]

Thank you for the input guys, looks like I might just pay the money and get the wheel refurbished by a professional. I guess by the time I have bought good quality materials I would not be saving much anyway

 

[loggyboy]

Just doing a refurb on my rims. Makes a lot easier with tyres removed (if you have friendly fitter)

Tools/materials for mine:

Few sheets of 120 600 1500 grit paper.
Angry grinder and flap disc if you have serious kerbing.
P45 filler if you have some big chunks missing (not recommend around rim unless its small but deep nicks)

4 wheels (IME) need in (500mm cans)
2 cans of primer
3 cans of Colour (Make sure its the same batch as some 'non colour matched' colours will vary from batch to batch'
2 cans of lacquer.

Should be about £30-40 for that lot. (unless you have exotic colours).

IMO Powdercoating isn't great for wheels, as once its cracked water capillaries under the remaining paint and before you know it its falling off. Layers of paint and lacquer are harder wearing and easier to touch up.