Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

[Maserati Mario]

How would you fix this?
I want to buy the kit, clay bars and stuff but want to talk to people who've actually polished aluminum from raw aluminum to shiny! Or if you have something to say I will appreciate it too.

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

How deep is the scratch?

If it is really deep, you will need to start sanding and work up to some of the higher grades. It is a long process, but pretty much the only way to remove deep scratches in metal.

The M105 / M205 combo will really help remove the sanding scratches.

[Murr1525]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

If the scratch is as deep as it looks, I dont know if it will come out completly.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

That scratch doesn't look like it is going to buff out. That looks incredibly deep... it would tear anything apart that you tried to "buff" on that with. Furthermore, by the time you buffed away enough surrounding metal to reach the valley of that scratch the wheel itself would likely be compromised.

[Andrew C.]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

That looks like a hell of a deep scratch. Like Mark said, I would think that if you somehow leveled it out to the level of the scratch, the wheel wouldn't even be thick enough.

[Jokeman]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

That is gonna be a bit of sanding. Id start with 800 grit, maybe even 600 depending on how deep that is, then work right up to 2000.

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

It's very deep
Just wanted everyones opion
Thanks

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

That is gonna be a bit of sanding. Id start with 800 grit, maybe even 600 depending on how deep that is, then work right up to 2000.

I would agree with the low grits, maybe even lower, better yet get a Dremel and some grinding stones and turn the scratch into a gentle sloping groove. If yo remove too much material it might affect the integrity of the wheel.

Are you just doing this for practice?


What does a replacement wheel cost vs. time, money and perspiration to work it over?

[Jokeman]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

I would agree with the low grits, maybe even lower, better yet get a Dremel and some grinding stones and turn the scratch into a gentle sloping groove. If yo remove too much material it might affect the integrity of the wheel.

Are you just doing this for practice?


What does a replacement wheel cost vs. time, money and perspiration to work it over?

I didnt even think of the dremel. Thats a great idea. Take a dremel with a stone on it and round out the scratches. It wont be perfect but will make them less noticable.

[Malo83]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

I would recommend a tire/wheel shop in your area that polishes rims and get their opinion if they can work out the scratches

[Maserati Mario]

Re: Aluminum Rim with HUGE scratch, how to...

I knew this was a big job, I just wanted everyones opinion to tell the customer that I'm not the only one who thinks this is a "crazy hard" job .
I'm not going to do it. It's way out of my league.
He's not willing to pay for another rim.
Thanks for the quick response!

I posted this before I went to bed and woke up with the answer!
MOL PEOPLE ROCK! (Hee, Hee "mole people")