Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

[2009Rouge]

Hi,

Just took my 2009 Nissan Rouge to the dealer for some services done. Part of the service was rotating my wheels. When I picked up my vehicle I saw some scratches on all 4 wheels some around the nut hole and inside it. I made my complaint but I didn't have time to deal with them after leaving it there for 4 hours. They asked me to return this week and they will compounded it. I am kinda hesitant to go back.

Can anyone give me advice as to how I can fix it myself? I think it took some one the clear coat off. If the clear coat is taken off can it be repaired by me ?

Thanks

[Tuck91]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

I wouldnt let them try and repair it.

[tcope1]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

If you want to see more damage to the wheel... take it back there.

If you do take it back I'd have them tell you up front what they are going to use to repair the scratches. But unless you know about a lot of products, I'd not do this. You might want to try some ScratchX 2.0 as its hard to go wrong with it. It can be applied by hand is easy to work with. Make sure the wheel is clean before using.

[Murr1525]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

Can you get some pics for us. If the damage is very bad, it may be best to involve them, at least as far as paying for a proper detailer, your supplies, etc.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

Compounding a scratch on a wheel will almost certainly do nothing. A very, very light scratch might come out of a painted wheel, but usually the damage you have described is through the paint.

I have found that silver touch-up paint actually does a great job of hiding scratches on silver painted wheels.

[TOGWT]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

Try wet-sanding the really rough spots and then re-paint

Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, VW, and most other European OEMs use a cast aluminium alloy wheels. They're usually painted silver and have a clear coated finish.

Repainting (cast aluminium ) Wheel Surface• Prepare the surface by removing all sandpaper residues with a tack rag, wash surface and then dry thoroughly. .
• Use 3M Painters Masking Tape between the tyre and the wheel rim (or use Vaseline to mask the tyre from paint overspray)
• Wipe-down the wheels with DuPont Prep Sol and allow to air dry.
• Apply a thin coat of 1z 'Haft-Grund' Self-etching Primer to stabilize and provide an etched surface.
• Use at temperatures between 70 – 90.oF degrees Fahrenheit (.Do not use this paint in damp conditions)
• Shake the can well for at least a full minute
• Push the spray nozzle as you sweep across and release at the end.
• Spray on, spray off. Spray on, spray off; apply as a very fine / thin coat.
• Paint the wheels with two thin coats of silver alloy paint (Wurth German Alloy Silver Wheel) to ensure complete coverage
• Allow air-drying; 1-2 hours between coats and then lightly sand finish, then leave to cure overnight.

• Finish with a clear lacquer paint (Wurth European Blend Lacquers) apply two or three thin coats of clear with about 20-30 minutes of drying time between coats to seal the silver metallic paint and add depth and gloss
• A allow clear coat to air-dry and then cure for 4-6 ours
• Apply a sealant for protection
• If your axle/ wheel centres (hats) are cast iron, you may want to consider painting the hat area with some hi-temp black engine paint

Product details

1. 1z 'Haft-Grund' Self-etching Primer - bare metal (steel or aluminium) wheels should be primed first with a self' -etching primer and is lead and cadmium-free Applied under a topcoat of urethane paint provides a secondary method of protecting the steel from corrosion. This primer bonds to bare metal and forms a base suitable for synthetic resin, acrylic lacquer and nitro combination paints. A single can will prime two wheels

Warning - Do not use this primer on painted or clear-coated wheels where you are touching-up scuffs and scrapes. A self-etching Primer is for use only on wheels that have been taken down to bare metal.

[tguil]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

Unless the damage is really bad, I'd just wax the heck out them and call it good enough. However, Eastwood (Google search) has wheel paint but it is in spray cans. You might try that. I'd not use the spray. I'd spray some paint into to a small container and use a brush for the touch up. I've touched up a bunch of wheels that way. Good luck.

Tom

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Aluminum Clear Coat Wheels

If they are admiting they did the damage, give them a shot at repairing them. Then when they can't do anything, let them order your replacement rims.