Refinishing/Restoring wheels

[Almosttt]

Recently picked up a set of 350z wheels for pretty cheap but they've all got a bit of curb rash. I'm looking at refinishing/restoring them, I've found a couple DIY's but I wanted to see if anyone could share their personal experience with doing so before I get started and accidentally ruin a set of wheels.

Any tips/tricks..?

The DIY I found suggested using Bondo to fill in spots, but that seems kind of sketchy to me... should I use some type of aluminum filler?

http://i61.tinypic.com/28thy61.jpg

Here is one of the DIY's I found...

http://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-tires/436206-diy-wheel-restoration.html

[silviaks2nr]

Grind it down and smooth it out. I've found that a paint remover 4 1/2" disk works well for smoothing aluminum after the initial grind. That filler stuff doesn't really work unless you have an acetylene torch. Once it's powdercoated you won't be able to tell where the repair was done if you do it well.

[pancakes]

bump. same scenario on my z wheels. and my fronts seem to have just a bit more "shine" than my rears?

[Kingtal0n]

On this subject, I have these,
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b378/draglarry/Kingtal0ns_240sx_2/P1200615.jpg

I was wondering what kind of coating they have? is it a clear coat? And how to best "finish it" or "protect it"

[KAT-PWR]

JB weld, sand smooth
But if powder coating your only option is to sand the rash out, or weld and sand which would be a ridiculous amount of time.

[shinhed]

I've used JB weld before, and supposedly you can powder coat over it too.

[DanielS14]

i repair wheels, do not add a a filler. just sand smooth and repaint, i do this on lexus, bmw, lambo, ferrari , you name it wheels all day.

[Almosttt]

i repair wheels, do not add a a filler. just sand smooth and repaint, i do this on lexus, bmw, lambo, ferrari , you name it wheels all day.

Could you give an in depth description of your process please?

[AzS13hatch]

Use coarse grit to sand down worse areas and and fine grit to smooth to factory like finish. It might have a little dip in it when you are done in that area but if you blend everything well enough you will never be able to tell, especially if you powdercoat. If you want to spend some money have a profession do it and they can add to low spots and balance the wheel and make sure it is true for you.

[Bushido]

any tips for refinishing wheel bolts?

or know of a supplier to get black anodized hardware?

[tiemouths]

you want to spend some money have a profession do it and they can add to low spots and balance the wheel and make sure it is true for you.http://goo.gl/u1sNKI

[Chicago_one]

I've done the sand/filler/spray paint/clear coat route But I only payed $80 for the set of wheels, so it wasn't a big deal. So far so good. Been about a year.
78876



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[Bmx240sx]

Air craft remover, sand down as evenly as possibly if not use some body filler there's isn't a big deal if using it, sand it smooth and as straight as possible, paint and clear.


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