GolfGTIforum.co.uk

General => Cosmetic and bodywork matters => Topic started by: e11ie on 25 October 2009, 17:11

Title: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: e11ie on 25 October 2009, 17:11
Could anyone tell me, what does a professional use to get rid kerb rash? Do they fill it with like a weld and smooth it down or just use filler?

I only ask because my alloys need refurbing but would prefer to do it myself. However I dont want to spend ages filling and smoothing just for it to crumble out the next time I hit a few pot holes!

I'm only talking light marks here...nothing that has altered the shape of the wheel. Like the first time you hit a wheel on the kerb.... :cry:  :grin:

And if it is only filler....is it a special type for alloy wheels or just what you use for the car body?
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Thom89 on 25 October 2009, 22:03
Light scratches that only just penetrate the paint through to the alloy, can usually be sorted by rubbing down alone, deeper scratches, say 1-2mm will need sanding to feather the edge of the paint, then filling, any good quality body filler is good enough for this type of job.
If a wheel needs welding, then I would consider it to be scrap for safety's sake!
Most lightly kerbed wheels can normally be sorted by sanding alone
Thom
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Len on 26 October 2009, 08:59
I used metal filler on mine. Same kind of stuff as body filler really, just a bit stronger/harder.
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Mikester on 26 October 2009, 14:51
When i had my tt comps refurbed, some kurbing on them was built up with weld and then smoothed back down to the right shape if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Thom89 on 26 October 2009, 23:01
Welding wheels can be OK, but I would not recommend a third party that I don't know, to do it for you!
Thom
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: e11ie on 26 October 2009, 23:24
lol no....I realise wheels are not the best thing to bodge. I was just interested in how the professionals get rid of the kerbing and whether its worth paying them to use their magic touch or just slave over them myself if what they use is readily available.

Cheers guys  :smiley:
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Len on 27 October 2009, 09:02
Give it a go ellie, can always pass the job on to a pro if you dont get a good result!
Title: Re: Alloy wheel filler?
Post by: Mortimer Hill on 05 November 2009, 00:23
You can get a wheel refurbishing kit from Halfords

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_201843_langId_-1_categoryId_165492

this contains essentially a thick super glue to fill scratches and scrapes.