Wheel Repair Experience

It was supposed to be a good Friday. Dropped off my new set of 5 wheels and tires. Confirmed with shop that they had the right equipment to prevent any wheel damage. Emphasized these are new wheels and I do not want them scratched. "No problem".

Arrived to find every rim with varying levels of scraps and gouges, even had a shop rag pinched in the bead that they tried to just cut off. Gouging has removed the paint and in some cases is 1/8" to 1/4" deep. And they were all overfilled beyond max psi by a few lbs. And the amount of wheel weights was absurd. Guessing they did not want to rotate the tire at all and just loaded them up.
Gotta figure out the claim scenario.

Who has had wheels repaired and what was the experience?
I have heard some negative things about it and that the wheel is never the same. I would guess the proper way would be to strip the entire wheel, fill the gouges and refinish/repaint. Otherwise the new to old paint transition will allow a path for corrosion. Therefore it may be cheaper/ easier to just order a new set, instead of all the run around, quotes, repair, remount and balance...

Thanks

 

I’ve had several done usually around 50-75 $ you will never know they were messed up afterwards

 

1/4” deep?!? Or long?

 

What is the shop willing to do? Did you show them the damage immediately?

Shit like this sucks because small claims is a huge pain, so you only have their reputation to attack with online reviews.

Wheel repairs are very non-invasive and most repair shops take their reputation very seriously.

Tire shops however are cut throat and limited profits, so they hire 18 year olds and send them straight into the fire.

 

Here is a sampling of the damages.
Every wheel has the 4 pairs of holes.
Shop rag in one.
Gouge near bead/lip.
Long gouge on one.
And miscellaneous scratches through out.
And how bout those wheel weights?!

Took pics and vids on the spot. Had both shop managers present and had them put it in writing and sign it.
Even the whole invoice was screwed up with extra charges. I'm surprised they even got the tire on the wheel.


They will refund up to $500 if I can provide an invoice; meaning no compensation if I attempt repair. Over $500 has to go through their claims process.
Nearest wheel repair shop found so far is +2hr drive. So could be +8 hours of drive time between pick up and drop off. So half way to max before any work is done and no way to bill that time and expense.

Not going to reveal the perps yet, I'll just say they are The Behemoth.

 

Ouch!

 

Ohhh they grabbed it from the inside like its a normal rim.

Just lack of experience. They should definitely credit it.

Personally I'd leave it, maybe touch up paint, but installed you wont even see those marks.

 

I think you mean wheel refinishing vs wheel repair. I have had both done.

looks like you are in for a wheel refinish and its really not a big deal if its a straight finish like it looks like you have. You may even end up with better quality powder coat than whats on their now (looks like cheap paint).

I would consider boxing the wheels and sending them UPS to minimize your hassle. Then provide the entire invoice for the refinish + shipping to the shop. Even if it goes over slightly they should pay for it.

This doesn't apply to you but since you asked I have bought a remanufactured BMW wheel from one of the major repair places when discount tire discovered I bent one on the road force machine. the wheel looked perfect from the road size hut from the car side you could see where it was bent back into place. Im sure it was safe and I ran it without issue but it looked sketchy AF

 

The little “vampire” marks are where the machine grips the wheel I think. My brand new wheels got the same blemishes. The other stuff is just carelessness.

 

Right, I should say "refinish". I think I will have a local body shop refinish the wheel and do the remount and balance. That way it is on them.
I live in an extremely corrosive environment and was planning to ceramic coat these after mounting the tires. Anything to keep the salt at bay.
There must be a way to not scratch a wheel when mounting. I have never had new/nice wheels before. I can't imagine how someone would react if they had some really nice wheels.
Not sure if powder coat or new paint and clearcoat would be better. Maybe just refinish and spray the inner damaged area and clear coat the whole wheel. I want to keep the matte finish.

 

I live in California where nice wheels are everywhere. We do not have any issues for the most part with shops being competent to handle wheels without damage.

The body shop route will work but powder coat will hold up better even with ceramic if you can find or get your wheels to a powder coat shop.

while you didnt ask for remodel advice, a gloss finish will hold up a little better annd be slightly easier to maintain.