Aluminum Rims
My aluminum rims have got the crud how do I repair this? Click For Full-Size Image.
Forum Discussion
Typically, oxidation of the rims start when the clear coat barrier has been penetrated. Wheel weights is a very typical location of clear coat failure as they are pinched onto the rim and immediately penetrate the clear coat.
There are a few options to remove the "crud" and refinish the rims. One of the better solutions is to pull them off, dismount the rubber, and send them off to a powder coater. The powder coating process involves blasting the aluminum oxide off the rim, applying a paint coating, and baked to temper the paint. the result is a coating with excellent wear characteristics.
FWIW, I have a set of aluminum rims on a BMW with typical oxidation issues. These wheels are about $1500 to replace so they will be sent out to my body shop buddy and given the full treatment.
There are a few options to remove the "crud" and refinish the rims. One of the better solutions is to pull them off, dismount the rubber, and send them off to a powder coater. The powder coating process involves blasting the aluminum oxide off the rim, applying a paint coating, and baked to temper the paint. the result is a coating with excellent wear characteristics.
FWIW, I have a set of aluminum rims on a BMW with typical oxidation issues. These wheels are about $1500 to replace so they will be sent out to my body shop buddy and given the full treatment.
