scratched alloys

harryb.48 · Unread post by **harryb.48** » 12 Jan 2005, 01:00

This is a non- Citroen related problem but could affect anyone.
Today,despite my better judgement and with prior knowledge of the state of a particular parking space(a very high and irregular kerb)
I parked my partner`s new Astra ,with beautiful alloy wheels,in this stupid place - result: scratched front offside alloy wheel[}:)][:I](its a one-way street) I`m mad at myself as I knew it was a bad place as it has a 10"/25cm high kerb and catches a lot of people out-I should know as I`ve done it before with her previous car (but somehow never with my own even although they are always older cars[}:)])
The question is ,is there any way to repair /cover up the damage by any diy method?-yes I have told her[:(] Or would I have to get it done professionally?It is not too deep and you can only see it from a metre away or closer. It is very annoying and embarrassing[:I]

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 12 Jan 2005, 04:24

To remove scratches from an alloy surface, you have to do a filling and then polishing.
Donno if such a repair is possible to do lasting as DIY. I doubt as the wheel is opposed to large forces and harsh environment.

Paulee · Unread post by **Paulee** » 12 Jan 2005, 06:04

Hi
In my experience the answer to home repairs is no ! it won't last and is time consuming.
Seek out a local repairer drop the wheel off for the day and for around £35.00 you should get it back looking like new.

paulstow · Unread post by **paulstow** » 12 Jan 2005, 14:49

Dependent on where you are, try BJV Engineering in Hemel Hempstead - www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk . They refurb'd some old Jaguar SIII wheels for me and did a fantastic job for less money than any other place I could find.
Cheers - jez

ItDontGo · Unread post by **ItDontGo** » 12 Jan 2005, 14:53

Its only a scratch. It wont affect anything important. Appearance isn't everything. And my favourite... its only a car.

harryb.48 · Unread post by **harryb.48** » 12 Jan 2005, 18:22

Thanks everyone for the prompt replies.
I guess it is only a scratch and not that important,I`m more mad at myself for being caught out twice at the same place - I will drive on by from now on even if it`s the only space for miles! (come to think of it -it is quite often the only space free in the street,I wonder why?)
I will probably look for a local repairer(I live in SW Scotland)
after the immediate problems are sorted IE. flood and wind damage.

sooty · Unread post by **sooty** » 13 Jan 2005, 01:58

If its a painted and lacquered type and a small scratch.
Why not try as they do in the trade, just rub down the scratch with fine wet and dry then spray with aluminum paint then a few coats of lacquer paint.
But test the colour match on the inside of the rim.

Daniel B · Unread post by **Daniel B** » 13 Jan 2005, 15:32

There are a lot of companies (Chipsaway?) who come out to your house/place of work, and sort scratches and dents, and not a very expensive price.
My gf's mum had a fairly deep dent on her new pug 206, £50 later, and you couldn't tell where it was. Very impressive.
I've heard good reports, though not used them myself, about the visiting wheel refurbishers - might be worth a go if SWMBO isn't happy!
Dan

harryb.48 · Unread post by **harryb.48** » 13 Jan 2005, 18:12

Thanks again guys.
I may try the wet&dry and laquer job as suggested by Sooty.
Thanks for the tip about Chipsaway Dan, I may use them for the bumper scuff my partner put on the other side of the car!
Maybe it`s my age ,but I can`t quite work out what SWMBO stands for?
This all seems extremely trivial after recent global disasters and even my own recent experience of flood and storm damage,but I suppose we should carry on as near to normal as possible whilst never forgetting those affected so badly .

Thompatruck · Unread post by **Thompatruck** » 13 Jan 2005, 18:24

She Who Must Be Obeyed!!!![;)]

harryb.48 · Unread post by **harryb.48** » 13 Jan 2005, 18:27

Thanks Mark ! How true that is[B)][B)]