My DIY Wheel Repair

[new2teg]

I curbed a wheel within a week of owning my ITS, and I'm not even sure how I did it. I was really annoyed and determined to repair it myself, so this is what I did:

- Purchased primer, paint, and clearcoat from Scratches Happen. I used Honda Modern Steel Metallic paint code after researching this color is closest match to the ITS wheels.
- Cleaned the area to be sprayed.
- Sanded the area.
- Filled the low spots with bondo.
- Sanded some more.
- Primed, paint (2-3 coats), clear (2-3 coats)

What I learned my first time repairing a wheel:
I think I sanded too far outside the repair area.
Blending paint is harder than it seems.
Aluminum is REALLY soft. It's very easy to remove metal from the rim when sanding.
Modern Steel Metallic is slightly darker than our wheels, but it passes the 3 foot test for me and I'm satisfied with the way it turned out.
Next time, I'll leave it to the pros lol.

I have no idea how this will hold up, but I hope this helps someone!

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[egxflash]

Looks good from the pics!

 

[thui001]

Looks good from the pics!

Looks good. great info.

 

[jpooah1]

definitely better than i could’ve achieved. thanks for the info

 

[GotSeoul?]

Using the backup camera I literally just curbed the bronze wheels 2x as bad as the pictures here.

I don't know why I trusted the camera because the last time I backed into a spot and per the camera I was lined up I looked forward and immediately knew I was pretty crooked.

Alas the damage is done, it was not bad on first touch of the curb but I had to get off it and pulling away did even more damage.

Don't know if I can sand it down and fix the cosmetic issues myself. Never using the backup camera again except for as a general guide. The yellow dynamic lines were telling me I was fine then boom, hit the curb. Oooooofff.

 

[CatBus]

Anyone, including the poster, have any recommendations on primer? I am planning to skip the bondo part.

 

[stanleywinthrop]

Anyone, including the poster, have any recommendations on primer? I am planning to skip the bondo part.

Personally I don't bother with bondo either and use 2 coats of the paint I've selected to match my wheels.

I use a little mouse sander and progressively work from rough to fine grades, usually ending with 2000 or something like that. It gets it pretty smooth and ready for paint.

That being said my method is not 100% perfect but you'd have to be within 3 feet and staring right at the wheel to notice.

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