Refinish existing wheels or get new ones?
03-02-2009, 10:47 PM
#1
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Refinish existing wheels or get new ones?
I have the RS6 18" wheels on my S6 and they all have a little curb rash, etc. Want to get them refinished, but the cost is between $220-$250 per wheel not including the tire removal and balancing. They are nice wheels, but for that price or maybe a bit more, should I go for a new set instead??
03-03-2009, 01:36 AM
#2
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Depending on how bad why not give it a shot yourself?
I've picked up wheels with curb rash on the cheap and turned them around. All it takes is some quality West Systems epoxy, micro-balloon filler, aluminum surface prep, paint, airbrush and some patience. A rattle can can be used in lieu of an airbrush with good results too.
Even if you have to buy all the supplies to start it will cost you only about $50.
Even if you have to buy all the supplies to start it will cost you only about $50.
03-03-2009, 02:35 AM
#4
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Pro refinish is best, $220/250 SHOULD include dismount/mount/balance.
Other than shipping, I think this is about the right cost at Ye Ole Wheel Shoppe in Laurel, MD.
These are nice wheels....cost a LOT more to buy new unless you can find a deal.
These are nice wheels....cost a LOT more to buy new unless you can find a deal.
03-03-2009, 03:32 AM
#6
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Not a bad idea. Higher sidewall...less chance of bendage.
03-03-2009, 03:58 AM
#7
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I agree. As long as there's no bends, repainting is fun and rewarding
Lots of folks including me have done it. I used a rattle can with the wheels on a lazy susan to rotate the wheel as I sprayed. I got high quality wheel paint at caswellplating.com
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03-03-2009, 05:35 AM
#9
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FWIW, I have yet to bend an 18" wheel on my M3....
one of the reasons I didn't get 19" wheels on it when I bought it notwithstanding the handling improvements (again with the increased weight of the 19" wheels I'm still not a believer) claimed.
However, my wife consistently bends the OEM 17" pieplate wheels on our 00 4.2A6Q...in her defense she also bends the $150 or so Mille Miglia 17" wheels we mount snow tires on so I have to conclude she simply drives on worse roads than I do (nice guy that I am and wish to continue sharing her bounty).
However, my wife consistently bends the OEM 17" pieplate wheels on our 00 4.2A6Q...in her defense she also bends the $150 or so Mille Miglia 17" wheels we mount snow tires on so I have to conclude she simply drives on worse roads than I do (nice guy that I am and wish to continue sharing her bounty).
03-03-2009, 06:44 AM
#10
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I did mine also, but found repainting to be difficult. I guess it depends how good you expect the
results to be. I bought "silber" paint and clear coat from Wurth. Spray to close and it runs. Spray to far away and the paint turns grainy.
They look better than b4 especially after fixing curb rash, but not like new.
They look better than b4 especially after fixing curb rash, but not like new.