Wheel Repair ????

C6Z512005 · 02-13-2007, 12:55 AM

I have a 2005 C6 Corvette with OEM Polished Aluminum wheels w/clear coat. The passenger side front and rear have a tiny bit of curb rash. Both are on the very edge of the rim (next to tire). The front is about 3 inches long and the rear is about 5 inches long with both being about 1/8 of an inch wide (maybe a tad bit smaller). The depth of the scratches is not to deep.

I have done a search on the forum and have come up with some information but seeking a bit more advice/input.

I contacted a somewhat local vendor (about an hour away) that does wheel repair work. Here is what they told me:

"The best and most cost effective repair would be to put the wheel on our CNC Lathe and put a small cut on the edge to remove the damage. It would be difficult to see unless you knew exactly what you're looking for. You would need to bring us the wheels off the car. We can remove the tires, do the repair, mount the tire back on and computer balance them. You would be looking at $75 each plus tax."

Would the small portion that would be lathed off disturb the balance/performce of the wheel/tire? Would this affect the clear coat and if so, what would need to be done. If they did the work, any issues I should be cautious of with the removal of the tires (stock Z51 rubber)....special type of machine to do this, etc...????

Any advice would be great.

Thanks folks!

Luke@tirerack · 02-13-2007, 10:37 AM

best place I know of for wheel repair is

WHEEL TECHNIQUES
3280 D EDWARDS AVE Phone : (408) 496-6363
SANTA CLARA CA 95054

rocco16 · 02-13-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C6Z512005

"The best and most cost effective repair would be to put the wheel on our CNC Lathe and put a small cut on the edge to remove the damage. Would the small portion that would be lathed off disturb the balance/performce of the wheel/tire?

Probably not the performance, definitely not the balance (especially if they are going to re-balance afterwords).

Quote:

Originally Posted by C6Z512005

Would this affect the clear coat and if so, what would need to be done.

It will remove the clearcoat along with the metal..... You might want to have it re-clear coated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C6Z512005

If they did the work, any issues I should be cautious of with the removal of the tires (stock Z51 rubber)....special type of machine to do this, etc...????

Nothing special; same "no-touch" machine any alloy wheel would require.

Larry
code5coupe

C6Z512005 · 02-14-2007, 09:25 PM

Thanks to all of you for the helpful responses. When I get a break from work, I'm going pull the two wheels off and take them over to the shop for a closer look and check out the shop and pictures of work they have done on other wheels. If things sound and look right, I'll proceed with this process. If I do end up going this route, I'll let ya all know how it turns out. One more thing to add to the "Winter To Do List"! Also due for the DBS flash, NAV upgrade/fix, and real axle chatter fix...(all under warranty).