How can I fix this?

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rrpalma

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Hello,

Just got a 3/4 ton Suburban that has been in storage for close to a year. Paint seems to be in very good condition. However, the wheels have what appears to be lighter colored scratches (but they are not scratches) -- I'm attaching some pictures. Is there any way to leave the wheels looking brand new?

Thanks for reading!
 
That looks to me like corrosion. They are aluminum wheels most likely and it is a reaction of the metal with something (weather basically) happens alot here in the north. Where are you from? Maybe that would help us better determine.
 
I'm not 100% sure on this but I believe that is oxidation on the aluminum that is under the clear coat on the wheel which is why you can't feel it like a normal scrape or scratch.
 
dcjredline said:
That looks to me like corrosion. They are aluminum wheels most likely and it is a reaction of the metal with something (weather basically) happens alot here in the north. Where are you from? Maybe that would help us better determine.
Click to expand...


Beat me to it
 
Thanks everyone. Very humid weather here. Just talked to my close friend who owns a body shop / detailing company with a few locations. He says that probably the only way to fix this is by going through a professional polishing and perhaps re-lathing job. Opinions?
 
You may just be able to get them sand blasted and then sand and polish the bad spots then re finish the clear coat. You could check with some body shops locally to see if you have a wheel refinishing shop near by.
 
You may also be able to just have them blasted and cleaned up and then just get them powder coated. You would need to do all 4 that way though. Powder coating in my area starts around $250 for all 4 wheels in basic silver or black and goes up in price from there pending the colors your choose.
 
In Hawaii this happens often. Like most said is probably the aluminum oxidizing. I'm waiting to see how the paint on the new fords with the aluminum body react when they start oxidizing.


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dcjredline said:
That looks to me like corrosion. They are aluminum wheels most likely and it is a reaction of the metal with something (weather basically) happens alot here in the north. Where are you from? Maybe that would help us better determine.
Click to expand...

Agree wheel is damaged see a lot in south Florida mostly for some reason mustangs are horrible,maybe covered under corrosion warranty.
 
Be better off to buy aftermarket wheels then to have them refurbished,cause it will happen again.
 
go to youtube and check out a post by ChrisFix on how he fixed some wheels with scratches...... I realize yours aren't scratched, but, there are some tips in the video that just may help you DIY.
Also, unless you just don't like the wheels on the car, I wouldn't go to the expense of aftermarket wheels, but, that's up to you.
 
Or just plasti dip them. 20 dollar fix right there

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808_detail_nut said:
In Hawaii this happens often. Like most said is probably the aluminum oxidizing. I'm waiting to see how the paint on the new fords with the aluminum body react when they start oxidizing.


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Click to expand...


Much better than rust.

I have never seen any negative affect on my aluminum hood with rock chips. No white oxidation, or flaking of paint around them. We know what exposed steel does. Aluminum does not hold up as well against hail.

I have seen oxidation and flaking on older factory painted valve covers and clear(powder?) coated machined or polished wheels though.

Media basting, then coating or paint will be the least expensive route to get a nice finish. Restoring them to their factory machined surface would be expensive. I also don't think clear coatings bond well to machined or polished wheel. Silver, whatever color, factory coated wheels hold up better over time.
 
Thank you all for your very helpful comments. They are *very* much appreciated and extremely helpful.

GSKR said:
Be better off to buy aftermarket wheels then to have them refurbished,cause it will happen again.
Click to expand...

I'm seriously considering getting a professional paint job made on these wheels (maybe gun metal), but am also inclined to get a new set of aftermarket wheels. What do you guys think of Eagle Alloy wheels? Ever since I was young, I liked the look of the classic 186 series

http://www.aewheel.c...id=1990&cat=472

If I go that route, what would be the preferred way to detail and take care of them? I assume they will be of a better quality than the OEMs?
 
Not sure about the brand you are looking at but in my opinion factory wheels are great quality and extremely durable. Enkei makes most of the Japanese ones, not sure about euro or American. They will take a hit at high mph and stay intact and not break into pieces. I've worked at a salvage yard and seen many broken cheap aftermarket wheels. Not bent, just complete destroyed in pieces. Just make sure they are high quality.

For care and maintenance, get a paint coating on them then clean regularly with whatever you wash your car with unless you let them go and they get really dirty.
 
Thanks for all the comments. If I get a new set of identical GM OEM wheels, how can I avoid this happening again?
 
Keep it clean. Seal or coat it. I remove my rims every 6 months and clay them. Then seal them with a quality sealant or coating of your choice. Buy a Daytona speed brush so you can get in the drums and behind any parts of the wheel so there is minimal dust that could eat through to the aluminum.

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