I’m in need of some serious help with my wheels and rims. Recently, I’ve noticed some damage that might require repair, and I’m looking for recommendations on reliable services in New Jersey. If anyone has had experience with wheel and rim repair shops, I would love to hear your thoughts!
Here are a few specific things I’m looking for:
Types of services offered: Do they do straightening, refinishing, or customizations?
Pricing: What have you found to be reasonable costs?
Convenience: Are there mobile services, or should I bring my car in?
Quality of work: Any personal experiences that stand out?
I’ve seen a few listings online, but I’d prefer to hear from fellow car enthusiasts. Your insights would be greatly appreciated and would help me make an informed decision. Thanks in advance for your help!
I’ve had great luck with do-it-yourself repairs! For minor rim scratches, you only need some sandpaper, a little primer, and touch-up paint. Just sand the area, apply the primer, and then carefully paint it. It can save a ton of cash.
Great tips, Michael! For bent rims, I’ve used a rubber mallet and a block of wood to gently tap it back into shape. Just be careful not to hit too hard!
Is the rubber mallet technique really effective? I tried straightening a small bend before, and it didn’t really help much. Can anyone recommend more reliable methods?
It’s definitely a bit of an art! Sometimes it’s more about the patience than the technique itself. If you’re not seeing results, I’d suggest looking into a local shop for stubborn bends. It might not be worth the risk of damaging the wheel further.
I recently read about using brake cleaner and WD-40 for cleaning up scuffs before doing repairs. It works wonders to prepare the surface! Has anyone else had success with that?
Yes! Clean surfaces definitely help paint stick better. I’ve also found that using a heat gun can help when applying the paint for a smoother finish. Just be careful not to overheat anything!
I’ve used high-temperature engine enamel before. It stands up pretty well against chips and scratches from daily driving. Just make sure it’s suitable for metal surfaces!