CherryLS430 Posted April 2, 2005 Share Posted April 2, 2005 I have a 2003 LS430 with the OEM 7-spoke chrome wheels. The wheel was damaged this week against a curb. The damage was to an extent where the sidewall of the tire was deeply gouged just below the bead and had to be replaced, and the wheel suffered a 4" long gouge / scrape along the rim. One dealer told me that they 'have a local guy' who covers their (Lexus) dealership, as well as a local Mercedes dealer. He apparently simply grinds and polishes the damage, with no chrome repair for ~$125. A tire dealer told me about Wheels America . . . their website indicates they perform a more comprehensive repair (welding, grinding, polishing, and chrome repair) for a $250 flat fee, regardless of manufacturer. The Lexus dealer cautioned that they see a lot of different aftermarket chrome wheels (new and repaired) running the gamut from good to poor. 1. Is such a gouge realistically repairable? By this I mean a correct, economical repair . . . or is it better to try to find an OEM wheel through a boneyard or on ebay? 2. Does anyone have advice for me on what are my options? 3. Does anyone know the composition of the OEM wheels? Are they a cast aluminum alloy? A magnesium alloy wheel? Would anyone know the ASTM #? Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruznroadking Posted April 2, 2005 Share Posted April 2, 2005 Once the chrome plating is gouged you can't just repair & replate the damaged area. Chrome plating is usally a 2 to 3 step process. Normally under the chrome is nickel or some other metal plating before the chrome plating is applied. I've used Wheels America before & am impressed with their level of repairs. $250 sounds quite reasonable considering the price of a new wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THE ONE Posted April 2, 2005 Share Posted April 2, 2005 I have a 2003 LS430 with the OEM 7-spoke chrome wheels. The wheel was damaged this week against a curb. The damage was to an extent where the sidewall of the tire was deeply gouged just below the bead and had to be replaced, and the wheel suffered a 4" long gouge / scrape along the rim. One dealer told me that they 'have a local guy' who covers their (Lexus) dealership, as well as a local Mercedes dealer. He apparently simply grinds and polishes the damage, with no chrome repair for ~$125. A tire dealer told me about Wheels America . . . their website indicates they perform a more comprehensive repair (welding, grinding, polishing, and chrome repair) for a $250 flat fee, regardless of manufacturer. The Lexus dealer cautioned that they see a lot of different aftermarket chrome wheels (new and repaired) running the gamut from good to poor. 1. Is such a gouge realistically repairable? By this I mean a correct, economical repair . . . or is it better to try to find an OEM wheel through a boneyard or on ebay? 2. Does anyone have advice for me on what are my options? 3. Does anyone know the composition of the OEM wheels? Are they a cast aluminum alloy? A magnesium alloy wheel? Would anyone know the ASTM #? Thank you. ← TRY THIS "WWW.CAPITALWHEELS.COM" GOOD LUCK... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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