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.
