Clear coat damage on Alum. wheel

[snw1953]

Today I had to have tires installed on my V2K. Took it to the locally recommended HD independent mechanic shop to have it done. When I got it back, The front wheel has small gouges and nicks plus the clear coat damaged leaving black at the edges where it stops and starts.
Any words of wisdom on how to repair with out a complete, sanding of each gouge, polishing the complete wheel and recoating with clear coat again?

[Targetbuster]

Wow, I don't even know what to say about this. Sorry to hear it, I don't even know if that kind of damage can be fixed. Good luck...

[1600v-twin]

Im sorry to hear about your situation. Did you say something to the dealer about the damage to the rim? If there reputable they may make good on it.

[uechi kid]

I'd talk to the shop that did the work. They are responsable for their work, or damage. Man that sucks!!

[2WheelFun]

Bummer!!! As the others said...take it back to the shop and let them know they owe you a new wheel.

[anamosity]

Ask, NO, TELL the shop to buy you a new wheel! period!

[Billy D.]

Don't touch it! Take it back,you asked for tires to be put on,not (being nice) messed up rims, rims cost more than tires. Let them make it right, they'll understand.Be Firm!

[samarnold55]

man, that sucks. I agree with everyone else, make the shop pay for their mistake. If that doesn't work, isn't there some clear coat polishes that have solvent in them which take out scratches in the finish. Might be worth a shot.

[Xlr8n]

You can improve the looks of the damage with wet-sanding, steel wool and some more clear, but it will not hold up as well or look as good as it did. I would settle for no less than a new or perfect used wheel. Don't hesitate to use the BBB or small claims court if needed. Sorry to hear the bad news. This is the kind of thing I dread every time I have service done on a vehicle. It's also the reason I try to do all I can myself, not so much to save money, but because I don't want my stuff ruined. I'm really picky about appearance details. Hope things work out o.k. Keep us posted.

[snw1953]

I went back to the shop, all he wants to do is have it clear coated after I have it buffed out. It's not a dealer it's a HD mechanic that has opened his own shop. Will decide if I want to press it Sometimes it's better to take your lumps and remember why you pay more at a reputable dealer.

[Targetbuster]

Originally Posted by snw1953

I went back to the shop, all he wants to do is have it clear coated after I have it buffed out. It's not a dealer it's a HD mechanic that has opened his own shop. Will decide if I want to press it Sometimes it's better to take your lumps and remember why you pay more at a reputable dealer.

I had a Bronco detailed one time and the damage they did was unreal. Dents all over the hood and top. The newly hired help had literally crawled all over it, kneeling down to use the orbital buffer and putting dents everywhere. I didn't notice right away because I had it picked up and delivered. I got in it to go home and was shocked! I couldn't believe that a professional shop would return my vehicle in this condition. I got the same run around from them. First, it was the "it was already like that" line. Then with further pressing and the assurance that I wasn't just going to "go away" the owner of the shop finally turned it in to his insurance and I got my Bronco fixed. It took a new hood and several hours in the body shop to take all the dents out. My point is, these guys have insurance for stuff like this. You shouldn't have to just eat it.. But you are the one who knows the situation the best. Good luck to you.