Removing scratches from rims

[mtzgr777]

Is there any way to remove scratches and road rash from the OEM rims on my 1996 Q? They're a really nice complement to the elegance of the car and I like that 25 spoke design a lot, but they are far from perfect. Is there any way to buff out the entire rim or grind it down or something to try and make it look new(er)?

Any info is appreciated...thanks!

[Q451990]

Most towns have mobile wheel repair people that do nice work. Even better would be to ship them off to a full wheel restoration place before your next tire change. They can bring them back into spec. More $$$ though.

I have done DIY curb rash repair with a dremel tool with a drum sander and some clearcoat with some halfway decent results. As in, it was already messed up, so I didn't do any damage - but not professional grade by any means.

Heath

[jltibbs]

I wonder if having them worked over and then powder coated would work. Check out the link in my sig for powder coating and look at their processes where the bead blast. I think they would come out nice. (Of course I would go with a stock silver for color on your wheels.)

[Q45tech]

In 19.5 years of ownership I have purchased 2 additional sets of oem wheels, always from dealers who had them on display after removing them from Q which had a set of BLING added.

The most I paid was $50 each [plus lunch for someone] but I bargained.

Wheels seem to last about 100k before they bend or get rough looking.

I check my wheels for balance without tires every time I replace tires.

They slowly [or instantly with damage] creep out of oem spec especially on the inside unsupported edge.

Impossible to have vibration free tires if wheels are out of spec.