Do you have wheels that are old and no longer as shiny? If there are so, do you know how the wheels are refinished? Restoring wheel finishes have been a long-held tradition for old car shops that offer wheels in their component selections. Whether you want to spruce up your appearance or completely change the look of your car, restoring your wheel refinishing is a popular way to do it. It allows an updated look and makes your car more appealing overall. – but there are pros and cons to consider before you get started! We’ll discuss the best practices at hand in our guide on how to restore and wheel refinishing.
Detailing is a time-consuming process that can take anywhere from half an hour to many hours, depending on its extent. Before starting the detailing process, it’s best to invest in a good detailer’s coat. The best thing about these coats is that they are resistant to chemicals like water, detergents, etc. Also, make sure to have your tools with you at the time of detailing. We prefer using a microfiber cloth and a detailing brush, which comes in handy at almost every step of the detailing process (like quick clean-up moments). Wheel refinishing includes filling and sanding dents and scratches and restriping the rims.
1.Checking and Cleaning
The first step of our process is to determine the type of tire and its corresponding wheel type 20 inch rims. We do this by measuring the rim size and overall diameter as well. Once we know the details, we inspect the tires with a tire gauge to ensure that the measurements are correct and there is no damage otherwise. And we ensure that the tires have correctly inflated pressure based on a color code and will not leak or pop whenever we ride. We repeat the process for all four tires, removing center caps and spigot rings from each one along the way.
2.Start Preparing
In the second stage of the process, we strip off the visible coatings to expose the wheel’s original color and finish. Then, after checking for any buckles or flat spots on wheels that merit a repair – though we hand-pick what wheels go through our hydraulic wheel straightening rig – we apply a fresh coat of lacquer to prepare them for their finish.
3.Finishing the Paint, Powder Coat
The wheels are now immersed in a chemical bath to remove the paint, powder coat, and brake dust. It can take up to four hours, depending on the type of coating on your wheels, before they are fully stripped down. You don’t need to worry about media blasting or steel contamination because if you see any vendors doing this, walk away from them. Also, please do not purchase anything from anyone who does this either, as it ruins the whole surface of your wheel, which will lead to rust and corrosion later down the road.
4.Repair the Scratches and Pits
Once the wheels are removed from the tank, it is then placed in a water bath to neutralize the corrosion from the tank water. The wheel is then jet washed clean and dried, then inspected for cracks or other damage that requires TIG welding; which means it was welded by a technique of Tungsten Inert Gas (a non-consumable tungsten electrode along with inert shielding gas to protect the weld puddle) and this process is performed with a handheld welder. Once any imperfections on the surface have been sanded away, the wheels are cleaned and prepped for paint.
5.Apply the Primer and Paint
At this point, the surface of the wheel refinishing is completely smooth. The wheel is primed inside and out and then covered in high-build primer. After the primer has been baked, it is sanded down by hand before painting. The base coat is then applied inside and out, followed by a 2K high solids clear solvent coat, and then cured on a bake cycle.
6.Fitted the Tires
When newer valves have been fitted, and the tires have been refitted back onto the rims, they are then inflated to the recommended pressure given by the manufacturer. When applicable, spigot rings are replaced, and each wheel is balanced before fitting them back into place on the vehicle. Finally, what can refit all wheels to the vehicle with bolts to keep them safe and secure while ensuring they’re held tightly in place with the correct torque.
7.Complimentary Wash & Mini Valet
We do not over-tighten or stress the tires by using an impact gun to install wheel bolts because that could cause the tires to blow out and, even worse, fail. It also doesn’t give the tires enough leeway to rot as they should be over time – both for wear & to ensure air remains evenly distributed throughout all parts of the tire. At Black Country Wheel Repairs, we use our own specially designed fitting machine, which centers the lug nut in its seat on the rim so we can easily tighten it down with a torque wrench. We tighten each bolt individually, ensuring they’re tightened just enough while being careful. Then we lower your vehicle off of our axle stands, position it safely on a jacking point, remove your best off-road wheels & refit the center caps. Your car is then given a complimentary valet wash and vacuum job before returning to look beautiful once again!
Final Thought
We must make sure our wheels are in proper working condition. Working wheels can help save a lot of trouble and prevent bodily harm when navigating through life’s obstacles. We must ensure our wheels are in the best possible condition and thoroughly inspected at every stage before use. For example, we should be checking the tread depth to ensure that you’re getting enough grip during cornering. To ensure durability and performance, remember: that routine maintenance is key! If you’re having problems maintaining your wheels, keep some safety belts handy to buckle yourself in and improve your chances of arriving safely at your destination when your tires are spinning out of control.
