Wheel refurb questions....

[NDA]

I've not damaged an alloy before - but had to take avoiding action from a lorry driver who wandered over to my side of the road... and crunched a front wheel.

Not dreadful as I'd slammed the brakes on, but it's quite deeply scratched, just on the rim.

Numpty questions!

Does it take days to have a wheel done? Are mobile services any good?

I've done some Googling (obviously) but every site is it's own sales brochure, so I'd rather get the views from those that know.

The wheel is a (factory) grey painted alloy, nothing special, but previously unmarked.

Thanks.

[parabolica]

NDA said:

Does it take days to have a wheel done? Are mobile services any good?

Most 'drop it off with us' places will have a turnaround of a few days (2-3 at most places); obviously easier if you can leave just the wheel with them rather than the whole car. Only time I've used a man in a van was when I had alloy insurance with my lease and I was quite impressed - turned up at the house, popped the wheel off and it was fully repaired/refinished in an hour or two.

If the damage is minimal and confined to a small area of the wheel, I would be looking at a mobile service; if the damage is all over the wheel then probably a refurb unit so they can do a thorough job.

[CrippsCorner]

In my experience if you're for the convenience of a mobile place, so they seem to add on about 10%

My last place did a great job, but I think the colour is veeery slightly off compared to the rest. Since that was done, I've managed to scratch another two wheels! At the same bloody roadside, so I should have probably saved up and got them all done together.

[Gio G]

OP if you are London based, then highly recommended First Aid Wheels. They will probably give you some loan wheels while yours is being repaired. Used lots of places in the past, these guys provide a very good quality finish. Don't use those rubbish franchise places, they just rush the jobs..

G

[Freakuk]

Depending upon the damage you can probably have it done at home in an hour or two.

I've just had one done today on the drive, only just gone through the paint so probably not a big job, matching the paint was a challenge but done in just over an hour or so, got to leave them for around 5 days before I wash the car to let the paint/lacquer harden.

[NDA]

OK, great info everyone, thanks.