[bozarts]

New owner, '06 GranSport Spyder with factory 19" ball-polished wheels. 3 of them are near-perfect, right front has curb rash on rim, and minor scratches on spokes. Wheel is not apparently bent.New OEM wheel too expensive to consider. Told by reliable source that many used "as-new" wheels have been bent and fixed, and that once bent and fixed that they are more prone than undamaged wheels to bend again. Questions--
-can competent wheel repair specialists (local Maser dealer has a local one--any owner experience with other experts) usually repair wheels to as new appearance? Is this especially difficult considering their nature?
-the other wheels have some minor defects in the clear coating- should I touch-up the coating or not, and with what? Can you have the coating stripped off (or does this just then require you to polish wheels too often)?
-what is routine care for wheels as-is (type polish,etc)

Thanks

[GregD]

I've had a few minor curb rashed sections repaired with less than desirable results..long term the clear coat begins to chip away. I used a mobile guy that is very good with standard wheels, but the ball polished are probably the most difficult type to work on.

If you do have them repaired, I would suggest you have a wheel restoration shop with experience do it for you, where they remove the tire and do it right. It may end up costing $500 or so, but it would be worth it in the long run. You may want to inquire with the Dealership's body shop who they recommend.

[flashgordon]

I had pretty bad rash on two of my 04 Spyder Vintage ball polished wheels. A mobile firm came to my house and the repair was perfect - indistinguishable from new.

[RWS]

I used Mr. Wheels in Fortville, Indiana. He completely refinished all 4 wheels and the clear-coated them. I am going to sell these with new tires since I just bought a new GranTurismo S.

RWS

[johnny2127]

I have had two wheels with curb rash fixed. Was fairly cheap at $125 per wheel. A good way for you to find one, would be for you to contact an good autobody shop you know, and ask them who they use for wheel repair. They should give you the contact number.

[BeeYouZeeZee]

Originally Posted by bozarts

New owner, '06 GranSport Spyder with factory 19" ball-polished wheels. 3 of them are near-perfect, right front has curb rash on rim, and minor scratches on spokes. Wheel is not apparently bent.New OEM wheel too expensive to consider. Told by reliable source that many used "as-new" wheels have been bent and fixed, and that once bent and fixed that they are more prone than undamaged wheels to bend again. Questions--
-can competent wheel repair specialists (local Maser dealer has a local one--any owner experience with other experts) usually repair wheels to as new appearance? Is this especially difficult considering their nature?
-the other wheels have some minor defects in the clear coating- should I touch-up the coating or not, and with what? Can you have the coating stripped off (or does this just then require you to polish wheels too often)?
-what is routine care for wheels as-is (type polish,etc)

Thanks

Discount Tire's guys did mine for $125/wheel. They buff off the nubs and fill it with *something* then paint it with paint I swear looks like liquid metal. They clear coat and you can't tell the difference. They're getting good at this stuf!

[ERS113]

I was run into the curb by a drunk truck driver admiring my car while driving. Bad curb rash. A wheel repair company repaired both left wheels and you cannot tell the difference. When they finished they rebalanced them and there are no performance issues. Cost $125/wheel.

[nzw212]

Does anyone have a suggestion for wheel repair in NY? I was parked outside my son's school and a mom asked if i could back up a few feet so she could park too... I'm so frustrated!

Thanks

[wwWheels]

Hi,

Sorry to dig this up. It is very difficult to refinish this wheel the correct way. Whoever is refinishing the wheel, make sure they do not remove the balls on the surface of the wheel. They are most noticeable where the spokes meet the barrel. If they do remove the balls, then you know that they did not know what the ball finish was, and probably should of declined the work.

Also, make sure they absolutely do not cut the beads (this is a short cut for those who are reconditioning that do not have the proper technical background, equipment, and knowledge on how to properly straighten a wheel). This weakens the structural integrity of the wheel and can be extremely dangerous.

If you need pictures to illustrate the balls or have any technically questions please feel free to contact me via email me.

[flashgordon]

Originally Posted by wwWheels

Hi,

Sorry to dig this up. It is very difficult to refinish this wheel the correct way. Whoever is refinishing the wheel, make sure they do not remove the balls on the surface of the wheel. They are most noticeable where the spokes meet the barrel. If they do remove the balls, then you know that they did not know what the ball finish was, and probably should of declined the work.

Also, make sure they absolutely do not cut the beads (this is a short cut for those who are reconditioning that do not have the proper technical background, equipment, and knowledge on how to properly straighten a wheel). This weakens the structural integrity of the wheel and can be extremely dangerous.

If you need pictures to illustrate the balls or have any technically questions please feel free to contact me via email me.

Not sure what you talking about.

I had had two repairs to my "balls" and both times it was absolutely perfect - using nothing but paint!

[kramsay1234]

I also would like to hear more about this concept of "balls".

[sprocketmensch]

Ditto. I am in the NY metro area and need all 4 ball polished wheels repaired because of curb rash, some of it pretty bad. If you can explain what you mean or recommend a good refinisher I'd appreciate it. I went to one that my garage uses who said the process was so complicated to do it "right" that they charge $450 a wheel.

[wwWheels]

Hi All,

If you look closely to the finish you can see the balls in the casting. Maserati polish's the wheel as soon as it is removed from its casting (still hot), causing balls in the finish.

Most reconditioner's will prep the wheel and sand to much of the face, removing the ball finish. Here is a close up marco shot of the balls in the finish. Its those round holes all around the wheel.



I only know one place that remanufactures this wheel correctly and it is Proformance Industries in NY. They have the proper equipment, and are extremely knowledgeable. Please tell them you were referred by Joe from World Wide Wheels, hopefully they give you a nice discount .

And do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Thanks

[Island Maser]

From what I seen you need to have all 4 done if you ever what them to match. The process makes the finish and if slightly different youget a different look. At worst I thought about doing 2 wheels so at leat the sides match and look right.

[wwWheels]

Island Maser - Take a look at Proformance Industries...They have the technology and equipment to custom create their own wheels.

http://www.proformanceindustries.com/

I am not sure if you can ship in an order, but if you cant, i can always drop it off/pick it up and ship it back to you.