Wheel question?

[jdando]

In my search for a second set of wheels I have run across the term "refinished". What exactly does this mean? Is this wheel as good as new? Better than new? Are there issues to look out for in buying used wheels? (other than the obvious, curb rash, damage, crashed, won't hold air)

thanks, jeremy

[SergntMac]

Refinish = refurbish, rehab, repaired, and so on. Most of the time, the wheel is fine, but the clearcoat has sustained some damage. Clearcoat is just like your painted surfaces, it will dull if not maintained, and scratch when scratched.

[Marauderjack]

Mac/jeremy,

I posted this elsewhere and wish to warn our members to be very careful with "Remanufactured" wheels!!:argue:

I ordered two from this site:

http://www.partstrain.com/products/Wheels/2004~MERCURY~MARAUDER_SEDAN.ht ml

and they were "Bright Silver".......PAINTED SILVER!!!!:mad2:

I also found out that a company that widens them does not like damaged/repaired rims as the original damage will try to return when welded during the widening process??:help:

I'm going to bite the bullet and buy new ones to widen.:beer:

Marauderjack:censor:

[SergntMac]

painted silver...Prolly a 300A spare wheel.

[Marauderjack]

No....I think the spares were more of a "Pewter Gray" and these are actually silver paint...looks like anodizing??

As I understand it if they have to weld the polished surface to repair them they will not polish out well and paint is the only option??

At any rate I'm sending them back!!:argue:

That's what I get for trying to save a few bucks!!:shake:

Marauderjack:rolleyes:

[KillJoy]

Well that sucks. I was keeping them in mind to use if I ever got mine widened.

KillJoy

[Hotrauder]

Jack, Thanks for the good info. I was eyeballing that source for widening a pair. I appreciate the heads-up. NOW I know Jack about wheels.:D Dennis

[magindat]

Mac's right. Refinished should be just that. Refinished. Processes might include re-polishing, re-painting, re-clearing.

Refurbished or remanufactured are no-no's for wheels. Even brake heat or road hazards might knock them back to bad.

I have had refinished wheels. I've refinished a set myself. Truckers commonly get their wheels refinished. Just be sure what you are buying.

[Marauderjack]

Here is a photo comparing them...It looks like the spare Mac was speaking of!!:argue:

Marauderjack:mad:

[Marauderjack]

A Larger photo....