Body filler for an alloy wheel repair/bodge?

[dannyDC2]

Morning all,

I've had a daft idea. I'm going to refurb some spare alloys I've got for my E36. They're M3 reps with the embossed "Motorsport".

Such as:


They're pretty curbed and I've heard of people using bodyfiller to repair curb marks on alloys, but I'm wondering if the filler would hold up if I try to smooth out the nasty Motorsport engraving?

I fear with the heat from the brakes, along with the wheel flexing will lead to the filler cracking quite quickly. What do you think?

I've considered using chemical metal instead, but I think that will be too hard to get a flat finish on.

Obviously keying in the centre of the engraving will be a challenge, so I'd rather not invest too much time in this if it's likely to fail

Any other recommendations on how to achieve this?

Cheers,
Dan

[TooMany2cvs]

Just spray it all one colour, the etching will be far less visible.

Alternatively, if you're having the rims machined to remove the kerb damage, then get the centre machined, too.

[dannyDC2]

TooMany2cvs said:

Just spray it all one colour, the etching will be far less visible.

Alternatively, if you're having the rims machined to remove the kerb damage, then get the centre machined, too.

It is all one colour, it's the shadows that make the text look darker.

Nothing is going to get machined, the curb marks on the edges aren't that bad, I just fancied trying something new and wondered if anyone else has had a go at it

[MorganP104]

If you're going to paint them anyway, I'd be inclined to attack the wheels with a power sander (i.e. drill attachment). Start off with a fairly coarse grade paper, then get finer and finer, until you get a surface smooth enough to paint on.

Whilst you're there, have a go a the "Motorsport" engraving in the centre. You may not be able to remove it entirely, but there's a good chance its prominence will be far reduced.

[Krikkit]

dannyDC2 said:

I've considered using chemical metal instead, but I think that will be too hard to get a flat finish on.

I used Chemical Metal when repairing some alloy kerb damage when refurbing, it wet sanded identically to the surrounding metal once cured, and I honestly couldn't find it after paint went on. Completely perfect repair, and it lasted longer than the wheels.

[Dannbodge]

I've always used body filler on wheels and never had an issue.

As for flexing, I wouldn't think that part of the wheel will flex much, it looks pretty thick.

[SpeckledJim]

TBH I think this will work fine, as long as you use good filler and prepare the indented surface of the wording properly.

[paintman]

www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/preparation/adhesives/im...
You need the gel & the hardener.
Apply the gel & then spray with the hardener.
Sets almost instantly.
Sand & paint.

[dannyDC2]

MorganP104 said:

If you're going to paint them anyway, I'd be inclined to attack the wheels with a power sander (i.e. drill attachment). Start off with a fairly coarse grade paper, then get finer and finer, until you get a surface smooth enough to paint on.

Whilst you're there, have a go a the "Motorsport" engraving in the centre. You may not be able to remove it entirely, but there's a good chance its prominence will be far reduced.

It it was embossed maybe, I don't think sanding away at an engraving is going to do much Thanks though!

[dannyDC2]

Thanks for the replies, I'm going to have a go at it.

paintman said:

www.spraygunsdirect.co.uk/preparation/adhesives/im...
You need the gel & the hardener.
Apply the gel & then spray with the hardener.
Sets almost instantly.
Sand & paint.

and if my bodging fails, I'll buy the proper stuff

Thanks all.

[JC29]

Hi Danny - this is really not that expensive to get done properly so it will last - perhaps £40 a corner

You may find the filler falls out in big blocks once it gets cold - rims will go through a bit temperature variation

Good luck with it though!

[cj89]

Yes it's been dead for 2 years, but since I came across this thread, someone else might too
Isopon alloy wheel filler (manufacturer is u-pon)
I've no affiliation with this product and other brands are presumably just as good. You feather a nominal inch of surface metal around your damage/engraving, mix and apply filler, sand, prime, paint, clear.
I believe it's close enough to body filler - with the main difference being added aluminium, (presumably to match the stiffness to alloy, but I didn't make it so don't quote me)
Worked well, all in was about £25 for an immaculate repair that was gonna cost at least £60 elsewhere, and I have a bonus 5ish years of free-ish repairs on the shelf. Literally no idea which wheel it's on