repair a scuffed alloy

[Justin S]

Well the Fiesta is 1000 miles old and the wife has scraped a kerb. Can anyone recommend a repair kit as the damage isnt huge, just a 5 inch scuff along the rim edge. Do those repair kits work? Don't want or think it needs a refurbishment yet.

[Anatol]

On a 1k miler, if you don't think it needs a professional refurb yet, don't waste your money on a kit. The stuff they include in the Halfords (etc) DIY kits is good stuff, except for the complete lack of neat, effective spray equipment and properly matched, automotive-grade paint.

Without those things, getting a finish that will do a very new car justice is simply impossible.

Add to the fact that you'll pay £30 for the DIY kit, and a pro refurb can cost you not a lot more than that, and going the DIY route is pointless, IMHO.

If the wheels aren't polished/chromed/turned, (in which case, you're knackered anyway) the remaining finish will have a good adhesion to the alloy, and aluminium doesn't suffer from progressive corrosion in the same way as steel, so it won't get any worse if you leave it until you do decide the car needs some professional attention.

HTH

Tol