Alloy wheel refurb business in the UK help

[grommit]

Hello all,
i have been taking all your advice on polishin etc. but i am really interested in refurbing alloys for a part time business.it is becoming big in the UK with franchises shouting out for people, but i feel with the training etc i could work on my own.There are also mobile refurb without taking off the wheel,using paint laquer etc and not powder coating.
please can any one give me a helping hand step by step on alloy wheel refurb with a simple 'Curb rash'. i know there is diverent scanario's with different damage on the alloy. but i would feel confident with back up from the experts on how i personally would do it.
i am not an expert on filler types etc. i would prefer a static work space and have customers bring them to me.
any help guidance would be really appreciated especially any leads in the UK for products etc and fro training.
cheers
grommit

[jrow]

grommit,

It depends on what the final finish on the wheel is going to be, paint, powder, or polish? If your going to finish it "curb side" then you are going to have to mix the paint to match the wheel. I would imagine not an easy task, due to fading and UV damage! Easiest filler for painting would be JB Weld.
Powder coating: You can use Arvin's lab metal, AlumaLoy, Plumloy, or anything that will stand up to the heat that you cure powder with.
Polishing: You are going to have to fill the rash with either MIG or TIG welding. Grind/sand it down and polish.

Suggest that you search the Internet and see what's available in the UK that will serve your purpose.

John

[grommit]

hello John,
once again you guys have come up trumps.as you said it depends on the finish i require,my hope will be just pure powder coat from my workshop.it says on the net that its a big business for mobile refurb and al ot of franchises,why go franchise if its so good when you can do it alone and make all the money for yourself.
it is mainly Curb rash i come across with the people that want help here,but with out a curing oven i am restricting myself as powder coating is what i want to do.
take care
grommit

[jrow]

grommit,

Next step. Get yourself a used kitchen oven that will hold the wheels, or build one.

John

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by grommit

with out a curing oven i am restricting myself as powder coating is what i want to do.
grommit

You can get heat lamps that will do the job (but might be tough in the winter...)

[grommit]

hello all,
sorry its been a few days since i replied.i have been busy finishing off my blast cabinet.can you give me a link on what lamps you advise for use after i have painted the alloys.
i didnt realise how quick the word would spread, i have 6 sets of alloys from friend etc that require refurb...i have told them i am no expert and they are happy, its all practice.
a conventional oven that will fit an alloy would be the next thing (should of done it long ago) and i can get doing what i wanted to do for years and powder coat everything that can be moved....
many thanks and i will keep you all up dated, as usual i will have more questions to ask.
take care
grommit