What If
 

What if this happened to you? It happened to me. Just a few days after my one year anniversary of taking delivery, I went over a curb when turning.I thought only the tire went over the curb. When I got home and checked it out ,damage was done to the wheel (scratched and gouged in one spot) that went over the curb. Would you have the wheel repaired (about 1/3 of the cost of a new wheel) or would you order a new wheel from the dealer for $640.00. (installed) I have a 50th anniversary so I only have one wheel choice. I'm just thinking of getting a new wheel (hefty price to pay but I might bite the bullet) because it is a 50th anniversary and I try very hard to keep the Camaro looking new. Just wondering what people thought. I have no technical or mechanical abilities to speak of.

Let's see a pic of the wheel. Why not have it repaired if you can, I once had curb rash repaired on a wheel and it looked new afterwards. Use the extra money for another mod.

+1

I would look it over very well with the tire off. Check for cracks and if bent and how much material got gouged out.
And see if possible to do a valid repair. As 1hpRush said, they look like new when repaired. and I believe the repair is warrantied.
Sorry to hear about your brush with a curb.

Have the tire thoroughly inspected for internal damage. If the wheel is damaged at the mating bead, cracked, out of round, I'd seriously consider a new wheel, but I tend to be very cautious. High speed blow outs have a way doing that...

+2.....

+3

+4.. Lets see the wheel.

I have a small damage in one of my wheels. It is not noticeable until closely seen, so decided to leave it as it is.

Should you want to try to fix it yourself:

Use the Dremel attachment #952 cone shaped aluminum oxide grinding stone and grind down the burrs.

Use the Dremel attachment #413 sanding disks and try to round out the gouge

Build up the rim edge with metal filler.

Wet sand with sandpaper grit 1200 then 2000.

Clean it up and paint it with wheel paint or touch up paint that matches the color.

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its personal opinion. But if you believe it compromises the wheel\tire in any way then I would say replace it. Wouldn't you want that peace of mind driving 100+ down the interstate and wondering if the wheel "repair" was enough?? :confused0068:

Check your vehicle warranties. When I bought my Camaro from the dealer, I added Rim and Tire protection to the warranty.

The rim and tire protection does NOT cover curb rash. I discovered this after I got a bit of curb rash on my 13 ZL1 that has wheels that cost $1k EACH.
I was told that if it still holds air, then the damage is NOT covered.

AMHIKT.

I also own a 50th anniversary edition. I had damage on the driver side front and rear wheels from something that scratched both of them on the same day at the same time. I still don't know what it was, but it caused semi-circular scratches on both wheels. When I found out how much it's was going to cost to replace them, it was a no-brainer. I had them repaired for $110 each.

Unfortunately, because of the unique machined finish on the surface of the 50th anniversary wheels, when you have them repaired, they won't be able to replicate that. But that is so hard to see unless you are about an inch or so away from the wheel, and it doesn't really affect the overall look. Only I know that it's not the same as the original finish. It bugs me a bit, but not enough to spend the money to buy new wheels...at least not yet!