Repairing scratches on the Kizashi SLS AWD 18" rims?

[stapletondoc]

Has anyone had any difficulty getting a scrape or scratch fixed on the 18" rims of the Kizashi SLS AWD?

[Senegal]

I've "heard" that the same stuff that is sold for paint should work on the wheels if it's superficial.

To prevent it, I've used the paint wax on the wheels as well.

[stapletondoc]

If it were only that easy. I got a scrape on the right front passenger wheel while parallel parking recently. Being a proud new owner of a Kizashi SLS AWD CVT, I wanted this corrected immediately. I took it to the dealership. They said it was more than just a superficial scratch that could not be buffed out. They recommended a local alloy wheel specialist. The specialist said that he had repaired at least four other Kizashi wheels without a problem. So I didn't think it would be a problem. When the specialist prepared the wheel and attempted to prime and paint, the primer and paint immediately peeled off the wheel. He states this should not have happened. He maintains that this may be a sign that the wheel had been repaired previously or that something else may be going on. I called American Suzuki just to see if there was some sort of "special" coating or "new" clear coat that may have caused the peeling issue. They said that the SLS model does have a protective coat on the rims, but it was not clear to me whether it was different than other automotive manufacturers' clear coat. They immediately opened a case on my behalf. American Suzuki and the dealership, to their credit, appear to be taking this matter seriously. I am not angry with anyone. I still love my Kizashi!!!

My suggestion to Kizashi owners is to protect your rims and treat them like gold (since a new one may cost ~$600). I would not recommend repairing any rims until we all get some answers to this puzzling question.

[NJKizashi]

I just had my Right rear "Tire" patched..picked up some sort of large Staple...(Internal patch actually better than new now)...My Rims are still free from any Curb scraches..(knock on Wood)

[stapletondoc]

Nothing new to report. Hopefully, tomorrow, I will know something.

[stapletondoc]

The dealership and American Suzuki were not helpful. The wheel specialist is working very hard to do what it can on its end. However, I am doubtful this issue is going to be resolved to my liking. I will most likely have to replace the rim myself (at least $600).

Moral of the story is....do not scratch your rims....and if you do....it's probably prudent NOT to get them repaired...but if you do want to repair them...use extreme caution....YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

[gaww]

I had noticed the first few posts on this, but did not take much note until - I scratched my right front on a curb!

THESE WHEELS ARE VERY EASY TO SCRATCH!!!!

The problem is the rims are not protected by the tires sticking out from the rims as most other cars i have driven were.

Since professional refinishing seems to be a problem, I did some "Irish engineering" . I got some silver and slate gray touch up paints and mixed them until it blended as close as possible with the wheel color. This of course does not repair them, but it hides them from all but the closest look. Before the touch-up, the scrape area (not much - maybe 1/4 inch or less around 1/5 of the rim surface nearest the tire) was very noticeable due to its contrast with the undamaged area.

Not at all a great solution - but will live with it rather then get soaked for a new factory wheel.

[stapletondoc]

FYI, the 18' inch rims on the SLS AWD are painted with a powder-coat containing a "hyper-silver" color that is almost impossible to match if you are wanting to repair a scratch. If you think you can just have a little scratch fixed easily, think again. The wheel cannot be patch repaired. Its finish must be completely stripped down and refinished. Results definitely vary. I am angry that I was not told all of this until after the fact.

Again, I urge everyone to exercise extreme caution should you decide to repair a scrape or scratch!

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

[sloopercat]

I would be glad to sell mine, once I find some replacements.

[Moto]

I requested the information regarding the wheel sizes on the facebook page it appears that they will get back to me with the information. I will be sure to provide the information once I get it. It appears they know who we are now. Suzuki does seem to do a good job supporting owners clubs and tuner groups.