Wheel Weight Adhesive Removal & Wheel Scratch Removal

**tenorplayer23** · 10-22-2010, 10:51 PM

Guys,

Had 4 new tires installed on my '08 Impala recently and the installer left me with some issues.

Among other things (like 10PSI + over pressure in each tire, bead lube all over the wheels and screwing up the price) the installer left me with:

> Wheel weight pad adhesive still on the inner rims......I don't know if this is typically removed, but the old weights are gone, but the black adhesive pads are still there where the weights used to be. Any feedback on how to remove the old adhesive pads???

> Scratched and dinged aluminum wheel. I have the multi-spoke versions on the LTZ and somehow he scratched/dug up a patch of the outer rim and dented part of the outer rim trying to pry the wheel weights off with a screwdriver.

The installer is also a body shop/frame straightening firm and wants to repair the wheel internally. Any advice on whether to let them do that or request (demand) that they use one of the roaming wheel repair guys who do this for a living?? Seems that a specialist would do it right the first time for sure.

Would appreciate the feedback...................

Thanks in advance.

See ya.

**Dubbin1** · 10-22-2010, 11:24 PM

I would make them replace the rim.

**Grizzlee72** · 10-22-2010, 11:47 PM

I would send the rim/rims out to a place that specilizes in this sort of thing... I did a set of Dodge ram rims and removed the stickon weights with a heat gun and a plastic scraper and then some brake cleaner. A word of caution with the heat gun and brake cleaner!! Don't over do it!

**rwright** · 10-23-2010, 12:55 AM

Stoner's Tarminator or 3M Adhesive Remover will take care of the residue, and I would make the company pay for the wheel repair. If they provide this service then they should have known what would happen when attempting to remove the wheel weight, I would look to another company.

**ScottB** · 10-23-2010, 05:20 AM

if its only one wheel look to Ebay for a replacement wheel. I took off my previous wheel weight gunk with 3M too.

**PAR Detailing** · 10-23-2010, 09:12 AM

For the adhesive, 3m adhesive remover is wonderful. I wont use anything else. I have run into that issue and with the 3m it isnt an issue.

As for the damaged rim, that is your call. Base it on if you believe they can do a good job or not. I always try to go with my gut. Accidents happen and if this shop is a good shop and they do nice work then I would let them. Im a pretty forgiving guy and have faith in people.... and yes I have been burned but I just dont want to go through life looking at people with the stink eye.

**tenorplayer23** · 10-23-2010, 11:41 AM

Hey Scott,

The damage doesn't really justify a whole new wheel....especially since wheel repair will make it fine....just want to make sure i don't use the wrong resource to have it repaired. So far, the experience isn't so hot, but body work,frame, etc. is what they do.

Thanks for the 3m adhesive recommendation......I'll try my Tarminator and then the 3M product. Plastic scraper to remove the adhesive pads left on the wheel????

How's it going in S. FL.

See ya.

Bob

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

if its only one wheel look to Ebay for a replacement wheel. I took off my previous wheel weight gunk with 3M too.

**rwright** · 10-23-2010, 11:49 AM

Just remember to let the product soak on the adhesive for a minute or two, regardless of what product you use. A plastic razor blade would be fine but with enough soak time and a little effort on your part, a terry towel will be just fine.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-23-2010, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by tenorplayer23

The damage doesn't really justify a whole new wheel....especially since wheel repair will make it fine....just want to make sure i don't use the wrong resource to have it repaired. So far, the experience isn't so hot, but body work,frame, etc. is what they do.

Bob

Bob, here's how I would approach it:

Let them do the wheel repair themselves, but make it clear to them that if it's not to your satisfaction when they're done, you're going to make them replace the wheel with a new one.

Also make sure they will warranty the repaired wheel -- if the finish they put on it starts to peel or crack or anything you will want to be sure you're covered.