Filling gouges in wheels

[Randolph]

I'm repainting my winter wheels and there's both minor curb rash and a few chunks taken out. Fill the chunks with JB Weld or is there something better?

Media blasted

[sc_rufctr]

^^^ Ouch, What are they made of? Standard alloys or Magnesium?

Would it be possible to have that filled using a TIG welder?

There's a special aluminum filler rod available that melts at lower temperatures.
- All you need is something like a plumbers torch. It's a similar process to lead wiping.


AI Overview

Low-temperature aluminum filler rods (often referred to as Alumiweld, Ultrabond, or flux-core aluminum brazing/soldering rods) melt at roughly 380°C to 450°C (716°F to 842°F), compared to pure aluminum, which melts around 660°C (1221°F).

[onewhippedpuppy]

I think the alloy wheel repair guys use some variety of welder to fill large nicks and then file/sand them smooth. That way it’s an actual metal on metal repair. JB Weld would probably work as a DIY substitute.

[Randolph]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

^^^ Ouch, What are they made of? Standard alloys or Magnesium?

Would it be possible to have that filled using a TIG welder?

There's a special aluminum filler rod available that melts at lower temperatures.
- All you need is something like a plumbers torch. It's a similar process to lead wiping.


AI Overview

Low-temperature aluminum filler rods (often referred to as Alumiweld, Ultrabond, or flux-core aluminum brazing/soldering rods) melt at roughly 380°C to 450°C (716°F to 842°F), compared to pure aluminum, which melts around 660°C (1221°F).

I think they are pressure cast aluminum. I am beginner TIG welder, I have a sense I would make a mess trying to fill that in.

I have used those filler rods, they are 97% zinc and 3% aluminum. I will try them, thanks.

[Randolph]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I think the alloy wheel repair guys use some variety of welder to fill large nicks and then file/sand them smooth. That way it’s an actual metal on metal repair. JB Weld would probably work as a DIY substitute.

That's what I thought. I'm going to try the filler Peter mentioned and look for an aluminum spool gun on FBMP. I wouldn' ry to TIG that but I would probably be able to MIG it with a little practive.

[Randolph]

OK googling says I can't use the spool gun

[onewhippedpuppy]

Maybe you could pay an alloy wheel repair company for just the metal repair and then you do the final sanding, paintwork, etc?

[Zeke]

JB weld is used commonly on cast iron machined parts. On an edge it is a good idea to drill in some wire stakes. 2 things I will caution, don't start a stress runner with a drill hole for a stake and don't heat enough to alter the heat treating.

To get a puddle started on a large object, even at the edge, requires some preheating so I'd bring the wheel up to 500º in an oven, blanket it and weld the missing area in small passes using low heat. I can see why a spool gun is not suitable. Too much heat too soon and too fast of cooling.

While welding is best, JB might do what you need if the tire mounting guy doesn't start right on your repair. The zinc stuff is not strong at all and the bond is very weak. Used on many die casting repairs of zinc die-casting alloy, it offers a very low melting point, but not AL.