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All Wheels are “NOT” created Equal!
This article is about differences in Factory OEM Wheels. Most Factory OEM wheels you see advertised for sale on the internet and eBay are “used” or “refurbished”.
Note: Many wheels you see on the Internet are actually “Replica” wheels (Cheap Copies) of the original wheel. It is important to know the difference because the listing descriptions are vague, making you think you are buying an original wheel, when in fact it is a cheap copy. Please click this LINK to see our article on Factory OEM Wheels vs. Replica Wheels.
There are two key components of refurbishing a used wheel. First is the actual refinishing process and second is the structural integrity and condition of the used wheel, prior to being refurbished.
A refurbished wheel refers to applying a new finish to the wheel. This new finish could be the original OEM finish or a custom finish. However, the way the used wheels are refurbished varies greatly depending upon who performed the work.
Some vendors simply scuff up the old paint and apply a new coat to the old surface. The outside barrel and inner barrel of the wheel are not touched and remain in its used condition. This is a cheap short cut that rarely will last beyond 12 months. Many shops burn off the old finish with blow torches. This is a very risky process because if you exceed certain temperature thresholds it will affect the structural integrity of the wheel. Some use a primer, some do not, some use a final clear coat, again some do not. The methods and quality levels of refinished wheels you buy online varies greatly.
However, the most critical component of buying a used wheel is the wheel itself. Where did these used wheel come from? Many internet sellers get wheels from scrap yards. Scrap yard wheels are just like it sounds: “Scrap Wheels”. These wheels are thrown together on trucks and dumped off at recycling centers. They are handled in a very rough manner that cause bends, cracks, gashes in the aluminum, etc. Some of these wheels have holes drilled in the barrel because they were not supposed to be resold.
These wheels were not meant to be resold or refurbished, but they are purchased and resold on the internet at very attractive prices! These types of wheels require extensive repairs, filling in gashes, bending the wheel back in shape and welding shut cracks and holes. Then they are refinished (repainted), which essentially covers up all this extensive repair work.
At Detroit Wheel and Tire all our used wheels are purchased in a structurally sound condition (true & straight). We only buy wheels that require cosmetic refinishing, which is applying a new finish to the wheel. Any wheel that requires extensive repairs prior to refinishing are rejected. Ironically, we sell our scrap (rejected) wheels to recycling companies that in turn probably sell them to others who will repair them and then resell them.
Our refinishing process is performed the proper way. We chemically strip the old finish off the wheel, down to the raw aluminum. Then we apply a primer coat, a color coat and a final clear coat to every wheel. Some wheels are also machined in a CNC machine or a polishing machine, depending on the final finish of the wheel. This is the only proper way to refinish a wheel. No short cuts! We only use top brand paints and coatings.
The problem with the internet is that it makes it difficult to really know who you are buying from. Anybody can create an eBay store or Web Site that looks like it is a big professional business. Many times, it is just a guy working out of his garage. Be wary of sellers that do not post anything personal about their business. Few details, no pictures, no mailing address, etc. is always suspect.
At Detroit Wheel and Tire you know who we are, where we are located and who works here. We have been around for decades! You can email or call us anytime. We make mistakes too, but I guarantee we will resolve any issues you have. Quality customer service is our only goal.