Chipped Rims

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Sep 23, 2004 | 04:41 AM

samia

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From: iowa

Chipped Rims

I noticed the other day when I washed my truck, that the dealership chipped my rims when they rotated the tires.

(Luckly they chipped all four rims so they at least match

) I have the STX. The rims are cast aluminum and are painted silver matalic. Can these rims be touched up? I'm afraid if they use touch up paint, it wont stick on over the winter. I was wondering if any one has had a problem like this? If so...... what did you do about it. Thanks for any advise.

Steve.................

Sep 23, 2004 | 08:05 AM

Truckasaurus

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Quote:

Originally Posted by samia

I noticed the other day when I washed my truck, that the dealership chipped my rims when they rotated the tires.

(Luckly they chipped all four rims so they at least match

Honestly, I'd take it right back to the dealer and ask for the rest of your wheels. Especially if they are bad. With the advancements in tire machines there should be no reason they should scratch em up even if you are replacing the tires (unless the weights left scratch marks). Go raise he|| and see if you can't get something out of it.

Also, just a note for the future. When you go to get new tires, ask for them to be statically balanced, this will basically allow the balance weights to be on the inside of the rim and not on the outside looking ugly.

T

Sep 23, 2004 | 01:49 PM

TWellmann

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From: Northern IL

I tried the static balance and had a lot of troubles with a shimmy at high speeds (> 65). I had it back to the dealer 3 times and they just couldn't get it right. I finally told them to put the weights back on the outside and the problems went away...smooth ride.

Sep 23, 2004 | 02:19 PM

samia

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From: iowa

They chipped the paint just taking the center cap off. They didn't do anything complicated like trying to balance the tires.

steve

Sep 24, 2004 | 08:59 AM

TX-Import

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I had the same problem yesterday. Took in my FX4 for service got it back and took a look at the rims (little ****, I am) and noticed nicks in the 5 star pattern. I guess if you look on the brite side they did the clutch pack in the rear, throttle upgrade and fixed a rattle in the pillar with no questions asked. Not sure what I want to do about the rims though...not that bad a few nicks but they were not there when it went in.....I always double check for stuff before it goes in and wash the new baby every week...

Always had Toyotas....but not any more.....I think I am going to stay Ford Blue....especially with the new look and preformance of there Fseries.

Sep 24, 2004 | 06:38 PM

Troll45

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My advice to you guys is to remove the center caps before taking it in to the dealer. The caps are extremely difficult to remove. I am a Lincoln tech and I use a prybar the width of the slot in the cap. I have to fold a shop rag several times and place over the end of the prybar to keep from damaging the wheels on my own truck when removing the caps. Most techs just dont care or are ignorant as to what they are doing and damage the rims all the time. I would take this up with the service manager and if that doesnt work, go to the General Manager of the dealer. Dont go in flying off the handle and raising hell. Be civil about it and they will probably replace the rims for you. They damaged them so they should be held responsible.

Sep 24, 2004 | 10:11 PM

mwh

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Troll45--Good advice to owners about removing the center caps. I was planning on doing this myself when the time comes but since this setup is new to me wasn't sure of the procedure, but thought about the same idea of using protection under the prybar. I suppose that even though you mention that the caps are extremely difficult to remove they should come off with steady pressure. When the time comes for tire rotation & balance I plan on asking the service mgr of the tire shop if his men can do the job without making marks-if they can, they get the business, if not they don't (I suppose the impact wrench will do whatever) and I will be there to see that it happens. Also, these trucks have high fenders that need fender covers because they can't be worked on without leaning on something and it shouldn't be the bare fender.The problem with this and dealer shops is that they say you can't be present in the shop because of OHSHA and insurance regs. So, I suppose you can make the request for using the cover and no scratches & hope they will comply. If you care, you have to make it known-up front!