Yesterday I was hemmed in by cars parked in front and in back. I was a bit anxious to get out and, like a clutz, managed to scrpe my MY05 stock rim on the curb. Any thoughts on how to smooth out the scrape? Thank you for your help.

 

A wheel repair shop

 

If it is a small nick or series of scratches, I have had good results in reducing the visible damage (not eliminating) by VERY carefully sanding down the area with 600 or 800 grit wet/dry sandpaper by hand and then buffing with a felt buffing pad on a dremel tool at low speed and polishing using a metal polish like Flitz. Takes about an hour or so to polish out a few small scratches right next to the lip that covered an area about 3 inch long by 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The downside is that the "fixed" area will actually tend to be more reflective (shiny) than the surrounding area. If you look closely at the finish on the MY04+ wheels near the lip it is not flat but a series of small machined ridges. To get the scratches down you will also polish off the ridges as well. I was naturally reluctant to remove very much material, and went nice and slow with the hand sanding with a small rubber pad as backing material, wiping off any residue frequently and periodically using 1000 grit sandpaper as well.

 

Just get some new rims, I scraped my rims too.....shouldn't drive while under the influence.Gonna get me some SSRGT3 in a couple of months

 

I'm with blue max on this one. Also, it would be ideal to clear coat the area with an enamel. If the scratched area is small enough, but a thick coating of clear nail polish on it.

And if the repair gets too shiny, use a lesser grit sandpaper, if it is too dull, grab a higher grit. The goal is to match the metal polish as much as possible. Make sure everything is smooth, you will want to get rid of all the sharp/deep spots. Use a file for that. Less chance of getting water/dirt trapped and any type of corrosion taking place if you get rid of all the "hiding" spots.