Bondo-ing Wheels?

[Toad]

So, I'm putting together this bike on the super cheap. The previous owner used a curb to effect some weight reduction on the rims in a few places. Not enough to make me mistrust the structure, and it's true and round and all that, but it looks ugly as sin.

I want to paint the rims (as I am too cheap to re chrome them, etc) but before I do that, I want to fill the gaps. I was considering bondo, or epoxy, but in either case, I'm afraid that over time eventualy centrifugal force will lead to a 23443529 mph bondo projectile getting launched from my wheels.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

Thanks. :)

-- James

[mojo mofo]

Just make sure that your fender is wide enough to deflect the pieces away from you and at menacing cagers :D

[Aeteocles]

All in all, maybe a bad idea.

Perhaps you might wanna think about grinding down the rest of the rims to even it out. Might come out a little more professional than filling in the gaps.

[NukleoN]

Toss the rims and get some new wheels from EBAY or something. This way, you have nicer rims with intact structure and no bondo or epoxy required.

The wheels on your bike are pretty important (being that there are only 2) so I wouldn't take any chances here.

[racinteach]

unless you can machine the rims I would not even think about bondo or grinding....will effect the balance and trueness of the wheels.....as nuke said .....go buy some ....wheels and tires should not be played with..

[DOC]

I would use epoxy. I think it will be safe enough.
DOC

[Norton]

Get new wheels. Move on to other issues, a set will turn up.

[quicksilver]

There are pros out there that fix curbed rims for and do a damn good job of it. I know some guys out of Valencia that do the work. However, I would try to find a new wheel, because getting it professionally done will run you $75-100 anyway.

[Dom]

generally speaking I would go with what quicksilver suggested or paint them a matte black or something that won't highlight the spot. Wheels are pretty precise and messing with putting something on them just seems like a bad idea.

[Tillers_Rule]

Wait until after boot camp, once you get into the "fleet" you will have more money and time on your hands than you know what to do with. Then, you can do it right:)

[gregbenner]

If you are sure the wheels are OK, perhaps get them powder coated?