KG Mobility Torres Wheel Repair & Painting Review

KGM Torres Wheels: Why Damage is Common and How to Fix It

The KGM (formerly SsangYong) Torres is a popular urban crossover SUV, favored for its commanding driving position and practicality. This often means more city driving, increasing the likelihood of wheels making contact with curbs or parking barriers. The Torres typically comes with 18-inch or larger wheels, and these larger rims are more susceptible to visible damage like scratches and paint chips. Once damaged, the aluminum surface can oxidize quickly. At our facility in Ulsan, South Korea, we've seen a growing number of Torres wheel repair requests. This review details a recent project where severely damaged wheels were transformed with a custom two-tone black and red paint job.

Torres Wheel Restoration: Beyond Basic Repair

There are two main approaches to Torres wheel repair. The first is 'spot repair,' which focuses on filling and smoothing minor damage like scratches while maintaining the wheel's original shape. This typically takes 2-3 hours per wheel and costs around ₩300,000-₩500,000 (approx. $220-$370 USD) for a mid-size SUV wheel. However, a full restoration with custom painting, as seen in this case, is a more involved process. It requires stripping the original paint, followed by a complete refinishing. This two-tone customization, involving a black base with red accents, takes 4-6 hours per wheel and ranges from ₩500,000-₩900,000 (approx. $370-$660 USD) per wheel.

The Restoration Process: From Damage to Dazzling

Our technicians began by thoroughly inspecting the Torres wheels. The assessment revealed deep scratches along the sidewalls, chipped edges, and accumulated damage on the wheel faces. This level of damage was beyond simple touch-ups and required a complete overhaul. The severely oxidized aluminum surface needed to be stripped down to the bare metal before any refinishing could begin.

Step 1: Surface Preparation and Damage Filling

The initial stage involves using a grinder to remove all existing paint and smooth out deep scratches and imperfections in the aluminum. Following this, epoxy putty is applied to fill any gouges or low spots. This step is crucial for a flawless finish, especially for custom paint jobs. Using a high-strength putty prevents cracking later on. Once the putty cures (typically 2-3 hours), the entire surface is sanded smooth. Ensuring perfect circularity at this stage is vital to prevent vibrations after the wheels are mounted back on the vehicle.

Step 2: Priming and Base Coat Application

After achieving a smooth surface, a thin layer of primer is applied to enhance paint adhesion. The primer is usually diluted to about 40% of the paint's strength and applied in two coats, with a 30-minute drying time between each. Once the primer is dry, the base color – a glossy black – is applied in three coats. Glossy black offers a deep, reflective finish that looks new even after washing, unlike matte black. For this two-tone design, the glossy black covers about 80% of the wheel, with the remaining 20% (rim edge and spoke tips) reserved for the metallic red accent.

Step 3: Two-Tone Red Accent Painting

With the black base coat fully cured (requiring about 12 hours of drying time), precision masking is applied. The edges of the wheels and the tips of the spokes are meticulously covered with tape to create a clean line for the metallic red paint. This careful masking ensures a sharp, professional finish for the accent color. The red paint is then applied, completing the custom two-tone look. Finally, a clear coat is applied over the entire wheel to protect the paint and provide a durable, high-gloss finish.

Durability and Maintenance

The multi-stage painting process, including primer, base coats, and a protective clear coat, ensures excellent durability against road debris and weather. To maintain the finish, regular washing with mild soap and water is recommended. Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the clear coat over time. Proper care will keep your restored wheels looking their best for years.

Is Wheel Repair Worth It?

For severely damaged wheels on a vehicle like the KGM Torres, full restoration and custom painting can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing brand-new wheels, which can easily cost ₩1,000,000-₩2,000,000 ($730-$1460 USD) or more for a set. This process not only repairs damage but also enhances the vehicle's aesthetics with a unique, personalized look. If your Torres wheels have significant curb rash or cosmetic damage, investing in a professional wheel repair and painting service is often a worthwhile upgrade.