Welding Boffins Input Required- Borrani Rim Repair

[EncinoBoy]

I have a Borranni rim with some unexplained damage about 0.020" deep on the flange. Is it
possible/feasible to add some aluminum filler weld into this damage and then hopefully
bring the level even with the rim and polish to hide the mark ? The damage is of course on
the rim side with the stamping information so I can't put in a lathe and turn down the entire
flange diameter to eliminate the flaw. This is beyond my pay grade....Thanks

Greg

 

[TeddyG]

From the pic it appears that the outer edge of the rim is slightlybent, along with some gouges below that? Years ago I had someone repair a cracked aluminum generator cover on my SFC by welding a bead that I then filed/ sanded smooth. It didn’t match exactly but was close. You could also try JB Weld if it sticks and looks presentable.
Or you might be able to wet sand the majority of the gouges out.

 

[BlackJota]

Easily repaired by welding. Just make sure you get someone who knows what their doing.

 

[IAG]

4777? Sand & polish first, doesn't look too bad.

 

[EncinoBoy]

Borrani 4446. Any tips on welding specifics ?

 

[BlackJota]

Borrani 4446. Any tips on welding specifics ?

T.I.G. weld, using 5% Magnesium, Aluminium welding wire. Nothing special. Just need to know what you're doing. Any reputable Alloy Welding shop could do it. To get the welded repaired area back to the original rim shape is another story.

 

[CLEMTOG]

why not buy a new rim? I must be missing something here
CLEM

 

[BlackJota]

why not buy a new rim? I must be missing something here
CLEM

It is an original Borrani rim that requires a fairly simple repair. Mainly for cosmetic reasons. He asked for welding advice, I gave it to him.

 

[BlackJota]

EncinoBoy, if you're looking at restoring this rim then take it to a reputable welding shop and get the damaged area welded up. Either they or you dress the weld back to the original rim material thickness. Then you or a metal polisher shines the whole rim up.

Or you could take it to a metal polisher as it is and see if they can buff / smooth most of it out. No welding.

 

[Vince]

Borani for exact originality, replacement Morad available, similar but not exactly the same.

 

[EncinoBoy]

Gentleman..Thanks to all for your input. The use of the original Borrani for my restoration is
of course in the heavy "rivet counter" territory. It is my understanding that the correct 4446
rim is fairly hard...not impossible to find but thin on the ground. I sourced this rim from our
friend Wolfgang Haerter some years back and when I inquired about another he gave me the
look of you know I don't have any...