Fixing bent rims??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
Fixing bent rims??
I recently purchased a 92 coupe in rough condition and am planning repairs. It has a nice set of American Racing Wheels on it. Two of the rims have areas where the area at the bead of the tire is bent out, like someone ran over a curb at 50 MPH or something like that. They are still holding air, but I'm sure I wouldn't trust them at hiway speeds.
My question is how to repair them. I have googled for wheel repair but found no one closer than a few hundred miles who does mag wheel repairs or has convenient hours for me to travel too. Has anyone on the forum ever attempted to straighten a rim bead themself? Is it as simple as using a hammer and dolly? Is the alloy likely to brake, rather than straighten? Any experiance would be appreciated.
My question is how to repair them. I have googled for wheel repair but found no one closer than a few hundred miles who does mag wheel repairs or has convenient hours for me to travel too. Has anyone on the forum ever attempted to straighten a rim bead themself? Is it as simple as using a hammer and dolly? Is the alloy likely to brake, rather than straighten? Any experiance would be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 421
Likes: 2
From: van buren ar
we do it from time to time at our shop and it can be done.the trick is to use very light blows with a med size hammer.tire off of course.it takes hundreds of light blows working your way from side to side.it is something we dread to do,but the wheels we do it on are often 700dollars or more a piece.do it only if buying a new wheel is out of the question.and wear hearing protection.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 4
From: Formerly from the Great White North but now residing in the Desert Southwest NM (The Land of Dis-Enchantment?)
Check to see if you have an "Alloy Wheel Specialists" franchise near to you. I've had them fix rims in the past and they do a good job. They dont use hammers but a hydraulic press set up to ease teh rim out. Their big thing is doing insurance work.. you may want to check with a couple of insurance adjusters to find out where they send wheels to.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
If you want it done Professionally your going to have to have a shop that specializes in wheel repair and your probably going to have to ship them out...WW
http://www.theroundhouse.ws/Home_Page.html
http://www.theroundhouse.ws/Home_Page.html
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Many shops no longer do repairs due to the liability associated with a repaired wheel. BUT, here are a few shops still doing repairs: Hendrick’s Wire Wheel Co.
1551-B W. Lee St.
Greensboro, N.C. 27403
(336) 852-8909
www.hendrixwirewheel.com
Wheel Collision Center
7286 Penn Drive
Bath, PA 18014
(610) 837-8792
(800) 292-RIMS
Fax: (610) 837-8967
www.wheelcollision.com
Ye Ole Wheel Shop
7281 Washington Blvd
Elkridge, MD
410-796-8400
800-526-8260
The Round House
2971 Silver Drive
Columbus, OH 43224
614-299-9866
Fax: 614-299-1363
Toll free 800-826-5795
www.wheelmedic.com
http://www.theroundhouse.ws/Home_Page.html
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 4
From: Formerly from the Great White North but now residing in the Desert Southwest NM (The Land of Dis-Enchantment?)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
Thanks Guys. Lots of good input. As I mentioned in my post, I did google for info and found several shops about a hundred miles away. They wanted $150.00 per wheel and were only open when I work. I don't think these wheels could be replaced for $500.00. More like two or three times that. But it may still be worth getting a new set and selling the 2 unbent rims on e-bay, I guess. I'm going to check on "Alloy Wheel Specialist" next. Thanks again Guys.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: Woodway TX
Better yet & close to you, try: Wheels America 214-330-9866
4480 Mint Way
Dallas, TX. 75236
They have done a few sets for me they straighten, repair, & powder coat. Mention Speedtek recomended them, they did mine for $100.00 per wheel & they looked brand new. That waws a couple of years ago so I don't know if the price will be the same.
4480 Mint Way
Dallas, TX. 75236
They have done a few sets for me they straighten, repair, & powder coat. Mention Speedtek recomended them, they did mine for $100.00 per wheel & they looked brand new. That waws a couple of years ago so I don't know if the price will be the same.
