MarkPinTx

As reported a couple of weeks ago, some asshat backed into my car while I was moving. I got the trailer hitch just forward of wheel well and it raked my wheel, popping the tire and gouging the wheel pretty good, too.

The appraiser said wheel can be fixed. Apparently, this involves tig welding some aluminum (or whatever it is) into the gouges and grinding/turning/polishing the result.

I'm not an autocrosser or anything, but this struck me as weird. Should I insist on a new wheel? Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks.

cmf

I'd push for a new one, or take the money from the appraiser and buy one from someone selling theirs. Check the black market and ebay.

sauceman

Yes, that's the way to proceed with alloys.

I've had it done to a wheel on my Accord after jumping a bridge, and the results were excellent. If they are professionnal, they will reshape your wheel back to spec, and you shouldn't see the difference with the other wheels.

MarkPinTx

Thanks sauce!

sauceman

My pleasure!

Tsx536

I would still try to get a new one....

cy11

1) If they have to add materiel, it sounds like a bad gouge. If it's the asshat's insurance, then insist they buy you a new one. They repair they described may work fine but how will it hold up in the long run?

2)New wheel I guesstimate is $500+. Tell asshat's insurance company to try

www.car-part.com.

It's a big database of different salvage yards. I checked already, there are wheels listing from $250 and lower.

brett

I've sold 3 on eBay over the last month or so. I've seen prices on take-offs going for between $75 and $150. One guy paid $225. On average, I think you should be able to get one for around $125.

Wheels America will fix your wheel for a flat fee of $125. http://fixrim.com

You can also take a look at:

http://www.transwheel.com/

joseph_99tl

nevermind the pic of the cutie...

http://www.wheelcollision.com

sauceman

How bout a good 450,000 more kms afterwards with it being the best looking and just as easy to balance rim on the car?

joseph_99tl

cosmetic aint nothing.
they can look brand new and still have a wobble.
low speed wobble.
high speed wobble.
curb rash is the least of your problems.
AND...these wider rims....people run them with camber issues.
especially in the rear.
so the inside rim of the rear....takes a beating, more than usual.

so it depends on the type of repair.

MarkPinTx

I dunno it looks pretty good. The bigger gouge was in one of the spokes. The actual rim only got kind of a small one. It cost insurance 157.

It is a rear wheel and as part of the repair they had to replace the rear subframe. It's aligned fine so far, seems to track just fine. I eyeballed the rear wheels and they looked ok, but I may not be the most sophisticated observer.

Other than tire wear, how can I tell if my rear alignment is fubar?

Thanks.

xizor

i'd say if you can't tell, its ok. i had a part of my front subframe replaced, tracked perfectly, no problems 8 months later

MarkPinTx

Your repairs workin out alright xizor? Thanks for the reassurance on the alignment!

xizor

worked out great, car felt good as new