So I picked up a cheap set of RPF1's this weekend. One of the wheels has a bent inner lip (I saw it when I bought them but the price was good enough that even if I buy a new replacement wheel I'm ahead of the game). There doesn't appear to be any cracks around the dent, and the tire is holding air just fine.

So my options are:

(1) Pay to have a wheel repair shop fix the dent. Pros: cheaper than replacement wheel. Cons: Questionable strength, don't really want an aftermarket spray job and decals on the wheel, might end up replacing it anyway if it dents again.

(2) Try to repair it myself. I've seen various methods described ranging from dead blow hammers to bottle jacks. Pros: Cheaper than repair or replacement. Cons: Don't own dead blow hammer, same questionable strength as #1, plus the distinct possibility that I screw up the wheel beyond all hope, and tire is currently mounted so I can't attempt without having it removed.

(3) Buy replacement. Goodwin seems to have the best price (on sale for $195 for the 15x7 41 ET I think). Pros: Known quantity, trusted vendor, not really much more expensive than professional repair (will I miss an extra $60-100 by this time next year), and I'll have the bent wheel as a spare to try fixing at my leisure. Cons: Most expensive...and that's all. Eats into my pride for finding a kickass deal on my RPF1's, but so what.

I'm stupid if I don't just buy a new wheel, right?

 

Not necessarily stupid not to, since it depends on severity and repair...but probably best to buy a new one.

Having a matching spare is nice, especially with a lightweight wheel being used on the road.

I personally would pay to repair it. I trust the repair methods, and they can end up stronger than stock. As long as cost doesn't exceed 50% of a new one I'd go that route.

I like to do everything myself, but in this case I think the time and tools invested wouldn't be worth it for a questionable outcome.

 

buy a new wheel, use the old one as a garden hose spool.

 

This is the damage, sorry for dark pic, with the flash on it was washed out.

 

1. It's on the inside.

2. It's not even 20% into the lip.

3. I assume it holds air.

4. The point of this endeavor was awesome for cheap.


DIY, or pay a pro if affordable.

 

Hmm. I wish the two of you were in agreement. Could you guys fight it out (or have sex, either way) and tell me who wins?

I did realize that if I wanted to try fixing it myself, I could just deflate the tire, it doesn't really have to be removed completely.

Would you smack the hell out of it (carefully) with a dead-blow hammer, or try the bottle jack route? I was thinking the bottle jack would probably be more effective, but I'm having trouble thinking of how to set it up (ie, immovable objects on either side, with room for the wheel and the bottle jack in between).

 

Its usually not to expensive to pay someone to fix a wheel, might at least see what they think about the bend if you have someone reputable local.

 

When have I have the car loaded-up in turn-1 at hallett at say 90-95mph, peaking at 1.45g's...I don't trust a repaired wheel.

If you're just streeting it, then go ahead and drive as-is.

 

There may be more damage than you can see. I'd bring it to a competent repair shop and and have them inspect it. I've used Wheels America before, and they were willing to do a 'mechanical only' repair at a reduced rate, in other words, no repaint/refurb, just fix the bend.

C