My friend has aftermarket wheels on his car and this weekend hit a bump and now has a big dent on the rim, causing the tire to deflate.

I'm wondering if there's places that fix this type of damage (not scratches on a rim) on a rim? And any places in the Bay area to get it done? Or is he gonna have to replace the rim altogether?

Its a one piece rim, not deep dish.

Alex

 

I think I've heard of people having a shop hammering them out, but that seems scary... like the bead might not get fixed. It might be quicker and more economical to just buy a new rim, though. That's what I'd do, and watch out for bumps next time... eek.

 

Tru Wheel in North Hollywood is the Most Reputable place for that kind of damage. Their phone number is 818-765-5577.

 

I've had a rim repaired on 2 occassions where the rim was bent enough that it deflated the tire. There is a machine that basically turns the wheel and molds the rim back into shape. Both times the price was around $125 for me, which is cheaper than buying a new rim.

 

I've heard somewhere that it compromises the strength of the wheel, is that true?

 

What did the rim look like after? Scratches? Paint?

 

If that's true, I never knew it, as I drove on the wheel for 5 years after that. And that was the front wheel of my FWD '98 Eclipse GS-T.

 

Its just enough of a dent to cause the air to seep out from the sidewall. Its more what I'd call a "gash" than a scratch of dent .. pretty messy looking. No picture, sorry.

I'm from norcal so the North Hllywood is cool .. thanks .. what should I search under to find places that fixes rims like this? Normally I find scratch fixers and just wheel shops here in the bay area.

alex

 

Alex,

Wheels of America in SF does rim repair. Wheel Techniques in Campbell also does it.

Cost is around $120-150 a wheel. You can save $20 or so by taking the rim to these shops directly or pay the extra money to have a tire shop send it in for you.

They strip the paint, heat up the rim, bent it, repaint it. The color may be a little off from the other rims if the wheel is old. Other than that, your wheel maybe a little weaker since it's reformed. Hope the info is useful.

 

Hey, how's it going DJAntLive

It looks likes Wheel Techniques is the winner! thanks man! Will definitely drop it off and save money.

--Alex

 

Your rolling stock is living large on my RX7 Alex! Glad to know that I can help out on your friend's wheel.