There are some wheels that just fall so far outside the realm of what anyone would consider a safe repair that we must draw the line and step back. To give our customers an idea of the limitations of how much we can do for the money and even if it's possible to repair at all, here's an idea of how much we feel can be done and still achieve the safe and enjoyable operation of their vehicle.
TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding) does offer the ability to fill in open areas. The ability to do this is utilized in crack repair as we must remove the metal surrounding the crack to ensure a uncontaminated weld. That said we do not generally recommend filling in larger structural areas of a damaged wheel. Some wheel-weight flange fill-in excepted for curb checking at a crack. Lesser areas that are still repairable are subject to quotation on inspection of detailed photos or actual wheel.
Stress and stretch caused by extremely severe bends, though not cracked, are often such that they defy geometric mathematics. Keep in mind that we must be able apply the formula of “c = pi * d” on the wheel to perform a successful repair. That means we must be able to create the original circumference to have the original diameter. We may be able to make it round but if it’s too far “around” the wheel that will make it impossible to accurately duplicate the original diameter.
We try to maintain a reasonable standard price structure. We are not in the habit of up charging every little rise in difficulty. Our prices are based on up to about a 1” deep (inward from the original arc) hit in the bead, and around a 2” long weld measured from the back flange. Repairs from the minimum up to around these levels of severity are considered ordinary single incident hits. Most wheel damage is at this level and are excellent candidates for these repairs. Obviously, a wheel such as shown at the left is totally beyond repair and will require replacement.
Click here to print a packing slip and mailing label to ship us a wheel
Freight is charged using actual UPS ground pricing unless otherwise requested. If an incoming shipping carton is damaged, and unfit for a safe return trip, or deemed unsuitable to protect the finished work, it may be necessary to up-charge for the acquisition of proper packaging. We have been shipping AND receiving (both properly and improperly packed) wheels for years. We know first-hand what will make the trip without further damage. Proper packing will be rewarded with a protected, ready-to-enjoy wheel. Understandably, any shipping damage that may result after the advice of packing carton deficiency will be the responsibility of the wheel owner. Of course, customer will be advised of charges before shipment. Shipping is not a profit center for us, it is merely a necessary operation cost of which, we must pass along.
NOTE: When packing wheels to send to us, check with your local wheel stores for properly sized and constructed boxes for shipping. It may take a couple of days before the right box is available, but the delay will be well worth it.
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