rmoleman

I slid in to a curb on some black ice this week, wonderful Chicago weather. I hit the passenger side wheels pretty hard, looks like the edge of the rim is cracked on both wheels. My insurance company wants to send the wheels out to be repaired ($500) rather than buy new ones ($1800). The repair will involve a lot of welding and grinding. I am not crazy about repairing the wheels for several reasons.

Will a welded repair hold up long term?
Will vibration from a poor repair break something else?
Will the finish match the other wheels?
Will the finish hold up?
How do they know exactly what alloy welding rod to use on a wheel?
Has any one had wheels repaired by Keystone Automotove in Chicago?
http://www.keystone-auto.com/corporation/index.html#

Does anyone have experience with repairs like this? Do they hold up?
Has anyone fought their insurance company for new wheels?

Thanks for your help.

ilko

What kind of wheels? Pictures of the damage?

I would be hesitant welding wheels in general because the integrity of the alloy has been compromised.

You could tell the insurance company that the wheels are designed for a high performance car with very low profile tires in mind and as such are subject to much higher stress. If you find a shop that would tell the ins comp the wheels are beyond repair that would help your case.

jimq

with the deductable and possible increase in premiums does it even make sense to go thru insurance for something that you could maybe pick up used for a lot less?

AOW162435

+993.


Andreas

jimq

you just agreed with me because you want his wheel to make a hose holder or a clock

AOW162435

Negative. I agreed because we're both Conservatives.


Andreas

Stealth 993

Go to the Porsche dealer & see what they say. See if there is any TSB about repaired wheels. If Porsche says it's unsafe, then you will get new wheels.

96_993TT

There's no way I'd repair a cracked wheel on one of these cars. Not worth the risk no matter what the rims cost. Plus I agree with jimq. Given there are so many OEM wheels available online why go through insurance.

trophy

There are some guys that are very good with wheel repairs then there are others.......

I would look here on rennlist or other forums for wheels to replace. Are the 993 Cup wheels? They have been selling here for around $700 for a set of 4... Nice to have a couple of spares.

Is there any damage to the suspension at all, an impact that would do that much damage to the wheels could do other unseen damage.

Good Luck.

kjr914

What size/kind of wheel was it? I have C4S solids (widebody wheels, 2 front, 1 rear, 1 cracked rear) if that would help you get a full set again...

Smiles

Who's the insurance company?

I find it very interesting to see who is helpful on claims and who isn't.

ppashley

buy used, then refurbish if req'd

gl