987 Spyder - a new owner’s perspective.
#136
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In this case, heat to anneal the aluminum making it workable, then various tools that encourage the wheel back to round. There are some good videos on YouTube of the various methods.
#137
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Glad they could be straightened and you don't have to invest in new wheels (assuming cracks aren't subsequently detected).
We know the 987 Spyder was fitted with the lightest weight wheel in Porsche's arsenal at the time. Now wondering if that lightness doesn't make them more "delicate" and/or prone to coming out of true. I don't think that's the case though as this is the only time I can recall anyone reporting their Spyder wheels being out of whack. More likely the prior owner(s) hit some things (curbs, potholes, etc.) that resulted in this.
Also now wondering if, in the course of conducting a PPI whenever considering the purchase of a used car, it would be advisable to have all four wheels pulled and checked (where possible). Wheel condition could be a good barometer (or at least another meaningful indicator) of how the car was driven and/or what road conditions it was routinely subjected to (although I know there's a limit to how much due diligence one can do when used car shopping, particularly when buying a distant car sight-unseen). Not sure if dealerships or most independents where PPI's are usually conducted have the equipment necessary to check wheels, or if this equipment is usually only found at specialized wheel repair shops (I suspect the later).
We know the 987 Spyder was fitted with the lightest weight wheel in Porsche's arsenal at the time. Now wondering if that lightness doesn't make them more "delicate" and/or prone to coming out of true. I don't think that's the case though as this is the only time I can recall anyone reporting their Spyder wheels being out of whack. More likely the prior owner(s) hit some things (curbs, potholes, etc.) that resulted in this.
Also now wondering if, in the course of conducting a PPI whenever considering the purchase of a used car, it would be advisable to have all four wheels pulled and checked (where possible). Wheel condition could be a good barometer (or at least another meaningful indicator) of how the car was driven and/or what road conditions it was routinely subjected to (although I know there's a limit to how much due diligence one can do when used car shopping, particularly when buying a distant car sight-unseen). Not sure if dealerships or most independents where PPI's are usually conducted have the equipment necessary to check wheels, or if this equipment is usually only found at specialized wheel repair shops (I suspect the later).
With respect to how the car presents, this appears to be a single incident in nine years and 48,000 miles of operation. The wheels are otherwise unmarked, as is the car. The wheel manufacture dates match the build year. Sure, I'm upset that I have to pay USD 525 to fix the wheels from an incident I didn't cause, but on the bright side I'm grateful I'm not looking at USD 3,200 to have two new wheels landed in New Zealand.
To your final point. If I do this again I will pay to have the wheels spun at a tire/tyre shop as part of the PPI.
#138
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It’s good to hear that the wheels are back to round, hopefully no further issues.
I suspect an impact like that would have caused a bulge in the tires which would require immediate replacement. We had a similar situation recently with the Mercedes and I wonder now if the wheel is out of round since I feel a very slight vibration at speed. The tire shop didn’t mention anything when the tire was changed but I really don’t know if they check for this if the wheel balances out ok. But in your instance one of the wheels did have a small ding which at least may have alerted someone to the issue?
I suspect an impact like that would have caused a bulge in the tires which would require immediate replacement. We had a similar situation recently with the Mercedes and I wonder now if the wheel is out of round since I feel a very slight vibration at speed. The tire shop didn’t mention anything when the tire was changed but I really don’t know if they check for this if the wheel balances out ok. But in your instance one of the wheels did have a small ding which at least may have alerted someone to the issue?
Last edited by Marine Blue; 09-13-2019 at 12:00 AM.
#139
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Like many things in life, once you have had an issue you become sensitive to it.
In many decades of motoring I've never come across this before. I've only ever looked at the cosmetic face of the wheel. Once I knew there was an issue pointed out to me I could see the damage. You live and learn.
In many decades of motoring I've never come across this before. I've only ever looked at the cosmetic face of the wheel. Once I knew there was an issue pointed out to me I could see the damage. You live and learn.
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Looking at the BEFORE videos, though, has me believing that those wheels would have shown faults to the naked eye just by spinning them on the car with your hand.
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Have you informed 911 Virgin about these faults ? They trade on high standards reputation. If they had missed them they may compensate.
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Originally Posted by Turbo Jonny
Have you informed 911 Virgin about these faults ? They trade on high standards reputation. If they had missed them they may compensate.
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Onto a more positive aspect of the car purchase.
Today I had the chance to check out the paint on a Carrara White 997 GTS. It's close to the same age as my Spyder.
The paint on both cars looks original based on thickness readings.
Today I had the chance to check out the paint on a Carrara White 997 GTS. It's close to the same age as my Spyder.
The paint on both cars looks original based on thickness readings.
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With the wheels being fixed I took the 964 to a Porsche Club hill climb. Yes, I like to have music from the engine and the stereo.
https://youtu.be/kSfL6Lok94E
https://youtu.be/kSfL6Lok94E
Now I’m curious if PCA does anything like this in our area. I also like music in the background although I do end up lowering the volume when I get into the twists so I can hear the engine and tires better. That is actually another reason I love the Spyder (applies to any convertible), you have that additional aural feedback that lets you keep your stay even more focused on your lines.
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Certainly not in California. I recall reading that there are a few PCA-sanctioned hill climb events somewhere in the midwest, but hillclimb has always struck me as a predominantly European thing. Not sure why we don't have more of it here in the U.S. Yes, we do have Pikes Peak and undoubtedly it is the grand daddy of all hillclimbs (Goodwood being hugely popular, but in a different league entirely). Like rally racing, hillclimb has never gained a firm foothold here. Pity!
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The owner of the property we drove on is Rod Millen. He's driven Pikes Peak a few times https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Millen
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Small world! Rod’s Millen Motorsports was a prominent race shop here in So Cal. Believe his son Rhys has now taken over and/or opened his own shop in Huntington Beach.
Makes total sense that Rod would have a hill climb course on his property there
It’s great he makes it available for local Porsche club events.
Makes total sense that Rod would have a hill climb course on his property there
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