Looking at some rims with small cracks... - 986 Forum

djw8282 · 05-03-2017, 08:30 AM

Hey guys,

Just wanted your opinion on some wheels. One on the wheels has 2 small cracks on the outer, inside of the rim (18×10). Seller said they can be fixed with a Heliarc welding process. Anyone familiar with it? I'm not to keen on buying rims with cracks. Would I be ok if there repaired properly? Seller also states he has driven with no issues. Thanks!

DrCactus · 05-03-2017, 08:37 AM

Personally, I would stay away from them. I would not take the chance of it breaking more while your driving on the highway or something... remember your brakes heat these up a lot and the Florida sun with the NY cold ... not a risk I would be willing to take.

Why is this guy selling them... probably because he wants to live!!

djw8282 · 05-03-2017, 08:47 AM

Lol..Funny..Yea I wanna live too! I don't want my wheels comimg apart at 130 lol. I have the same thoughts on the safety, just need a little reassurance. I'm trying track down some 996 Carrera lighweight 5 spokes (10 inch rears) and I happen to see these..

NewArt · 05-03-2017, 09:44 AM

Achillies has some on this forum in the parts for sale. They look great!

bwdz · 05-03-2017, 10:41 AM

Metal bends while cast aluminum cracks. They can be repaired using tig welding for your wife's grocery getter I wouldn't do it on a performance car with a low profile tire

djw8282 · 05-03-2017, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewArt

Achillies has some on this forum in the parts for sale. They look great!

I scanned the for sale section. I didn't seem to see them.

djw8282 · 05-03-2017, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwdz

Metal bends while cast aluminum cracks. They can be repaired using tig welding for your wife's grocery getter I wouldn't do it on a performance car with a low profile tire

I agree. I'm going to pass.

Gilles · 05-03-2017, 10:56 AM

IMHO, I would pass since remember reading horror stories (cannot remember if these came from the POC or Alfa site) about wheels failing on the track due to cracks or simply metal fatigue...

JayG · 05-03-2017, 11:31 AM

Wheels can be repaired. Its not a DIY, you want to go to a place that specializes in wheel repair.
They can fix cracks and bends.

That being said, I probably would not want to uses repaired wheels on the track. Far too many other things can go wrong and why take more chances than you needs to. For DD, a different story. Far less stress than on the track. I noticed a small crack on the outside edge and it did not go completely through. I had it repaired and no issues or problems. They are my DD wheels

It must have happened hitting a pot hole (thank you CalTrans!). The wheel repair shop also noticed it was slightly bent and fixed that as well.

Keep an eye out online on forums and gasp, craigslist. I bought both sets of my track/AX wheels that way. I paid $350 for one set including new HTR ZIII tires and $200 for the other set. No need to spend $1000's on used wheels.
Also check your local PCA chapter's classifieds. Some great deals there too

djw8282 · 05-03-2017, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG

Wheels can be repaired. Its not a DIY, you want to go to a place that specializes in wheel repair.
They can fix cracks and bends.

That being said, I probably would not want to uses repaired wheels on the track. Far too many other hings can go wrong and why take more chances than you needs to. For DD, a different story. Far less stress than on the track. I noticed a small crack on the outside edge and it did not go completely through. I had it repaired and no issues or problems. They are my DD wheels

It must have happened hitting a pot hole (thank you CalTrans!). The wheel repair shop also notices it was slightly bent and fixed that as well.

Keep an eye out online on forums and gasp, craigslist. I bought both sets of my track/AX wheels that way. I paid $350 for one set including new HTR ZIII tires and $200 for the other set. No need to spend $1000's on used wheels.
Also check your local PCA chapter's classifieds. Some great deals there too

Thanks Jay. I'm still searching!

That986 · 05-03-2017, 10:41 PM

And then you have the horror of trying to balance them now you have all that extra weld in there.

As someone rightly said above they would be fine on your average grocery getter.

djw8282 · 05-09-2017, 12:13 PM

Well I purchased a nice set from EBay. Straight and true, no cracks, minor curb rash w/color center caps for $1,000 including shipping! I thought it was a pretty good deal for what there going for now. Attached picture