Bent aluminum rim

[melbertbloosfan]

(is fixable a real word??)

Anyway, wifey dropped the rr wheel off in the ditch.  Blew a hole in the sidewall and bent the rim a little.  Only the backside of the rim is bent right along the lip that seats the tire.  The bend (more like a roll) is about 1/2" deep (that is, bent about 1/2" down further than the rest of the rim) and about 2" long.  This is the aluminum "LT" rim BTW.

Anyone have an idea if Joe Schmoe Tire Guy can bend this aluminum rim back into "round" or if this will break the rim instead?  Seeing as though the face of the rim is not damaged, I think the wheel itself is still fairly "straight".  I believe it is just the lip that is damaged.  Of course I don't want a slow, bead-leaking tire either.  

Just looking for input before I go to the tire shop tomorrow.

Probably just find a used one if the consensus is that bending this rim is not viable or safe.  Thanks for any input!

[bandera]

For what it's worth, some A.H. side swiped my daughters car in the college parking lot (and left the scene of course) and managed to clip the right rear wheel also on her Ford Focus.   The wheel is aluminum type mag.   When I took it to the body shop, I figured insurance would replace it, but instead the shop sent it out to some outfit that repairs them.   I was very worried about this---BUT when I got it back I honestly could not tell the difference between it and the others!!  First I had ever heard of such a thing.   Anyway, check with a local body shop and see if they know of a place that does that type work.  Incidently, I'm in the Houston, TX area if you are nearby I can find out exactly where that place is.

[Shaners]

I see ads in MotorTrend all the time for aluminum wheel repair.  I also see ads in motorcycle mags too.  So Unless it's damaged to the point where it will crack, I bet it can be straightened.  Even if it does crack, it can be weld repaired.

[melbertbloosfan]

Thanks for the replies, guys, I think I will let them take a shot at it.   I know aluminum is kinda brittle, so I think I will avoid trying it myself.   Worst case scenario: used rims are probably pretty plentiful around here judging by the number of 99-up chebbies I see.  

[RyanbabZ71]

aluminum is kinda brittle

 

they shouldnt be that brittle

[03 HD]

Here is a link. We have aluminum rims repaired here all the time and they look good. Maybe there is a loctaion near you and you have to pay the mark up the shops will charge you.

 

 

 

http://www.fixrim.com/

[MattDewalt]

Try Patton Hubcap & Wheel in Allentown, PA - 610-776-1441, ask for Jeff.  I work at a body shop and he fixes our stuff alot.