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Saw this thread (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8897&referrerid=2764) about bent rims on DA, but I'd like to consider some other options, as well.

My tire went flat on the freeway this morning. After putting on the donut, I checked the flat for nails, screws, etc. only I didn't see anything. As I was putting the rim in the trunk, I noticed that the rim was slightly bent on the interior, the part that faces the engine bay. Oddly, there's no damage to the face of the rim, and I don't recall having hit anything recently that would result in this kind of damage.

I immediately took the rim to my tire shop. At first, the tech said he didn't think the bend was bad enough to result in the leak; but after filling it with air and washing the tire, he said that the bend *was* the problem. I asked him about repairing the rim, and he told me that it's not a good idea because alloys tend to crack and break during repair.

I *think* the rim is an Alessio F1 18" x 8" (I don't know the offset). I found two places within 50 miles that I might be able to buy the rim, assuming they even have it in stock anymore.

http://www.raceandroad.com/images/alessiof1small.jpg

If it matters, it's mounted with a Dunlop 235/40 ZR 18 91W tire.

I plan to call the two places that had Alessios on their websites, but I'm not holding out much hope, given the life cycle of custom wheels. So my questions are:

- Are rims stamped with product information, so that when I call the 2 places, I can refer to some code, instead of saying "I think I have..."
- If I try to have the rim repaired, how do I even begin to look for a wheel shop? Just look under "wheels" in the phone book? Never bought rims before, so I don't know what I'm doing, and remember:
http://www.dreamincode.net/forums/style_emoticons/default/stupid.gif
- My tires are all good and pretty recent. I saw what looked to be a complicated formula for tire size in the earlier thread, but if I go with new rims immediately, how do I know what will fit with my tires regarding width (7.5" vs. 8"... I understand the 18" part.)
- What the heck is offset and what range is it supposed to be within? I saw these two rims on tirerack.com, which the site suggested after I plugged in my model information. They have 52mm and 48mm offsets, respectively.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/asa/swap/asa_ar1_blk_ci3_l.jpg
http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/asa/swap/asa_ar2_anth_ci3_l.jpg

I'll try to post a pic of the rim when I get home from work to see if that sways any opinions.

The irony here is that I've been planning to get new rims anyway, but wanted to wait for the LA Autoshow, so I could see my choices up close and in person.

Oh, and by the way, Happy Hallo-freakin'-ween.
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So after coming home, I looked at the rim and the product number is stamped on the back. :banana:

Emailed both wheel shops to see if they still carry the rim. :paranoid:

And here's the pic. It doesn't *look* all that bad, but like I said, I'm stupid. Since being refilled with air this morning, it's still holding, but now I'm concerned about putting it back on the car, which is probably not a good idea anyway:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd271/archangelsfv/wheel.jpg

That should be fixable...at least I hope it is.

Definitely fixable from the looks of it. It'll probably run you about $100-$150. Might be cheaper to replace it with a new/used one. :dunno:

And while you have that wheel off, give it a good cleaning.... thing looks filthy. :) :wave:

Definitely fixable from the looks of it. It'll probably run you about $100-$150. Might be cheaper to replace it with a new/used one. :dunno:

Guess my next step is to find out "fixability". Both wheels shops EM'd me back to say the style is completely discontinued and not in stock. :bawl: Fortunately, the dealership my friend works for has a place that they use, so I'm hoping for a positive outcome (i.e., fixable) and fair price.

And while you have that wheel off, give it a good cleaning.... thing looks filthy. :) :wave:

Thanks namegoeshere... I keep trying to keep those things clean, but as soon as I drive off, they're dirty again!:D

Current update: Found a wheel repair place locally. Wasn't too sure about it at first since the guy only accepts cash, but I can afford the $130 he was asking. 2 hours later and the rim was back looking like brand new... on the inside anyway.

Thanks crosbie & name for your input. Hoping this thing'll hold at least until I can get a new set of my own.

:wave:

no problemo. happy to hear it was fixable.