Damaged Alloy Wheel

[Billroot]

The off side rear wheel hit something hard on the motorway. Inspection reveals a dent about 10mm across and about 3mm deep on the wheel rim and a nasty cut in the tyre side wall. After looking around the only repairer I've found (Kent Autopanels) have quoted £60 for a wheel refurbishment plus 2 hours labour to run weld into the dent and reprofile the wheel on a lathe. So the wheel repair will cost £250 or so plus a new tyre.

Does anyone know of any other options or repair specialists? The wheel is a standard 18" alloy flute.

Also the repairer says they cannot get PZeros, there is a shortage and even the Main Dealers can't source them. So I'm faced with replacing both rear tyres with a different brand. looking about, Dunlops, Continentals and Bridgestones are all widely available. I wouldn't be too upset to ditch the PZeros as I think they are noisy. Anyone got any recommedations?

[PrideofLyons]

Luxton Independent Jaguars at Boxhill, Surrey sell 18" flutes for £100 each. Might be worth a try.

[BrianM]

I got a reconditioned 18" flute from Wicked Wheels for around £55. Excellent service too. For Pzeros, try Newdigate Tyres 01306-631206/739. They usually have them in stock. Rgds

[m_hagger]

I have replaced the Pirellies with Dunlop SP9000 and have found them to be much better than the PZeroes. I have read very good reviews of them elsewhere too. They produce much less noise, are a softer compound so give better grip (although compromised by faster wear) and best of all, can be had for around £115 each from outlets like www.protyre.co.uk

[MikeDoggart]

Bill, if you still need an 18" rear flute I have got one that you can have for £50. It's got a punctured P-zero on which is not repairable but the wheel itself is in very good condition. Here's a picture: http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x238 ... rFlute.jpg
I live near Swindon so our only problem will be collection/delivery but if you are interested we could look into carriage costs. Send me a pm if you are interested and we'll work something out.
Mike.
I've just looked at the picture on the bulletin board and in reducing the size the rim has been made to look "crinkly"! Fear not, it is smooth and completely unmarked. M.