Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 05:48PM
Location: North of the Border
Posts: 23
For any of our Southwestern Ontario members, I have a question. Do any of you know anyplace other than Harry's Spring in London that straightens car rims? Harry's used to until their machine broke and seeing it was made in the 1940's they can't get parts for it.
The problem I have is that the original rims for my 67 Fury (has the clips for the dogdishes) are "Out of Round" and can't be balanced. The tire shop that I go to balanced them side to side on the car, but it still has a shimmy to it. If anyone knows of a place send me an e-mail at biff at baminternet dot com
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
Bob,are they using cones through the center register to balance the tires?? If so,I would suggest they balance by using the "fingers" "Fingers" is a slang for the adaptor used on the machine that goes through the stud/nut bolt holes. Some older rims the center register is not perfectly centered to the rest of the rim. I work at a tire shop and have experienced this before on some older cars. Do that before condemning the rims. FYI,Magnum 500's,Some Phord wheels and Buick road wheels are notourious for that problem.
Joined: Wed Oct 12 2005, 05:48PM
Location: North of the Border
Posts: 23
They are using the balancer that has a cone in the middle and the tire spins at a good speed. I don't think they still have the fingers machine. I think I know what you are talking about. I have a line on another place in Windsor that I am going to call tomorrow. I have another set of rims for the car I COULD use, but would rather the originals. Thanks for the info........... Bob 1967 Plymouth Fury
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
The fingers are NOT the machine--it is an adaptor FOR the machine. Any quality tire shop has them. My shop has two sets and get used often. We have a John Bean BHF1000 laser machine.
Joined: Sat Aug 19 2006, 05:03PM
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2919
A couple years ago I tried to find a place around Hamilton that could straighten steel rims without any success whatsoever. I was told that straightening steel rims is uncommon today because replacements (for most vehicles) are common and cheap.
Two of the rims for my pickup truck were bent. They're 16" chromed steel rims, replacement cost $200 each from the dealership! The rims would balance with a LOT of weight, but wouldn't stay balanced for long. I finally found and bought a used set for sale in the classifieds and used the two best ones.
If you find a place that will straighten your rims, please post.
Joined: Sun Feb 26 2006, 08:46PM
Location: Kingston,Ontario
Posts: 5622
Find a tire shop that has the latest most modern equipment. They are the one that will have the bolt pattern adaptor. Typical of shops kids go with their ricers and bling wheels. I would strongly suggest to put wieghts on both sides of the rim for the best balance. Static balance (weight on inside only) only estimates the weight and is not accurate.It will shake after driving for a while. One alternative is use "sticky" wieghts behind the face of the wheel and hammer on weight on the inside lip for a more accurate balance and no weights showing on the outside face. Hope this helps.