[s-cars] Can this wheel be repaired?

[JC]

That wheel looks like it got whacked pretty good - I wouldn't be surprised
if that level of crack is within design expectations for a massive impact.
Note it didn't shatter like cheap generic wheels will do.

Still personally, if I repaired it, it'd likely be to stick in the boot for
the spare.

Also wouldn't be surprised if repair cost adds up pretty good:
- I imagine the process would be multi-step - something like, straighten
as-is, confirm still feasibile to weld, weld, then re-straighten (don't want
to weld it all bent and then stress the weld, but the weld process might
cause some warpage that needs a slight final tweak).
- Also requires real expert aerospace type welding expertise, and not just
one of the guys from the Jalopnik hall of shame (if you haven't enjoyed it
yet:
http://jalopnik.com/5176055/30-epic-do+it+yourself-automotive-fabrication-fa
ilures?skyline=true&s=i) and that doesn't come cheap
- Said expert welder may also require acquiring exotic alloy filler rods or
something. I'm sure cost can't be too much but you're not just going to grab
the TIG and a handful of general purpose welding rod and start blasting away
I imagine...

> Thanks for all the great responses!  I have learned that down
> the street from us is some metallurgical guy who may offer a
> solution if there is one.
>  Supposedly he has fixed some race car wheels and if so could
> probably offer a good opinion.Cracking is the big problem I
> guess.  I wonder if this wheel should have deformed more
> before cracking.  Too brittle maybe?



__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature
database 3988 (20090404) __________

The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.

http://www.eset.com