Drove through a big fr***ing pothole this morn. Deflated a front tyre

and bent an (alloy) wheel rim. £170 odd for a new wheel (cheap

compared to some). Then Ford parts guy said try Blackboots (tyre

place) locally. They'll say if it can be "repaired". They said:

1. For £40+VAT we can try and press it out, refit the tyre (which was

ok), & rebalance. Should the alloy show any signs of cracking they

could then get

2. the crack cut out and repaired ("welded") for a further £40+VAT (I

didn't like the sound of that)

Decided to risk (1). Went back 2 hours later, and I could barely tell

there had ever been a problem. Just the paint on the wheel marked

(fortunately on the inside rim) when they had obviously gripped the

wheel in a press.

Course, can't tell what internal stresses can't be seen, but it did

look bent rather than a plastic deformation. Anyone want a lift

anywhere in my car ;-) ?

Need to get alignment/geometry checked now after a bump like that... more expense...

I was quite impressed though - so thought I'd share...

http://www.blackboots.co.uk/alloywheelrepairs.php

Medway / Swindon, you can visit lepsoms - http://www.lepsons.com/

Now send the bill to the local council and get your money back. My local council has paid out £200k for damage caused by pot holes.