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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Think this cracked wheel can be fixed?
Posted by: Tdskip Mar 1 2022, 02:07 PM
How do you go to shop to get cleaned up and then powder coated but in the process they noticed this crack that was not visible when the wheel was dirty.
What do you all think?
Posted by: BillJ Mar 1 2022, 02:08 PM
Can a cast wheel like the cookie cutter be welded reliably?
Posted by: SirAndy Mar 1 2022, 02:09 PM
Someone who does this sort of thing for a living could probably weld this up correctly.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 1 2022, 02:25 PM
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=9892
Ben can probably advise you.
Posted by: Van B Mar 1 2022, 02:29 PM
It can be repaired with TIG welding pretty easy. But finishing will either require a smooth hand with a grinder or a lathe to turn it.
I repaired many of my own rims over the years when I raced and the cast aluminum on wheels is not nearly as bad as the cast aluminum on engines. The porosity of cast aluminum actually soaks up the oil and then when you try to weld it all comes out. It can be a mess. But wheels in general are much easier. the weld will still have to be built up, hence the need for clever grinding or turning on a lathe.
Edit: Just to say it, that damage was almost certainly caused by rough handling and not by use. Someone was rough with it on a balancer is my bet.
Posted by: Chris914n6 Mar 1 2022, 02:49 PM
That area is not structural. You can just fill it.
Posted by: ThePaintedMan Mar 1 2022, 02:53 PM
Might just be cheaper to replace it. I have an ATS taking up space in my shed that you could have for free if you're willing to pay for shipping. 
Posted by: Tdskip Mar 1 2022, 03:08 PM
Thanks for all of the responses - very much appreciated.
This is a matched set off the ‘73 911T going on to the ‘74 /6 build so will try to save this. Off to a wheel specialist I go.
Very much appreciate the help.
Posted by: Van B Mar 1 2022, 05:18 PM
Might just be cheaper to replace it. I have an ATS taking up space in my shed that you could have for free if you're willing to pay for shipping.
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=13527
Talk to me about this ATS wheel. Is it the 4 lug 5 spoke?
Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Mar 1 2022, 05:29 PM
yes no problem
How do you go to shop to get cleaned up and then powder coated but in the process they noticed this crack that was not visible when the wheel was dirty.
What do you all think?
Posted by: brant Mar 1 2022, 06:25 PM
A proper repair will cost about the same as a replacement
Posted by: euro911 Mar 2 2022, 02:14 AM
I've had a couple of bent wheels repaired at a shop in Costa Mesa. They did a great job on both. Unfortunately, I'm having a brain fart remembering their name or address ... I'll look for their business card.
Posted by: roblav1 Mar 2 2022, 07:12 AM
I'd never run that wheel again. No way! Not for the cost of another cookie cutter. That crack is definitely structural.
Posted by: Beach914 Mar 2 2022, 08:18 AM
I've had a couple of bent wheels repaired at a shop in Costa Mesa. They did a great job on both. Unfortunately, I'm having a brain fart remembering their name or address ... I'll look for their business card.
Was that WRS ? They rebuilt my HRE 505's a few years ago.
Posted by: euro911 Mar 2 2022, 10:54 AM
Was that WRS? They rebuilt my HRE 505's a few years ago.
Yes it was, and my goof - they're in Santa Ana.
Here's their web site ... https://www.ocwheelrepairs.com/
Posted by: mb911 Mar 2 2022, 01:06 PM
I'd never run that wheel again. No way! Not for the cost of another cookie cutter. That crack is definitely structural.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 2 2022, 01:15 PM
I'd never run that wheel again. No way! Not for the cost of another cookie cutter. That crack is definitely structural.
I would have thought an easy fix but if Ben says no, we’ll he is 100x smarter than me about this stuff.
Will make a nice clock in the shop.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: BillJ Mar 2 2022, 01:15 PM
Cookie cutters can be readily had for under a $100. I would find a good one and refinish as you see fit. The matching set thing is only valuable really to original car and matching cookie cutters have no increased value like fuchs do if that is your thought process.
Or. Just go do it because thats what you want!
Posted by: Van B Mar 2 2022, 01:54 PM
I'd never run that wheel again. No way! Not for the cost of another cookie cutter. That crack is definitely structural.
Where's the "I disagree" emoji? That wheel was clearly rough handled on a balance machine. Probably got thrown on or pulled off at an angle that caused the steel shaft to bind. You can tell by how the edge was pulled/flared. Further, that part of the wheel carries no more mechanical load than the centrifugal force of the center cap.
Posted by: mepstein Mar 2 2022, 02:37 PM
I’m also guessing a welder might not want to put their hands on it if there’s a chance after welding it could fail completely and cause an accident. Sometimes you don’t want to be the last person to touch something just to make a couple bucks.
Posted by: rhodyguy Mar 2 2022, 03:03 PM
Hose reel.
Posted by: Tdskip Mar 2 2022, 04:02 PM
The wheel repair guys didn’t seem overly concerned about it, and it checked out his true still.
That said - if someone has a spare earlier narrow Cookie I’d like to buy it.
Thanks!
Posted by: Tdskip Mar 4 2022, 01:05 PM
Posted by: Van B Mar 4 2022, 02:07 PM
Not bad, a little deburring and sanding to smooth out the dings, and those will be ready for powder coat!
Posted by: Tdskip Mar 4 2022, 02:26 PM
Think so to.
Thanks again for all of the responses and help gentlemen.
Posted by: stownsen914 Mar 5 2022, 04:55 PM
I'd want to know more about the mode of failure before running a wheel that had a crack like that. It might be fine for street use only.
Generally speaking, a cracked wheel is a paperweight.
Posted by: Van B Mar 5 2022, 09:16 PM
So many metallurgists show up when the subject turns to wheels cracks and weld repair lol
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