Straighting Steel Wheels

[Richard G.]

I have three of the 4 original wheel for my SWC. One has some obvious damage, looked like they ran over a 2x4!
I was able to find a lot of guys that repair aluminum wheels but not the old steel ones.
With some luck, through local contacts, I found a guy in Gresham OR that used to have a shop that made wheels called Willamette Wheel and Tire.
He still straightens old steel wheels out of his garage.
He has the press and tools to straighten the wheels. Much of the work was done with large custom pry bars that were formed to grab onto the outer rim. It was a fun process to observe, I left impressed with his talents.
He was able to save my 15 X 5.5 dated wheel.
Great guy with reasonable pricing.
If anyone needs this type of service contact me via email and I will forward his contact information.
Rick

[Darryl D.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

Google:
straightening bent steel wheels
and you will find the info you need.

[Richard G.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

The guy told me if I had attempted to straighten the wheel myself he would not fix it.
Something to do with making it more difficult to repair..
Rick

[Greg H.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

Hi Rick,
I have one 67 steel wheel that need help. Please post the contact info.

Thanks for sharing your find.

Greg

[Richard G.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

Dick Patterson
The Old Wheel Guy
503-729-1676
Reminder his is in the Pacific North West time zone.
Rick

[Terry M.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

In my youth (in the 1950s to be more specific) I remember going with my father to get a steel wheel straightened in the Southern suburbs of Chicago. This place had a hydraulic press with shapes to fit different wheel configurations. The press did all the work once the operator adjusted the dies to fit the wheel. It was a fascinating operation that sounded dramatic as whe wheel was rotated against the dies. Lots of noise and terrible sounding screeching.

[Edward J.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

[QUOTE=Terry McManmon (3966) It was a fascinating operation that sounded dramatic as whe wheel was rotated against the dies. Lots of noise and terrible sounding screeching.[/QUOTE]


Terry, kind a sounds like me rolling out of bed in the morning.

[Terry M.]

Re: Straighting Steel Wheels

Terry, kind a sounds like me rolling out of bed in the morning.

You are right there Ed. Especially with all my metal and plastic parts.