A sharp impact between my 1991 Nissan 240 SX SE's right front wheel and a curb took a matchbook-size chunk of aluminum out of the wheel flange, allowing all the tire's air to leak out. I've looked into buying a factory replacement alloy wheel, but the cost is prohibitive. Is there any way I can have the alloy wheel repaired? GS - Terre Haute, IN
"We know of a company that claims to restore damaged wheels to OEM specifications. The Wheel Collision Center (7286 Penn Drive, Bath, PA 18014, 800-292-RIMS) can weld up the flange, grind it smooth, turn it on a lathe to 0.010 to 0.015 in. tolerance and either polish, paint or clear-coat the wheel to match the original finish. The company claims its average repair cost per wheel for the first quarter of 1992 was $117.00 and that its turn around time ranges from two to five days."