18" Triple Spoke alloy wheel

:doh::doh::doh:

Just decided to take the P38 for a spin after being sheltered in the garage for a couple of months, only to find that one of the tyres was as flat as a pancake (Only on the bottom though).
Put on the spare and dropped the wheel off at the local tyre place for probable puncture repair, only to find that the alloy wheel has a hairline crack near one of the spokes....the tyre is fine.
Do any of you guys have, or know where I can get an 18" triple spoke, genuine, wheel. The tyre condition is not important as I have a set of Bridgestones which have done less than 6000 miles fitted. Obviously I would like the rim to be free of craters and damage.
The wheel is part no. STC8516 and can be viewed at www.rimmerbros.co.uk

Forgot to add that we are coming over to the U.K. 17th December until 5th Jan.
If anyone has one, I will pay now and arrange pick up when we are over.

Probably a silly question, but can it not be welded?

Thanks for the prompt reply Datatek.
I watched the guy check for leaks and there are very fine leaks (Hairline cracks) where two of the spokes meet the rim. In view of the crap state of the Irish roads...potholes you could lose an elephant in etc., I would feel much safer if they were not welded as it looks as though metal fatigue has caused the cracks. The exterior condition of the wheel is excellant, but looks can be deceiving.
I have always been of the opinion that tyres and wheels are the only thing between the driver and the cemetary and like everything to be 100%

I know it might seem a bit of an extreme solution, but knowing Irelands roads well enough you might be better switching to wheels with more spokes, just having 3 spokes puts additional strain on those rim/spoke joins, more spokes would spread the stresses around the rim better. Besides I've always thought those 3 spokes were the ugliest of the P38 wheels.

Irishrover said:

Thanks for the prompt reply Datatek.
I watched the guy check for leaks and there are very fine leaks (Hairline cracks) where two of the spokes meet the rim. In view of the crap state of the Irish roads...potholes you could lose an elephant in etc., I would feel much safer if they were not welded as it looks as though metal fatigue has caused the cracks. The exterior condition of the wheel is excellant, but looks can be deceiving.
I have always been of the opinion that tyres and wheels are the only thing between the driver and the cemetary and like everything to be 100%

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If it really is cracks and the roads are so bad I would agree, but I have had porous alloy wheels that leaked air on my racer, had them crack tested and no cracks found, had the interior painted with some sort of sealant stuff, (sorry no idea what it was) no more problems.

As Kernow Dragon say's, I'd be inclined to replace the lot if it is metal fatigue, 3 spokes is not a lot for two and a half tons of motor. Cheap sets on Ebay?

Just another thought, if it is a fatigue failure, I'd be inclined to have the other wheels crack tested unless you know that the failed wheel has hit something very hard.

Fatigue failure in one wheel from normal use could mean the others are not far behind!

I can get a set of 4 refurbished wheels for £250 exchange off Ebay, which is cheaperper wheel than a single new one. The spare is also a three spoke and is in new condition, only done about 100 miles at the most.
I am not worried about how they look cosmetically, just need them to be functional..and SAFE. How sure can I be that any second hand ones don't have the same fault??

It's pretty unusual for a road wheel to suffer fatigue failure unless it's been whacked. If it were me, I'd go for a set of secondhand wheels with more spokes. As long as they have not been physically damaged, a set of Hurricans for example should be safe.

A wheel centre parting from the rim is quite exciting, not to say inconvenient if it's on the road

Irish Roads and potholes!!! :violin:
And its only going to get worse with the Public Sector cutbacks.

Thats why I've stuck with 265-65 on 16" Stratos'. I love the look of the Mondials and wouldn't mind sharpening up the feel a little but I want every bit of compliant sidewall I can get on the roads I drive.

On repairing the wheel from the inside, theres a spray on rubber in an aerosol can which would be perfect for that job. I got a few cans from a ships chandler before and I'll get the name of the product if anyone wants.

SpudH said:

I love the look of the Mondials

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Yeah I like the look of them too but they're hard to find at a reasonable price, even on fleabay.

Thanks Spud for the input. Was over in Galway last week and the drive back through Roscommon because Loghrea and Ballinasloe were flooded and things were pretty hairy to say the least in the Vectra, that's why the Rangie has been taken out of mothballs.
Can't imagine how the roads will be after all the water goes, like the surface of the moon no doubt.
There's a crowd in Blackpool that will supply four refurbished and checked wheels for £250 exchange. Have also found an old stock, clearance wheel on the web for £40 incl. VAT. so may go for that.
Spud...did you see the posts from a newbie who is based in your neck of the woods and had a couple of problems??

Irishrover said:

Spud...did you see the posts from a newbie who is based in your neck of the woods and had a couple of problems??

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I've been away from the forum for a while, missed them. Can you remember his name and I'll see if I can make contact. Anything to help another suffering our affliction

P38 Ireland......he's from Dingle.

Betta than Pikey, he IS a Dingle!

Sorted..got one from Rimmers which was lying around in some dark corner for £40+post.

Thanks for all the replies and offers guys.

:tea::crazy_driver:

Irishrover said:

Sorted..got one from Rimmers which was lying around in some dark corner for £40+post.

Thanks for all the replies and offers guys.

:tea::crazy_driver:

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glad you got it sorted irish,good price as well.

Irishrover said:

Sorted..got one from Rimmers which was lying around in some dark corner for £40+post.

Thanks for all the replies and offers guys.

:tea::crazy_driver:

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Excellent! Both Rimmers and Craddocks can be a gold mine for old stock new parts, there's just no easy way of knowing what they've got squirrelled away.