Lateral run-out - repair possible?

[Oldswagon]

I just bought a used set of Chevrolet truck style rally wheels (1973-87 style) for my 1993 Suburban. Unfortunately, it looks like two of the wheels might have excessive lateral run-out. When the tire shop mounted the wheels, they advised that the two of the wheels balanced but they weren't very straight. They told me to mount them on the back, but they might "vibrate". Sure enough, they vibrate at about 60 MPH, which is where I do the majority of my commute.

Is it possible to have these wheels repaired? I did a quick google search and it seems there are lots of companies that repair alloy wheels, but few for steel.

I am going to see if I can find a couple of replacement wheels, but these old style rally wheels are hard to find in my area. I had to buy these ones from out of town and it took my quite some time to find them. I might have to repair my current wheels if I can't any replacements (I really like the look of these wheels on my truck).

Any advice, appreciated.

 

[The_Jeff]

I've heard in third world countries where they dismount the tire, heat the wheel up, and hammer it back straight. This is mostly a ran-over-a-curb type dent.

Naturally I expect this might weaken things a little bit.

 

[TylerL]

BFH?

 

[Dualie]

If their just steel ralley wheels, you can get those fairly cheep under $100 each brand new. i have seen them for $65 each at swap meets. Isnt even worth the hassle of sending them out

 

[Oldswagon]

Ideally, I'll be able to track a replacement down, but like I said, they are hard to come by around here.

Although I am sure the BFH, and heating of the rim would (probably) work, I am looking for something more precise (and less damaging, the wheels are in nice shape). The lateral run-out is not visible when examining the rim. It would only be noticable when spun at high speed (ie on a balancing machine).

I am just looking to see if it is possible to straighten the wheel if I can't find a replacement.

 

[Oldswagon]

I checked all of the local yards. Most don't carry parts for cars over 10 years old. One had some Rally wheels, but they were the wrong size (from a van) and in worse shape than mine.

I'll keep a look out for the rims, but I'd still like to know if it's repairable.

 

[ikeepmychevytoo]

GM service manual for my car states 0.040" lateral and 0.045" radial runout max meaured at the tyre seat (flange). These specs are are about 1mm, so should be visible when rotated. Heating and welding are not acceptable. Bending back to shape is acceptable per "the manual".

In my case bigger runouts didn't caused any vibrations so I guess specs are adequate.

Edit:
My tire/alignment shop straightened my steel rims a few times. There were spanner like tools that seats close to center and grabs the rim and with leverage straights the rim. This is on a manual lathe. Then rotated manually and checked. This way they can be straightened within tolerance.