For those who like to keep their nice rims nice, where do you go locally when it's time for new shoes? Ideally, I'd like to buy my tires there also, and I don't mind paying a bit more to do so... Thanks much for your input.

 

So far I've had not-so-good luck finding good shops (at least that are good across multiple visits...).

One suggestion that I've seen that looks good: Find a shop that uses top fo the line balancing equipment, such as the Hunter GSP9700.

Hunter actually has a store locator on their site:
http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm

You might want to hang out at the door to the shop and watch how they handle other customers tires and wheels before you actually commit yourself....maybe talk to one of the techs a bit as well, then see if you can get just the one person to do the job now that he knows that you care.

Last shop that did mine managed to chip one wheel in two places. I'm SERIOUSLY considering pulling the wheels, cleaning them, blue-taping the faces, and taking the wheels in sans-car next time......

DO clean your wheels before you go, and check them when you arrive AND before you leave for damage!

...david

 

keen, that is great advice!

I just got off the phone with Edge Racing, and they said to find a good local shop that I can start by looking to see which ones have the GSP9700. He also said to go to their website...

Yah, I was planning to take the wheels/tires in (MINI at home, on jack stands) as I like to torque them myself.

I was thinking about:

Tire & Wheel Motor Spt.
2250 S. Winchester
Campbell, CA 95008

as they have or can get the tire I want, and do the mount for a pretty good price, but they don't have that Hunter... I'll keep looking. Thanks again for the thoughtful reply!

 

Just for giggles I looked up on the web site to see if the (2) companies that replaced my tires were on the list - they were - America's Tire and Rossi's.
Both establishments left their mark on my rims (in fact, Tony, you pointed them out to me when we met up at the end of your street waiting for a run to go by). So don't only go by the fact that they have the equipment ... they have to know how to use it and still show some sembalance of care. Maybe use DINAN, in Morgan Hill ... you may be able to pick up a few things for your car while you're there.

 

I had my rims and tires put on at california wheels . They do lots of expensive wheels and never damaged any of my rims. Tell them SIC sent ya and they'll hook you up.

 

DrkSlvrS - good to hear from you. I remember that day quite vividly! Thanks for chiming-in...

Just called CA Wheels, and they don't sell tires that small I guess 16's are small these days...

If I buy these tires (Toyo Proxes Tr1 205/45 - 16's) online, shipped to my home, it's $473. At about 15-20 bucks a wheel for balancing and mounting, that's around $550. I however can get these tires and mounted locally at the aforementioned Tire & Wheel MotorSports for $520. I'm just so dang paranoid about getting my rims damaged.

Ideally, I'd like to get the tires locally, and balanced/mounted at the same place. Most shops seem to frown upon a customer who buys tires elsewhere, and then asks them for just the labor portion. I'd like to avoid that situation, but apparently it's not so easy...

 

HAHAHA! Well I did by 19's from them for my MINI.

Sorry about that
MiniBoost

 

FYI Mini of Concord Service department has the latest Hunters wheel balancing and alignment equipment, and we're extremely meticulous when handling wheels to ensure that there are no nicks/scratches.

David

 

Thank you Group B, that's good info. I'll check MINI of Mtn View (nearest to me) to see if they do also. Do you happen to recall the charge for this type of work? Thanks again!