F430 hit pot hole

[harrydino]

Still holds pressure fine and drives the same. It wasn't that big and I couldn't avoid it because tractor coming the other way! Anyway I know some good who can repair! Or should I replace?

[cgt2]

Replace. I had something similar and these lightweight wheels should always be replaced for safety reasons. Mine also kept pressure and appeared to be fine, but never take safety risks, just not worth doing anything else.

Eurospares can supply you a new rim for reasonable cost.

[keith jecks]

I feel your pain! In my first 200 miles in my 430 I lost 3 tyres to potholes, though I was lucky enough not to damage a wheel. Are you near Crawley? If so I would take it to Wheel works, who are specialists in wheel restoration. They have jigs that can straighten wheels and will tell you if yours is repairable. If it is, they only charge £60 +vat

[harrydino]

Yes it has taken the shine off a great weekend. I've just got back from a 200 mile trip, wheel is holding pressure fine. Yes I'm near East grinstead so I'll give those guys a ring on Tuesday. Thanks for the recommendation.

I'm normally so good at avoiding these pot holes.

[Durzel]

For what it's worth I've had worse repaired, and driven on the repaired wheel for a good couple of years with no issue. That damage looks easily repairable by any reputable wheel refurbishment company.

The only issue I think you might have is them being able to match the colour of the existing wheels, assuming they have to heat it up to repair it (I'm not au fait with the process to be honest).

[rog007]

Ouch!

Assume you're aware that you can lodge a claim against road owner (usually the local Council) who should allow you to claim if the hole was already registered/reported with them. If not, still report it as you may help the next unfortunate citizen who hits it.

[FrankAbagnale]

For a moment I thought I was looking at my wheel from a few weeks ago.

EXACTLY the same damage.

I took it to a specialist repairer in High Wycombe who were very knowledgeable about the wheels and the alloy/compound etc.

£150 and three hours later the wheel is repaired. It leaves a slight browning on the alloy where it gets so hot but that can be sorted for another £50. So, £200 and its a repaired wheel in most cases.

[keith jecks]

Wheelworks do use heat to help repair bent wheels. They then re-stove enamel the wheel. Last wheel I had them do cost £60 + vat. It wasn't a Ferrari, but on my 360, which had split rims they only charged £110 per wheel, which included taking the wheel apart, stripping off the paint, shot blasting, stove enamel finish and rebuilding the wheel. The work was faultless too.

[sa_20v]

rog007 said:

Assume you're aware that you can lodge a claim against road owner (usually the local Council) who should allow you to claim if the hole was already registered/reported with them. If not, still report it as you may help the next unfortunate citizen who hits it.

This. Although they'll treat you with disdain and won't readily pay up until you drag them all the way to court - IIRC they settled only after a court date was set (perhaps policy?). If you need a copy of the kind of correspondence required drop me a PM.

[martisracing]

Never had a problem claiming. Back in 2013 I hit a pot hole on the A5 in Northamptonshire in the 430 spider I used to own. The result was a buckled front rim and a damaged front and rear tyre. The key in claiming is to put together a precise report with photographs of the damage, the pot holes and the road layout. If safe to do so a ruler in the pot hole and a copy of a newspaper next to it to confirm the date. It took 3 months but eventually it was settled. A new rim, new front tyre and a new rear tyre paid for.
This year after collecting my new daily driver with only 45 miles on the clock clipped a pot hole resulting in a split front and rear tyre. As you can imagine was not well pleased! Again prepared a report and submitted it and it has just been settled to cover the tyres and a sum on top to cover a sore arm from the steering kick back.
In each case just presented the facts. No threats of legal action had to be made to get the settlement.

[sa_20v]

martisracing said:

Never had a problem claiming. Back in 2013 I hit a pot hole on the A5 in Northamptonshire in the 430 spider I used to own. The result was a buckled front rim and a damaged front and rear tyre. The key in claiming is to put together a precise report with photographs of the damage, the pot holes and the road layout. If safe to do so a ruler in the pot hole and a copy of a newspaper next to it to confirm the date. It took 3 months but eventually it was settled. A new rim, new front tyre and a new rear tyre paid for.
This year after collecting my new daily driver with only 45 miles on the clock clipped a pot hole resulting in a split front and rear tyre. As you can imagine was not well pleased! Again prepared a report and submitted it and it has just been settled to cover the tyres and a sum on top to cover a sore arm from the steering kick back.
In each case just presented the facts. No threats of legal action had to be made to get the settlement.

Did exactly the same. Perhaps my Council has a different policy - the fact it took them a year to repair the road says a lot.

[harrydino]

Many thanks for all your comments. I've run the car down to my local Ferrari specialist who is sending the wheel off to be repaired. It's going to be heated, stripped and re finished I believe. A new tyre is also going on. Total damage roughly £240 + VAT.

I will report the pot hole to the council to save the next victim. I may also try and push for compensation though judging from some of your comments this sounds like a drawn out procedure.

Thanks again all

[harrydino]

Many thanks for all your comments. I've run the car down to my local Ferrari specialist who is sending the wheel off to be repaired. It's going to be heated, stripped and re finished I believe. A new tyre is also going on. Total damage roughly £240 + VAT.

I will report the pot hole to the council to save the next victim. I may also try and push for compensation though judging from some of your comments this sounds like a drawn out procedure.

Thanks again all

[FrankAbagnale]

harrydino said:

Many thanks for all your comments. I've run the car down to my local Ferrari specialist who is sending the wheel off to be repaired. It's going to be heated, stripped and re finished I believe. A new tyre is also going on. Total damage roughly £240 + VAT.

I will report the pot hole to the council to save the next victim. I may also try and push for compensation though judging from some of your comments this sounds like a drawn out procedure.

Thanks again all

£240+VAT including a tyre is incredible!

[sa_20v]

FrankAbagnale said:

£240+VAT including a tyre is incredible!

Agreed, would have expected an extra zero!