I was driving home on Saturday night and it was pretty dark and foggy in San Francisco. Well, I thought it a was a plastic bag in the street, but it ended up being a wheel chock (the one you put behind your wheel to keep the car from rolling backwards), shaped like a triangle (10" long, 6" high). I think it was the kind used by MUNI bus drivers. Anyways, by the time I saw what it was, it was too late...I hit it dead on with my drivers side wheel...BAM!!! The car literally went airborne and crashed back to the ground. I stopped immediately and went out to inspect my car with a flashlight. Hmmm...I thought...no damage! Amazing! I drove back home (it was only six blocks away) and looked over the suspension and wheel in the garage. Nothing.

This morning I was driving to church and then suddenly my steering wheel started to shimmy from side to side. The vibrations were so bad I had to turn back and go home to check out the problem. I looked over and over again and saw no damage whatsoever. Finally, I removed the front drivers side wheel and saw a dent on the inside surface of the rim. It is barely noticeable, maybe sticking up 1/2 cm, and the general size of a tennis ball. Anyways, I switched the front and rear driver side wheel and now the vibration is gone.

But I called AAA to file a claim anyways, and guess what it is covered under "collision" coverage. So I'm waiting for the claims adjuster to call me tomorrow to see what we are going to do with the car.

What I am most surprised with is how well my Borbet Type M held up the bump. It was a very hard hit, and I totally expected to crack the rim. Oh well, I guess heavy *** rims are good for something!

I have pics of the dent, but my usual hosting server is down. If someone wants to host the pic for me, I can send it to you so I can get the pics up on the bbs.


Oh, and for the SF people out there...this happened at the intersection of 33rd and Geary. Right where the busstops are...stupid MUNI drivers should be more responsible with their equipment.

 

I can host your pics for you if you want Eric. Your posts are always really informative btw I've been reading up on batteries, and you have some great responses. Do you know how much your wheels weigh? I'm just curious to see how well my Enkeis hold up.
-hype