hi:

I just joined this forum to ask a couple of questions..

Specifically: I have a 1999 V70R (bought it new in 99, owned nothing but volvos
since my 1975 wagon) that has recently developed a bead leak on one wheel. The local tire experts tell me I can have the wheel rims (original Volvo 17" alloy) repaired via powdered metal coating.

Great - except here in Sunny Lethbridge (Alberta) there's nobody who does this in volume and not many Volvos at all. So I'm planning on calling Valentine Volvo (in Calgary) Monday to find out what new rims cost and then having the old ones repaired so I can put the summer tires on them in the spring.

Meanwhile I have four questions:

1 - anyone have info on the repair process? (risks, costs, quality?)

2 - anyone know the right place to go for this? (in Alberta, (or northern Montana) please!)

3 - anyone know a better option? (than buying new wheels from Valentine and then fixing the old ones).

4 - the rims measure out at 17" diameter, but the tires are 205-16-55 and I always thought the 16 refered to wheel diameter. Guess not.. but how are these numbers related to the wheel size?