Anyone have connections to tire mounting/wheel balancing services...?

I'm tried of going to local tire places and getting ripped off for installation...
Along with the hassles of not buying their tires...

Thanks

I go to Maitland Tire. They sometimes autox with MSCC.

What are their prices? Info? These guys? http://www.home.earthlink.net/~maitlandtire/index.html

Thanks Dat!!

I've used Maitland Tire before as well. They did alright not scratching my rims and the price was reasonable (but not crazy cheap or anything).

Tell them you want the lugs tightened with a torque wrench though. I didn't and the installer just drove them in with the impact set on gorilla strength.

I usually go to Trikpro motorsports in Melbourne, they are a Tirerack prefered installer and TJ runs down in Palm Bay sometimes. I also use Performance Tire and Wheel in Orange City but he sells tires so I don't know how he'd feel about outside tires.

Yeah, I can't afford scratches on my $760 a piece wheels... lol

Any one remember how much they charge?

I think it was like $16 or so per wheel to mount/balance. Bring the Checker and tell them you autox with Martin since they advertise on the back of it.

OK, thanks!!!

I've used Maitland Tire and had good luck with them. Lately I've been using my local Discount Tire location. The price was about the same, but I didn't have to go to Maitland for the change over. The store that I've been using is on 436, just North of Hwy 50 (Colonial Drive). They are across the street from Garabaldi's/ High Tide Harry's. They do a lot of tire change outs for the BMW guys and some other racing groups. Their equipment is new. If you live on the east side this seems to be a good option.

Cool, I just need someone who will be gentle with my wheels... lol

Maitland Tire charges $18.99 while Discount Charges $19.95, I'll save the gas money and still to a local shop. They did though recommend I stick to my own tire supplier since they can't compete with online prices. That was nice of them to be open to that concept of bring my own tires.

Not sure which side of town you are on but I used to use Big 10 Tires on LB Mcloud. They charged $30 a pair after tax. I used to bring the wheels in off the car but I'm not sure if that effects the price they charge.

I'm on the UCF side...

I was told about Big Franks Tire in Rockledge/Merrit Island, close to SR520 and US1. She charges $15 per wheel and comes highly recommended by Corvette owners... I don't know if its worth the 30 min drive each way...to save $40.

This always comes up. The dreaded, I'm paying too much for mounting. Someday when I grow up I would like to get a mounting machine. ( when I leave behind my vegabound ways....so its never going to happen , unless I put it in an enclosed trailer....hmmm)

RIght now it seems all Im putting on any more is Hoosiers at the tracks, and usually the Hoosier support trucks do all my tires.

J

OK, so how is this helping me...?

I don't want to hear how you have a support truck catering to your every need...

Ok, Tropical Tire, by Ian's shop. They seemed reasonable and did an ok job. I remember having a set of tires done for 30 bucks for some reason. or 40. ( Ians shop is by Church st and westmoreland)

Maybe Ian can comment on the exact price.

You can go faster if you just learn to let go and not worry about stuff like, body panels and rims, they are going to get scuffed. Seriously.

Learn to embrace the sweet release of having your fender liner torn out for the 4th time, or having your ac condenser smashed to bits, or losing an oil filter after your lower diffuser rips apart.

my dad always uses the discount tire on 436 just north of 50, they seem to do a good job and are always fair. i think they charged me 12.50 per tire last time i brought them up there.

didnt that happen all at once

fwiw - I use discount tire on Alafaya between Lk Underhill and Curryford. The manager is a long time local car guy, John Bess. IIRC to mount/dismount is $1 per inch dia. of the wheel. Got a 17" inch rim? $17 to mount a tire whether you bought it there or not.

I'm going to try Big Frank's off of SR520 and US1...since its close to me leaving from work.
He charges a flat $15 rate per wheel and I have been told he is extremely careful with wheels and its done in less than 25 mins to boot. We'll see...

I'll be breaking in my Kumho XS in Sebring!! WAHOO!!

Or you guys could alway bring it to me i am by downtown 40 n bumby ave orlando fl 32803 i charge $15 per tire and we ALWAYS do a good job


chi

Usually do a good job...?

Good job on foreign cars. For domestics, they take a hammer and an ice pick to the rims

no dont scare him Dat only on mustang we use the ice pick!!

OK, heard enough...

Do you guys do alignments...? Now I'm looking for a shop that does alignments and tire mount/balance...
Seems like its one or the other... lol

Why does this have to be so complicated!!???

String, jackstands, level, measuring tape, flooring tiles if your garage is uneven, garbage bags for toe plates. ( used these at Nationals for great effect on Lee Piccones SHelby....)

String alignment. YAH!

I'm just going to the dealers...

Performance Tire in Orange City. 386 228-2500. Steve runs this shop and autocrosses with Martin and sometimes comes out to Deland/Geneva. He drives the red M3 on street tires. Super nice guy. He has a Hunter alignment rack and mounts/balances tires. Not sure what he charges for alignments but his mounting charges were reasonable as I recall.

Last time I was there (in July) it was $85 but a car with a live axle rear end will probably be cheaper.

steves m3 is actually black, but he is a good doode to get an alignment from even if he paints his car purple

Dude, you are right. I'm losing it or color blind....your choice.

Once I'm ready to get new tires for the BMW I plan to bring it to Steve for alignment and corner weighting. It's a bit of a drive but I think worth is. Steve also has a very good reputation among the BMW enthusiasts around here.

He just mounted my new tires yesterday. He uses a road balance machine which is much better than a regular balancing machine. He'll do my alignment and coilover adjustment if the parts EVER get here.