Hey everyone, I have a simple question. Im looking to buy wheels from a member here on the forums who is located in SoCal and I was wondering if you have to demount the tires from the wheels before shipping. Also, whats a good service to ship through as far as wheels are concerned? Neither me nor him have a whole lot of experience as far as shipping car parts is concerned. Any feedback would be great! Once again, thanks alot

-Deadcell

 

No, you don't have to unmount the tires. In fact, you shouldn't because then you'll be paying for 8 packages instead of 4. But because of their size and weight (50-60 pounds per tire/wheel combo), expect to pay anywhere from $150-$200 in shipping (total). Fedex ground is probably the cheapest, but you can get quotes from UPS as well.

As far as packaging them, put a big square piece of cardboard on the front and back of the wheel and wrap the hell out of it with shrink wrap/cellophane, then tape it up. The tire itself will protect the "open" sides. It would also help to put a piece of bubble wrap against the wheel itself to protect it from the cardboard.

And finally, if you can ship it or receive it at a business instead of a residence you probably save a little money.

EDIT: Are you buying just the wheels? If so, then definitely take off the tires before shipping. It will cut the weight in half and the package will be smaller. But don't expect the seller to pay for this. It might cost them $25-$30, but you should save more than that in shipping costs. If it's just wheels, then you're better off wrapping them in bubble wrap and boxing them up completely.