Tires: Dayton rims, dayton rims, earth kids

Question
Dear Barry,

My teenage son will soon be getting a hand-me-down car, a 1997 Volvo sedan.  He wants to put on a set of Dayton Rims.  It's my understanding that these are constructed with spokes.  It's also my understanding that real Dayton rims are a fortune.  But he's found a local swapmeet that sells 'knock-off' Dayton rims.  A set of four costs approx. one thousand bucks.  My question is -- could this be a safety hazard?  Are 'knock-off' rims a bad idea?  Would something like that fall apart?  
Thanks very much.

Paul Myers  

Answer
Paul,

Buying rims at a swap meet is one of the world's worst ideas.  If there is a problem with them, who do you go see and what are they going to do?

There are many rims coming from China that are just JUNK!!!!  And reputable tire shops won't buy them, so they are sold at - guess where!

Here's my advice:  Make your son pay for everything about the car - fuel, maintenance, etc.  Then make sure he keeps up with the oil changes, brakes, etc.  Also have a mechanic you can trust go over the car and make a list of everything that needs work and when it will need it.  Like the brakes, tires.

For example:  The mechanic says the brakes are going to need replacing in 10,000 miles and if the mechanic does it, it will cost $600 or if your son does it, it will cost $150.  Then have your son either start saving money to pay for the brake job OR have him show you he can get the brakes apart enough so they can be changed.
(BTW, I do all my own brakes and it's not hard, but you have to have the tools!)

I had all my children purchase 50% of their first vehicle.  I did all the maintenance myself, but if they wanted anything extra - stereo, rims, etc. - they had to use their own money!  It's amazing how down-to-earth kids get when it's their own cash on the line.

Hope this helps.