Dynamic balancing - ------------ While I know a lot of us have changed from wire wheels to other types, I still enjoy the look, so I searched around to solve the problem of vibration. It seems that it is almost impossible to balance wires to the level of other wheels. I discovered, quite by accident, that several models of Lexus and Jaguar also have wheel vibration problems, and the solution at my local Lexus dealer is to send the cars to a tire shop that is a dealer for a dry granular polymer product that is injected into each tire through the valve stem. I'm telling everyone this because it's been a week since I had the treatment done, and there is a noticeable improvement. ------------------- The company is International Marketing Inc. (IMI)., the product is called "EQUAL". The're at 800-233-7086. I spoke with Pat Colyott to get the name of a local dealer. Anyway here's what they claim and I found to be true. The granular polymer reduces tire force variation which occurs when one sidewall flexes differently than the other. Once the product is injected through the valve stem, the very fine granules stay loose to equalize the forces across the tread and around the tire circumference. They claim is forces the tire footprint to meet the pavement evenly and smoothly during every rotation. The price includes replacing the ordinary valve core with a specially designed one that keeps out contaminants. It cost me $100 for all four wheels. Supposedly, it's been used by trucking and airline companies for years and years. Anyway, every Lexus is treated by the local dealer before it is delivered to the customer. I understand that the new "hot" convertible is very very prone to wheel vibrations. Nice to spend 80 G's on a convertible vibrator. Roy Steiner July 2001