What's this wheel really worth?

[sdbrehm]

Is it normal for Ebay parts to have serious amounts of rust? I recently bought a front wheel for my 86 Spree from Ebay. No tire. I paid $20 plus shipping. I haven't been pricing Spree parts, so I'm wondering if the price is excessive for what I got.

The comments said:

SOME RUST IN THE INSIDE AND AROUND THE EDGES
PROBABLY CLEAN UP GREAT WITH WD40 AND STEEL WOOL

There is one shot of rust in one of the pictures on the site. If that was all it was I wouldn't be writing.



When I got it I found the guy had spray painted the whole wheel (barely missing the bearings) and half the rim was so rough I didn't dare mount the tire. It took 220 grit to sand off the rust but I'm still not down to shine.

The rim feels solid, but I'm wondering if I should trust it. There is also noticeable rust on the spokes that was painted over.

Oh, and the bearings are shot.

I'd hate to screw up the guy's 100% positive rating for something that is normally expected, but the wheel wasn't usable as shipped, I've already put in an hour removing most of the rust from the tire/tube contact areas, and I've still got to spend another $25 for new bearings. I know a new wheel costs $150 but come on.

What do you guys think?

[chevyguyjay]

did he say anything about the bearings? id really like to c a pic of the rim. email that guy and c what he will do for u. if he says nothing......well here comes some bad feedback pal.

[mousewheels]

Yes, personally, if a part is not stock paint, I'd perfer the seller identify it. If its got rust covered over with paint I want to know that too!
If you want to challenge the seller - you should.

I add in a geographic bias to the rust matter and bid less. Folks in the rust bucket states can honestly say a part is good - which it probably is for the area, when it would offend someone elsewhere. I also got a 1984 wheel from Arizona, and was impressed that after 23 years and 5k miles that it looked new!