Many of you asked that I update you on my outcome. I deeply appreciate all of your previous advice to a new member!! My right rim was badly bent - not suitable for repair/straightening. I considered numerous options for the rim replacement - mail order, purchase through members of this forum, etc. Factoring in shipping and installation/labor (both included with the in-store purchase), I decided to go with the place that diagnosed the bent rim (this was the second location of the tire chain - not the evil first location.) The major factor in my decision was that the manager guaranteed me that if the rim replacement didn't fix the shimmying, he'd put the old rim back on and charge me nothing. I figured that if I'd bought it on my own and the fix didn't work I'd have been out shipping, installation, AND return shipping - not worth it. My friend who initially hit the pothole (I was in the passenger seat) even paid for half. The manager performed everything personally. I picked it up this evening and it's riding smoother.

This guy said there is "very slight" cupping of the new tires and that should self correct in 2K-3K miles now that everything is proper.

I'm in the process of writing scathing letters to the initial store that had me replace the cupped tires while missing the bent rims. Also to the Chrysler dealership that missed the cupped tires during my B Service. What are your thoughts on cc'ing "corporate" (tire store and Chrysler) & the Better Business Bureau from the beginning vs. only if the local manager does not respond. Would you ask for partial refunds or wait to see if they offer one?

Lastly, this may sound like a silly question but any hints for avoiding potholes? I do live in DC so potholes are EVERYWHERE. I mean, if it's a matter of hitting a pothole or slamming on the brakes (getting rear ended) or swerving (getting sideswiped), the pothole seems like the lesser of evils. How deep does one have to be or how hard do you have to hit it to bend a rim?