Just Following Up on my e-mail from a couple weeks ago. I tried the method of wrapping the rims in pipe tubing (one of the many suggestions) and even took them to the post office to test the idea. The "test" went well, but after receiving payment and going to the post office for the "actual" shipping, I encountered some resistance from (different) clerks who were working that day!! It is amazing that supervisors provide no guidance (even though they have the title of 'Postmaster'), but fortunately, a much more experienced worker came out from the back and "talked" the other person through the process. Part of the problem is with their computerized system, which, when confronted by something very unusual, requires manual input to proceed.
Bottom line, the rims arrived for the buyer in 8 days (not bad I'd say) and he is as pleased as can be.
Thanks for all the suggestions - it saved the buyer $152.00!!!
Chuck Brooks
Malta, NY NEUSA (where is Spring!!!)