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Reply to "NEW Mangusta Wheel by Group 4 Wheels"

I had my new BFG tires installed on my new Group4 reproduction wheels and decided to fit one set to the left side car and do some comparison photos. The rears are 10" (up from 8) with 275/60-15 tires and the fronts are 8" (up from 7) with 215/60-15 tires.

First a view from the rear:



It's very easy to see that almost all of the extra 2" in width falls where it needs to be — on the outside. The left side looks "correct" (IMHO) and the right side (factory wheel) is set so far in from the fender that it almost looks almost silly to me.

Here's a more direct comparison. The new wheel is on the right in this image pair shot from the front looking back (both sides compared).



This is the view standing behind and looking down. The tire does overhang the fender slightly, but aligns nicely in the same way the Campy 10" does on a Pantera.



Here is the face-on view of the Group 4 10" wide wheel:



And a comparison of the front wheels. The extra width of these seems evenly split inside and outside. They may rub inner fenders slightly, but I haven't checked that yet.



Front wheel:


Another angled view:



And inside the garage:



Overall I think these wheels are a great option. Especially if you want a spare set, or don't have any original-style wheels. There are some obvious differences in the details of the design and so they are not really true reproductions as a result. They are, however, very nicely made period-looking wheels available in sizes few Mangusta owners are able to enjoy — and at a cost that few Mangusta owners can feel is unfair. The only problems I encountered were:

• the original Mangusta lug nuts can't be used. While they DO fit, the diameter of the bore in the wheel is too small to allow a 22mm socket to fit and so they can't be tightened. I was fortunate to have a spare set of longer and smaller O.D. (at 19mm) Pantera lug nuts on-hand and so I was able to install the wheels.

• the rings supplied to retain the included (nice touch) De Tomaso logo wheel centers are slightly too thick and do not "retain" well. Again, I was fortunate to have a set of smaller diameter stainless rings from Wilkinson (or maybe Hall) and they fit like a charm.

Jonathan, thank you again for the initiative in producing these wheels. I am extremely pleased with the quality, finish, value and service (very quick shipping!) and I hope that these images help any other owners who were on the fence about ordering a set.

Mark
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