Help me choose my new wheels

That is a wide open question. Good job on getting it narrowed down though. I like the 10 spoke. Fills in the wheel better. That's my 3 cents worth.

Thanks Ken, yes its a wide open question, and I realize I'm asking for opinions, which everyone is entitled to. My feelings won't be hurt.

I think the 5 spokes are more classic, the 10 spokes more "current". I'm fairly certain I'll utilize 18x8.5 wheels in the front (245/35R18 tires) and 20x10 wheels in the rear (285/30R20 tires).

By the way Ken, we shipped the literature yesterday afternoon. We had some decals on order, they arrived yesterday, I wanted to wait for their arrival so I could include them with your order.

Here's a pic of the wheels alone, a bit more up close & more detail.

I think the 10 spoke with some dish would look really good. I probably would stick with an 18 for the rear wheels also

here is my opinion.

yes the 5 spoke is classic, BUT implies "dancing pony"

the 10 spoke does look more robust, but isn't that what is need with the torque of a Pantera needs?

Thus I would prefer the 10s over the 5s, BUT the Campy still tops both

also my opinion is for a narrow body car

quote:

Originally posted by JFB #05177:

... implies "dancing pony" ...

Dancing pony ... or overloaded donkey?

I like those 5's, and nice TT's, George!...........

Yes, the 5 spoke have the classic look of the Cragar's from the good old days but with a more modern flatter profile. I've got those on my Mustang. None are a bad choice and I'm sure George has the calipers looking all nice and shinny!

5 Spokes in Black, or Minilites

quote:

Dancing pony ... or overloaded donkey?

Now that is funny!

George, I like both of them but I'd lean towards the five spoke. That being said, I'd be surprised if TSW makes them in offsets anything close to what's needed on a Pantera. If your preference is a one piece wheel, the only source I can think of, that might have Pantera appropriate sizes/offsets, is Rays (https://www.rayswheels.co.jp/index.php?lang=en). They make one piece wheels for all of the widebody Nissan GT, etc. conversions. In fact, I'm pretty sure they make a 20" x 10.5" in a zero offset. Most of their wheels have six spokes and look pretty much the same. They even have one piece wheels in negative offsets. I have no idea what the prices are like but they are surely less than three-piece wheels. Rays has been making variations of their six spoke wheels for about 25 years. They are distributed in the USA by Makin Industries in Southern Calif. I'd be tempted to call Makin and tell them what you want. You could spend days looking over their size, PCD and offset charts. Hey, if you're looking for wheels, maybe you should plan on going to SEMA next month! Here's a photo of their standard wheels on a 458.

quote:

Originally posted by PanTTera:

... nice TT's, George! ...

I knew you'd like my choice! I was thinking of you when I made it.

quote:

Originally posted by David_Nunn:

... I'd be surprised if TSW makes them in offsets anything close to what's needed on a Pantera ...

I have that aspect under control. The front wheels are available with 20mm offset. The rears would require spacers & longer wheel studs. The studs are available via a Pantera vendor. Spacers are available via Motorsport Tech

We spoke of this at the Concorso. I can acquire all 4 wheels via the internet for less than $1000. Spacers and studs would cost less than $400. $1400 for a complete set of wheels, with all the parts needed for mounting. After I make that switch to the dark side, there's a whole world of inexpensive wheels, designed for the sport compact market, that would become available to me in the future. Another $1000 would acquire tires. So $2400 would acquire an entire set of wheels and tires, including mounting hardware. The next time my Pantera needs tires, there shall be a welcome number of choices in terms of price and type. I won't be in the position of having to mix and match tires, settling for truck tires, compromising sizes, importing tires from Europe, or accepting obsolescence; positions so many owners find themselves in today.

Plus ... the choices in wheels and tires I'll make are better engineered than what folks are currently "settling" for.

quote:

Originally posted by David_Nunn:

... If your preference is a one piece wheel, the only source I can think of, that might have Pantera appropriate sizes/offsets, is Rays (https://www.rayswheels.co.jp/index.php?lang=en) ...

In all my searching I don't remember running across that name. I will check them out. Thank you my friend.
.

George,

The TSW Mirabeau looks "Pantera appropriate" too! I like the concave spokes on the rear.

Be careful David, you may be seduced by the dark side. It is an attractive wheel. Looks like OEM wheels I've seen on Mercedes.

Look at Rotiform. They make some incredible wheels. Not cheap, but what is.

George,

The 10 spoke reminds me of the reproduction wheels that Chip Foose had commissioned by MHT wheels, now those would look great on your Pantera.

Someone needs to Photoshop both styles onto a photo of your car, I think my choice would still be the 10 spokes though as the black undertone will provide contrast with the silver of your car.

FYI Larry Stock tooled up and has made a bunch of CNC billet wheel spacers to permit different wheel offset use.

Julian

Its not at all funny, the scroat responsible should be ashamed.

Jesus wept!

Here is an option what I was looking at. I hope the pics come through.

They are 5 spoke, the one on the left has some original wheel resemblance or not. The right one I like best. But this goes away from the original post from George's question. So now he it's up to him. Thanks G for all you do! Isn't it great we all have an opinion!

Ken aka HayDude

I'm a five spoke fan and run Fikse FM5's on my 930 Turbo. Saw a set on a 308 Ferrari and they looked great. Would look fantastic on the Pantera too IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by Lyall #6007:
I'm a five spoke fan and run Fikse FM5's on my 930 Turbo. Saw a set on a 308 Ferrari and they looked great. Would look fantastic on the Pantera too IMO.

This is the same Fikse wheel with a brushed outer and a charcoal center.

Ron

And again with an antique gold center.

Fikse FM5 on my L and Fikse 10s on the GT5 (avatar)

My bad, Fikse Profil 13 on green GT5.

However, Fikse Mach Vs on Rob Pink's (red) pantera.

They all look good John, one thing I like about the Fikse wheel is the blind bolts, that is the only aspect of my Kodiak's I don't care for as it makes them PITA to polish.

Julian

So far 3 folks have voted for the five spoke wheels, 4 folks have voted for the ten spoke wheels. A few folks have lobbied for other options. Which I assume means they don't approve of my choices at all. That's cool, I do respect their opinions.

I've been contemplating a new wheel purchase for years. I've looked at a lot of wheels in that time. I really like the two TSW wheels I've presented. The fact they are both manufactured by TSW is purely coincidence. Well kind of a coincidence. They have styling cues I like, which if you think about it, its not surprising the same manufacturer offers these styling cues in more than one wheel. Anyway ... I've been contemplating these wheels for a long time. I keep going back and forth. Classic verses modern. It almost seems to depend upon my mood.

Its cool to learn about those of you with other ideas. All of you who contribute to the forums are appreciated ... always. We are De Tomaso brothers, our opinions should not separate us. In fact I encourage ALL De Tomaso owners and enthusiasts, all forum members, to hold fast to your opinions and convictions. AND to your DREAMS. But please don't hold it against other members of our fraternity if they do the same.

Its Friday night, I've been drinking, I wish some of you were here with me. I love you all. Have a safe and happy weekend.

Hey George,

I thought you might find this interesting: the recent, slightly odd (V6???), Fast 'n Loud Pantera build has 18's on the front and 19's on the rear. The tire sizes they used were 225/40-18 and 285/35-19. I noticed they didn't even roll the front fender lips. IMO, a 225/35-18 would have been better on the front, because it's only 24.2" tall. An alternative size for the rear would be 305/35-19 (which is an OEM size and a better height match if you use a 225/40-18 on the front).

Those 18/19 combos on the gmg car look to fill the wheel well quite nicely.
That car does have a nice stance

P.S. To stay on the same track of this thread......

I prefer the five spoke wheels., And I really like the fiske Wheels as well. All those cars look great

quote:

does have a nice stance

The white car?

IMHO - It looks just like Tom T. warned us about.. i.e. Panteras without the black treatment under the rockers.

"... a fat cat with it's belly dragging on the ground..."

That would have been such a simple thing to close out on that build - It would have taken aobut 2 hours more to do.

If you look at all the cars John and Ron posted - they all have something on the sils, either a GT5 Sill skirt, or black. It's de riguer!

Rocky

Wow R McCall & JT, all the Fikse's look awesome on the Pantera. FM5's still my favorite but the Mach V's and Profiles look great too. My 930 was turned into a dedicated track car late 90's and the 9.5" & 11" x 17" wheels always had 275/40R17 and 315/35R17 Hoosier R6's attached.

Sorry George P if I added to the difficult choice you're facing. Wheels are such a personal thing... almost like five spokes are blonds and 10 spokes are brunets

Lyall

Thanks Chuck.

Its a tie. 4 folks have voted for the five spoke TSW wheels, 4 folks have voted for the ten spoke TSW wheels. The remaining Fiske & Rotiform comments, while appreciated, didn't help in picking one TSW wheel over the other. So after three pages of comments I'm still at square one.

quote:

Originally posted by Lyall #6007:

... almost like five spokes are blonds and 10 spokes are brunets ...

If choosing between the two wheels was like choosing between blondes & brunettes it would be a lot easier for me.

George -

You are the captain of the ship known as 6018, so you have the need, and the authority to make the call.

In this case, you won't go wrong with either decision. I think it boils down to:

Traditional Upgrade: 5 Spoke

Modern Update: 10 Spoke

Good luck

Chuck

Hi George.

Normaly i will go for five spoke wheels, but in this case i will go for the 10 spoke.
in this case the 10 spoke looks more exclusive, more elegant, better fit for your car.
I think it will fit better with the dark backside of the Wheels than the silver 5 spoke.

Best regards.
Kjeld Pedersen
Denmark

quote:

Originally posted by George P:
Thanks Chuck.

Its a tie. 4 folks have voted for the five spoke TSW wheels, 4 folks have voted for the ten spoke TSW wheels. The remaining Fiske comments didn't help. So after three pages of comments I'm still at square one.

George,

Do you know anyone who's good with Photoshop? If so, take a side shot of your Pantera and have someone Photoshop both TSW wheels on to it. You'll probably know right away, which one you prefer.

George.

Not my best work, but maybe it will help give a slightly better idea of what these will look like.

the 5-spoke:

and the 10-spoke:

Good luck!

Mark

George,

After looking at Mark's photoshop work, I personally like the ten spokes.

Devin

I'm likin that second pic, 10 spoke

That was a great suggestion David, one that had also been voiced by Julian back on page 2. Mark thank you ever so much for taking the time to do the photo-editing for me. You do a much better job than I do.

The voting remains 4 for the five spoke wheel, but the ten spoke wheel has gained 3 votes, making a total of 7 votes for it. Debbie has been lobbying behind the scenes for the five spoke wheel, but after seeing Mark's picture today she's changed her mind and now prefers the ten spoke wheel. Past voters are welcome to change their minds as well if the pictures made a difference. I appreciate everyone who has taken time to contribute.

something to consider...
the more open the wheel, the more brake you need to not look whimpy

George, maybe I am just old school but I like the 5 spoke on the left

George, my preference is the 5-spoke.

Mark

I re voice my preference for the 10 spoke, the photoshop pictures confirmed what I was thinking in contrast, they bring out the rocker panel and offset the silver. On the 5 spoke you have too be careful of too much much silver or it can turn you blue

Julian

For what its worth - if it's between those two wheels I like the 10's.

I'm going to be a little wishy washy here. In looking at Mark's pic's I do think that the 5 spoke would be a great option if the centers were blacked out. With the car being silver and the large ribs of the 5 spoke being silver. That's lots of silver. It would really change the look. Not that I don't like silver, both my Mustang and truck are silver. The 10 spoke breaks up the silver and I think that's why it is a more appealing look. Again my 3 cents worth.
Ken

Ken, FYI

Chris from Sydney Australia also wrote he preferred the 5 spoke wheels, but in black not silver.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael 1424:

... For what its worth ...

Its worth the world to me mate. Thanks.

My two cents...... I personally have always liked the five spoke wheels and think that more of a gray than silver would look better.
But of the two options you have posted....I prefer the 10 spoke wheel. It's modern and doesn't compete with the silver color of your car.


Rick

Thanks for asking George....my vote would be the 10 spoke. If you want to go to a modern look I think it is better matched to the Pantera's lines than the 5 spoke.

I also vote for the 10 spoke wheel. I think it looks much better with the silver of your car.

Jake

Regardless of which wheels you go with George, be sure to get in touch with Scott Bell for a big brake kit to put behind those wheels or it's going to look silly. Just sayin!

Garth & Joe, 6018 is equipped with an older set of Wilwood brakes, 4 piston calipers, 1-3/8" thick (race style) rotors, 12-3/4" diameter. Sized for the 17" wheels that were on the car when I purchased it. They were a $5000 set of brakes when they were new, and they were one of the reasons I chose this car.

I've already had an 18" front/20" rear wheel set on the car. The front brakes didn't look bad with an 18" wheel, however the 12-3/4" rotors did look a bit puny in the rear with the 20" wheels. So perhaps I should go up to 14" (or possibly 15" if it will fit), same size at all 4 corners. I wouldn't want to stagger the size of the rotors (bigger rotors in the rear) because the brakes are so well balanced as-is.

So far the voting is:

5 spoke wheel: 5
10 spoke wheel: 12

Thanks to all who've contributed. More comments and voting will be appreciated.

I like the 5 spoke, similar to the yellow car on the prior pages. I have ADV.1 Deep Concave 05 on my Mercedes SL65 and like them, but maybe too modern looking for the Pantera?:

SL65 by JanDaMan, on Flickr

Why do you want modern rims on your classic Pantera ?
There is a low speed limit into the US , not needed to have high speed tires?

For a good looking ,big rims needs also big brakes like the Lamborghini's and other modern sports cars .
Or is it your personal taste?

Simon

quote:

Originally posted by DOES 200:

... maybe too modern looking for the Pantera? ...

Hi Jan, my dear friend. Your observation, along with those of others, is the type of input and discussion I'm inviting, and want to read. I'm not the only person that shall benefit from the discourse. Should a Pantera be equipped with an old fashioned period correct wheel, or do modern wheels complement its appearance? It seems many people have preferred the more modern 10 spoke wheel.

quote:

Originally posted by Simon:

... Why do you want modern rims on your classic Pantera ...

First, please understand my “classic” Pantera shall soon be my daily driven car; it shall not be pampered as a classic.

Second, I prefer to use modern tires which are (1) easily obtained, (2) readily available, (3) reasonably priced, and (4) which are up to date in terms of modern tire technology. Back in the late 1970s there were tires available in 225/55R15 and 275/55R15. Those size tires were quite acceptable for a car with the Pantera’s capabilities, and I believe they remain so today. If modern tires were readily available today in those sizes (as matched sets), I would be satisfied.

To keep the 15" wheels owners resort to (1) using tires of lesser rating than the OEM tires, (2) using tires of the wrong size, (3) using tires of different make & model between front & rear, (4) using tires rated LT for light trucks, or (5) using DOT legal racing tires. These compromises in engineering are not for me. My preference is to stack the OEM wheels in the garage and utilize modern tires, which requires larger diameter aftermarket wheels.

quote:

Originally posted by Simon:

... There is a low speed limit into the US, not needed to have high speed tire ...

Speed rating is not the issue. The OEM tires were speed rated "V". By law I should use at least what is equivalent to the original equipment. I believe this is typical of transportation laws anywhere in the world. No? But of course, the tires I would choose shall be rated higher than “V”, simply because technology marches forward.

quote:

Originally posted by Simon:

… For a good looking , big rims needs also big brakes like the Lamborghini's and other modern sports cars …

Please see my reply to Garth & Joe above.

quote:

Originally posted by Simon:

… Or is it your personal taste …

If I’m going to purchase new wheels, they shall reflect my personal taste of course. I also demand good engineering of myself (perhaps resulting from my German heritage ). The tires shall be sized to match what is appropriate for a car with the Pantera’s capability, and sized in terms of wheel diameter and aspect ratio to what shall be available for a long time to come.

I’d like my choice to be as “wise” as possible. I seek the opinions of forum members like you as a reality check for myself. All good designers submit their work for peer review, no? (my college degree was in design)

quote:

Originally posted by George P:...

By law I should use at least what is equivalent to the original equipment...

All good designers submit their work for peer review...

never heard LAW about maintaining OEM speed rating. My tire dealer included lower speed ratings in quotes and I'll go with on next purchase for the wife's Monte Carlo and TR6. I don't even recall the speed rating for my Yukon since I change from OEM pursuit tires to a more approaite snow/mud thread. I would not use a lower load rating though

our unwritten policy at work if performing a peer review, you were not doing justice unless you found at least one item to challange

5 spoke

5 spoke if the spokes are narrow ala Pantera Chris. 10 spoke if not.

Hi George,
Late to the party here but I slightly prefer the 10 spoke as well. I think a 5 spoke wheel is more vintage but neither of the wheels you've chosen has a vintage style anyway.

BTW, in my humble opinion the sidewalls are too thin and the wheels too big in the photoshop versions. I'd prefer a little more sidewall to not have the wagon wheel effect.

Basically you won't go wrong with either one. Once you have them on the car, you will soon move on to other things to ruminate about and forget about this discussion!

Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by sjdennis:

... ruminate ...

LOL ... that's what I'm good at, rumination. I grew up on the knees of some great ruminators, and I've been ruminating myself since a young age.

On the sidewall issue, I have my personal limits, but what I realize about myself is that my "sidewall limits" are much thinner than the limits of other De Tomaso enthusiasts. I really liked the previous set of wheels and tires on 6018. The car looked more bad-ass in person than any Grp4 clone I've ever seen, even though the wheel wells weren't flared.

I am emotionally pulled towards an 18" front/20" rear wheel pairing, because it looks so good. If that emotional "pull" weren't there, my logical mind would steer me to an 18" front/19" rear pairing, or a 19" set at all 4 corners. The 17" tire market has been a dead issue for a long time, the variety of 18" tires offered by various manufacturers is now on the decline. A 25" diameter front tire, mounted on a 19" wheel, only has a 3" sidewall. That is a short sidewall even for my taste. But when you factor future availability into your choices, those are the things necessary to consider.

Thanks for your comments Dennis, and thanks to everyone else for your comments and votes as well. I can't help but believe there are more people than myself learning from this thread.

Hi George,
I'm waiting for the new wheels & tires I purchased for my 73 to arrive. They are 18" x 9" for the front and 20" x 12" for the rear. They are 10 spoke so my vote is for the 10 spoke. Choosing the tire/wheel combination has been the most difficult decision for my build so far.
Mike

After following this thread intensively, here is my vote for this song contest: Number one, five spokes but only with darker inserts, possibly matt grey. Number two, ten spokes.

I made this, and I don´t like about it. So I´m changing my mind and I´m now voting for the 10 spokes.

Hey Georgie, Pantera becoming a daily driver? You may be the ultimate fan, good for you!

And if we must choose between the two wheel choices...

I'm in the minority - as usual, but we claim our taste is rare and elevated - and prefer the 5 spokes. Also, in near blasphemy, hope you'll strongly consider the smaller diameter rears.

To my eyes, there's a proportional upset much larger than 18 (realizing 17s are nearly done for). The narrow sidewall coupled with so much metal face distorts the notion of 'classic' and forces too much attention to the wheels. Like an elegantly mature lady wearing age-inappropriate shoes. Photoshop will of course be your friend there.

But, I'm a freak. My NSX had 19's on it when I got it and I pulled/sold them instantly. My Boxer's ancient and idiotic metrics (what were they THINKING? or DRINKING?) could - at the time - only be 'upgraded' to 18's.

And every pic I saw made it look like that car was auditioning for the ballet.

Anyway, said my peace: meatier side wall, 5 spokes. Tom Tjaarda would be on my side by the way! You may want to get the *ultimate* opinion from him. An honor for you both.

Whatever you choose will still get my thumbs up if it makes you happy.

I agree with Adams on both points (5 spoke and sidewalls).

There is a Scandinavian car with really big (20"?) wheels with very low profile tires - the look of the wheels doesn't suit my tastes.

You asked for it (opinions), you got it, (Toyota)Pantera!!


I like something like this (Interceptor Mark III wheels), but I am sure they wouldn't fit the car, and certainly couldn't give you the width in the rear.

I agree with Adams and Rocky. The biggest wheel on a Pantera is 19" like the ones from Chip Foose. For wheels on the Pantera I would either run the Pantera replica wheels 17" or 18" front and 18" rear, the Chip Foose wheels 18" front and 19" rear, or the wheels Ron McCall has on his Pantera. The wheels that you posted are okay, but look too spokey for me. With the 18" x 11.5" rears you can run a choice of 295/35/18's, 315/30/18's, or 335/30/18's. Good luck with your decision.

George, times change and you're just ahead of most of us. When I put 17"/18" HRE's on my Pantera, some people who saw it didn't like the short sidewalls. That was in 2006 and I can still buy a matched set of 245/335 section width tires. The reality is, you need to buy wheel sizes where you stand some chance of buying a matched set of tires three years from now. That means 18", 19" or 20"'s. You can make the sidewalls appear taller by using a rim that's on the narrower side of recommended widths. Also, using stepped outer rim sections makes the sidewall visually taller. Using tires that are OEM on current models will help to ensure future availability but that's not always the case, as evidenced by 17"/18" Viper sizes. As far as your wheel decision is concerned, I'd ask non-Pantera owners and six year olds for their opinions. I think you'd find a strong bias towards the 5 spokes. Ask yourself, if Hot Wheels came out with a George Pence Pantera, which wheels would it have? Mind you, a Hot Wheels Pantera would have 335's on the back! Hey, you know I couldn't resist that last comment!!!

quote:

Originally posted by David_Nunn:

... As far as your wheel decision is concerned ... I think you'd find a strong bias towards the 5 spokes. Ask yourself, if Hot Wheels came out with a George Pence Pantera, which wheels would it have?

Perhaps one of these. Comments anyone?

...See New Avatar.

George, Go Black! It's the Latest Wheel 'Look' for Today!

...with lime green brake calipers.

But the first five spoke wheels were better.

quote:

Originally posted by Marlin Jack:

... Go Black! It's the Latest Wheel 'Look' for Today ...

Marlin, my friend from Manteca. Tú eres mi hermano del corazón, para siempre. OO-Rah!

quote:

Originally posted by David_Nunn:

... But the first five spoke wheels were better ...

David, how did you know my brake calipers were lime green?

Can you expand upon why these last 5 spoke wheels are worse than the first 5 spoke wheels?

Like many of you I am a pilgrim negotiating the path of De Tomaso ownership. The wheels last pictured answer some of the concerns of the folks who have posted over the last 7 pages, at least I thought they did. Its the peer review concept. I'm throwing ideas against the wall, and watching to see which ones stick. My learning process goes on ...

I appreciate YOUR help. Let everyone understand that your honest opinion is welcomed and appreciated. You can't hurt my feelings.

George, IMO the Pantera needs a wheel that's less "bulky" looking than the second 5 spoke design.

Check out Zito Wheels (http://www.zitowheels.net/). They have the sizes you're looking for and have great sales on sets of 4, from time to time.

I've always thought the FR500 (Mustang) Wheels in a matte silver look great on our cars.

There are a few running them.

They look like the ones David posted above, but not as deep.

I haven't been able to the the sizing figured out, though.

Rocky

TSW has an identical 5 "Y spoke" design. Available in a greater range of wheel diameters, and less expensive than the Zito (which was only available in 19" & 20"). Obviously the wider wheels having less offset will be a bit more concave (deep dish look) but not as dramatic as the Zito. Almost every wheel manufacturer has a wheel like this in their inventory, so I guess the design is popular. So does this work for some folks?

The first 10 spoke wheel I posted back on page 1 was actually a 5 "Y spoke" design too.

I like it!

Here are some wheels that are nice that were on the Ring Brothers Pantera.

These are wheels I like.



It's like the wheels Jimmy posted, which I also like, but could never afford...

Rocky

I like the 5 Spoke with the Matte black!

I like those wheels as wheel. For a 5 spoke I think the wheels Ron has are the right balance. Spokes that are not too thin or thick.

quote:

Originally posted by Rocky:
These are wheels I like.



It's like the wheels Jimmy posted, which I also like, but could never afford...

Rocky

I'd rock those 10-spokes, but I'm relatively partial.

TrueForged Wheels can do a nice concave version of the 10-spoke wheel you want. Would give you that full look, but still allow for a bit of lip, if that's what you're going for. All custom, just let Steve know your measurements. Very economical compared to HREs and such but very similar quality.

FWIW, you mentioned you wanted to go a 18/20 route. I went 18/19s in the TrueForged brand(WAS easy to find 19 tires in 345 due to the Vipers).

I think the FR500s are a great choice. Inexpensive, but not very common. Have a nice linear/angular look which would compliment the lines of the Pantera.

If anyone has a good set of recommendations (vendor, sizes, backspacing) for the FR500s, feel free to post them up...

With pictures, please!

The wheels below are from lambolp400s' car, but these wheels had to be custom widened, and fit.

Thanks -

Rocky

I usually like a wide variety of modifications, especially when it comes to wheels; however for me anyway only this style looks "right" to me on the Pantera. A lot of other wheels just don't seem like they belong on the car. Weren't Pantera venders offering these at one time, or similar? I thought they were made to be similar to actual Group 4 wheels, maybe that's why I prefer them in taking on the right look for he car.

Or actually, these are what I was thinking about:

Hi Jan.

I like the 10 spoke Campy look too, for certain cars. I have a narrow body however and would prefer the early style Campy clones. But I have six reservations:

(1) I'd like to stay away from two piece or three piece wheels, boutique wheels, etc. I prefer a one piece cast wheel. The TSW wheels, or wheels available from Enkei racing, are just as strong, lighter, and cost $200 to $300 per wheel, depending upon size. I can purchase a set of 4 wheels on eBay for $1000. Plus the price of longer wheel studs and spacers.

(2) The vendors offering the Campy clones have not kept up with the current sizing in tires. I would not spend $2.00 on 17" wheels, let alone $2500.00. I perceive purchasing 17" wheels tantamount to sleeping on a bed of nails or beating myself with chains. Acquiring larger Campy clone wheels leaves me having to deal with American Republic Wheels directly (difficult), accepting their compromises, AND spending 2-1/2 times the amount of money. That seems like a similar situation, again tantamount to sleeping on a bed of nails, etc.

(3) The vendors have a predilection for 335mm rear tires, I prefer 285mm tires on 10" wide wheels. On the front I prefer 245mm tires on 8-1/2" wide wheels.

(4) Both the front & rear tires should be inset from the edge of the fender the same amount.

(5) The wheels should be designed for tire pairs that are approximately 2" different in diameter front to rear, so after leveling the chassis, the front and rear tires are positioned within the fender arches with equal spacing.

I want my car to look the best it can. Even a Hyundai has issues 4 & 5 sorted out. For $2500 (or sometimes more) I think the wheels I purchase for my $80K Italian classic should also have those issues sorted out.

(6) I want painted wheels that don't have to be polished. For $2500 they should at least have a clear coat! Perhaps my car, intended to be a daily driver rather than a show car, excludes me from using such wheels? Or perhaps my Okie ancestry makes me too pre-occupied (nice way of saying lazy) to polish wheels all the time.

Yeah, on #6 clear coat is great. Have it on my MBZ SL65 wheels and it makes life easy. It's enough work just wiping off the brake dust. However I think you may loose just a little bit of brilliance with clear coat. I reacall seeing examples of my fuel injection system with and without clear coat, and with clear coat there was a slight brilliance loss. However at 61 y/o it isn't all that fun crunched in the engine bay for hours polishing it till my legs are numb. Bottom line, I would still choose clear coat even on wheels.

Maybe another choice? 17x8-18x11 AC-III Team III Wheels.

Looks good Curt! Care to share the tire widths & offsets?

I haven't seen you in a while. I hope all is well. We'll catch-up one of these days soon.

quote:

Originally posted by DOES 200:

... at 61 y/o it isn't all that fun crunched in the engine bay for hours polishing it till my legs are numb. Bottom line, I would still choose clear coat even on wheels ...

amen brother

quote:

Originally posted by George P:
Looks good Curt! Care to share the tire widths & offsets?

I haven't seen you in a while. I hope all is well. We'll catch-up one of these days soon.

George...

The wheel off sets are, Fronts, back spacing 5.375=22mm. Backs, back spacing 6.50=13mm My Tire sizes are, fronts 245/40/R17 Backs 295/35/R18 The tires are Continental Tires. Con Extreme Contact. You can get the Wheels in pretty much what ever BS you want! I got the tires from America's Tire, the cost 2 years ago was about $850 for 4 tires!

Curt

George, I went with the American Republic Wheels. I went with a 18 x 11.5. It cost extra for that size but it allows me to run 3 different sizes (295/35/18, 315/30/18, 335/30/18. The back spacing is 7". I wanted it slightly recessed from my factory 10" wheels which are flush with the body.

Here is one picture with the 335/30/18's. I wanted them slightly recessed similar to Chip Foose's Pantera rear wheel fitment.

Like Curt, I also went with a 17 x 8 for the front, but with a 245/40/17 BF Goodrich g force rival.

Thanks for sharing that Jim, from the camera angle it looks as though you've nailed the offset for the 335mm tire.

Its a common theme in auto design to have the tires "become exposed" from under the fender at the belt line, where the body begins to roll under. I feel that's ideal too. Is that a good description of how your back tires fit?

The tires do become exposed around the belt line.

Top shot.

Front side shot. Dave and I had decided to do a test fit before the center was welded. I had the tire mounted, looked at the fit from multiple angles, liked what I saw so kept the 7" back space, sent them back to Dave for final welding. The rear wheel traveled from the west coast to the east coast twice. I have since considered a 18 x 8 front since I have seen a few other tires that would work out as well.