Pantera GR4 Magnesium Rims

Why is the cost so high ?

This price is not reflected on the catalog web page?

Has the dollar dropped this much?

MAGNESIUM - that's why

quote:

Originally posted by Panterapatt:
MAGNESIUM - that's why

Big whoop!

Magnesium ... should be at a discount not a premium.

I think we are talking about these:

Marvic Gr4

Wasn't this the project Patrick Hals started? As I recall, Marvic used his original Gr4 wheels to produce the molds.

Lets face it. How many real Gp4 cars are there that would need original wheels? Only those cars would use these.

You could have a set of repros made in aluminum probably for the cost of one mag wheel?

Agreed. How would one go about making these as repros in aluminum? Would a large 3d printer or just a good CAD operator be able to repro from photos of the wheels? Could they replicate them in 18" rears and 17" fronts so we can have some additional choices in rubber?

quote:

Originally posted by 1topcat:
Agreed. How would one go about making these as repros in aluminum? Would a large 3d printer or just a good CAD operator be able to repro from photos of the wheels? Could they replicate them in 18" rears and 17" fronts so we can have some additional choices in rubber?

Contact one of the wheel manufacturers. See if they already have a center that matches these?

The compromise you will have to make is these will have to be two or three piece wheels rather cast in one piece.

I do believe that I have already seen this center pattern as an option?

Try PI Motorsports?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panter...em4a940a51ee&vxp=mtr

Its already done ... you can get them in any size.

The problems with 15" tire availability was explained at the commencement of the project. Keep in mind "customization" is not as welcome in most sectors of the classic Italian car world as it is among Pantera owners. Most of the classic Italian car world values originality. I would assume this is their mind set, and hence the reason the wheels were reproduced in 15". The point I tried to make to the wheel manufacturers was that people will be reluctant to buy unless the 15" tires are also made available. If the tires were more readily available I think the introduction of the aluminum versions of these wheels would be an exciting thing. The pricing of the mag versions is going to make them strictly an item for the true perfectionist, or the "well heeled".

Still, all said, I'm sure their are owners of GT4, GT5 & GT5-S Panteras that will benefit from these wheels being brought to market. I'm thankful that parts for De Tomaso cars are being made available. No criticism from me.

... understood. The tires are tough to find in the 17 and 18" range that fill the group 4 flairs properly also.

quote:

Originally posted by 1topcat:
Agreed. How would one go about making these as repros in aluminum? Would a large 3d printer or just a good CAD operator be able to repro from photos of the wheels? Could they replicate them in 18" rears and 17" fronts so we can have some additional choices in rubber?

Topcat, yes it could be done. I work in the casting industry and with the tools available it may be possible to create these in aluminum at an affordable cost. If I had just one of each origional wheel I would create the wheels in these steps.

1. Using a non-contact blue light scanner (The type I use can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtMQA41Vlhs , it is pretty cool) I would scan each of the two different sized wheels. This would create two seperate CAD files for each wheel.

2. Using a CAD software program like solidworks, edit the files and scale the features up to the size desired (17"?), this is the tricky step making sure they "look right" to the eye.

3. Now your ready for the 3D printer or any other prototyping method. This is where you can really save on cost by editing the CAD files. Since the "operational envelope" of the printer is the driving force in the cost, I would split each pattern in two, the outboard half including the center and a second half for the inboard portion. I would DEFINATELY add at least two locating features (pins on one and holes on the other) to the CAD models, then just glue and seal with wax the two pattern halves.

3. Contact one of the hundreds of foundries that specialize in jobs like this. This is where the pros and cons (as well as cost) between sand cast and investment cast need to be investigated. Sand cast will be cheaper initially, but may result in a product that requires more finish machining, excess inclusions, and porosity that may result in a wheel that does not hold air well.

4. Bolt on and enjoy!

quote:

If the tires were more readily available I think the introduction of the aluminum versions of these wheels would be an exciting thing.

They are available in aluminum too! Cheaper but still expensive Alu Gr4

I'm considering doing a Gr4 build for historic racing and the magnesium Wheels would be my first choice. Since they are produced in europe we can get them somewhat cheaper here - although they still are expensive.

Regarding the magnesium repro's cost and
George's comment the true perfectionist would be "well heeled" with these wheels, I believe in the final analysis the perfectionist would be "wheel healed".

To each his own. That is the beauty of a Pantera today. "They ALL be GOOD"

Fantastic news!!! I'll be saving for an aluminum set.