Wheel colors?

[FordNut]

I found an extra set of wheels and plan to have them powder-coated. I believe I'll go with a dark charcoal gray color (like the ARE-style Bullit wheels) with a polished rim at the tire bead. Of course they'll be clear-coated so I don't have to polish the aluminum or worry about oxidation.

My question is: what to do with the center caps? Charcoal or chrome? Opinions anyone?

[sandman]

I like that idea!

I would go with the gray centers.

[Directedby]

On the S55 Marauder Concept they went with Gun Metal Grey and kept the chrome lugs nuts and center cap.:rasta:

[RCSignals]

Are you doing this with a set of polished wheels or a set of the full size spares?

[FordNut]

They're polished. I may keep one of them as a polished spare, then use my spare for one of the powder-coated ones. They will have to remove the clearcoating before powder-coating but it should stick to the polished surface just fine.

[prchrman]

Is it just me or if the MM came with powder-coated wheels we would be paying big bucks to get them polished?!?! Man oh man, you dudes must not have kids in college, electric bills, car payments and such. Must be nice!!

[Bigdogjim]

Willie Anglin: What can we say? Only differance between men and boys is the price of the toys!
Your right it must be nice.
Big Dog

[Vince Gortner]

I like this look too. Now how do we do it without spending too much money?

Option 1 - Buy aftermarket wheels for a totally different look and sell stock wheels on eBay.

Option 2 - Buy a set of non-polished spares, powdercoat them, and then sell stock wheels on eBay

Option 3 - Powdercoat my polished wheels and don't sell anything on eBay.

I'm going to do a quick search, but I did't think there's too much in the way of aftermarket wheels available for this car, is there? Can you get ARE Bullits to fit? There was nothing on TireRack.com.

Anybody happen to know the price on new non-polished spares?

How much is the powdercoat job going to cost?

I like the look of the darker wheel with chrome caps and lug nuts.

[jefferson-mo]

Hey Vince...as follows

3W3Z-1007-EA conventional spare list $350.28 wholesale about $280
3W3Z-1007-BA polished list $537.10
those are prices for EACH:eek:

I had some 17x8 cobras powdercoated locally at about $45 ea.
A good wheel polishing place could paint the spokes etc. and repolish the lip about the same price.....:D

I think powdercoating is alot more permanent should you change your mind later:banana2:

[Vince Gortner]

Thanks.

I just did a search of the forum and although this topic has surfaced before, there were no real conclusive answers about the state of aftermarket wheels for our car. I checked the ARE site, and although you can pop up a picture of a MM with any kind of wheel you want, they offer no products to fit a MM. Has anybody found an aftermarket wheel other than the SHM's?

The photoshop work posted on the forum looks great. I want TorqThrust wheels!

However, it does sound a lot cheaper and easier to go the paint or powdercoat route with the wheels I have. I know powdercoat finishes are very durable. Does paint hold up well? I guess it can't be too different from the stock clearcoat. I just want black spokes.

Time is running out! I have 450 miles on my car already and it still looks too stock. I can't take it!

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Vince Gortner
I just did a search of the forum and although this topic has surfaced before, there were no real conclusive answers about the state of aftermarket wheels for our car. I checked the ARE site, and although you can pop up a picture of a MM with any kind of wheel you want, they offer no products to fit a MM. Has anybody found an aftermarket wheel other than the SHM's? Time is running out! I have 450 miles on my car already and it still looks too stock. I can't take it!

Well, Vince, six months ago, I couldn't find anything anywhere, in our stock sizes, offsets and bolt patterns, that would accomodate our factory tire sizes as well. I don't want to upset all the computer systems that would balk at a significant change from the OEM design. I left a few queries here and there, and just this past Monday, I got an e-mail back from one of my favorites, the Cragar SS. Lookie here, our sizes are now available.

http://www.cragar.com/wheels_cfw2.html

Let me check this with y'all...We need a 4.5 MM bolt pattern, with a 5 MM offset, in 18X8" to replace our factory mags without having to change tires, am I correct in these numbers? Anything else I have to know?

Anyone?

[CRUZTAKER]

My dad had a set of cragers on his el camino man..... :)

[Billatpro]

I was just informed that the Cobra R models fit our car, from performancewheeloutlet.com. This is the one I want.

[Reaper948]

Originally posted by SergntMac
Well, Vince, six months ago, I couldn't find anything anywhere, in our stock sizes, offsets and bolt patterns, that would accomodate our factory tire sizes as well. I don't want to upset all the computer systems that would balk at a significant change from the OEM design. I left a few queries here and there, and just this past Monday, I got an e-mail back from one of my favorites, the Cragar SS. Lookie here, our sizes are now available.

http://www.cragar.com/wheels_cfw2.html


DEM CRAGARS ARE SMOKIN,' SARGE!!!!!!!!!!
Thats definitely the MUSCLE car look...

[Beadhead]

Sorry, I'm with W.A here. The stock wheels are a work of art. Why would you want to replace wheels this unique with run 'o the mill Cragars or some other common application? Is this the need to be different for difference's sake, nostalgia, or what???

[Billatpro]

Anyone know what the actual Back Space, Offset and B.C. we really need? and are they the same front and rear?

[Reaper948]

Ill agree.......
Ive gotten many a look at my rims from people

im very happy with the stock ones

[nexstar7]

whats that go for? i was thinking of doing mine in black

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Beadhead
Stock wheels are a work of art. Why would you want to replace wheels this unique with run 'o the mill Cragars or some other common application? Is this the need to be different for difference's sake, nostalgia, or what?

Nostalgic...Yeah, I suppose.

Everyone has their own opinion of what's hot, and what's not, donchano. That understood and agreed upon, anyone here know the correct numbers we all need to know, in order to order our new rims of personal choice via the 'net?

Size is 18X8", yes?
Bolt pattern is 4.5, yes? Is this also 135mm?
Offset is 5mm, yes?

Anyone?

Wheels are now being offered, isn't it best for us all, to know what to order when we order, on the first try?

Anyone?

[Billatpro]

Originally posted by SergntMac
Nostalgic...Yeah, I suppose.

Everyone has their own opinion of what's hot, and what's not, donchano. That understood and agreed upon, anyone here know the correct numbers we all need to know, in order to order our new rims of personal choice via the 'net?

Size is 18X8", yes?
Bolt pattern is 4.5, yes? Is this also 135mm?
Offset is 5mm, yes?

Anyone?

Wheels are now being offered, isn't it best for us all, to know what to order when we order, on the first try?

Anyone?

YES, ANYONE? PLEASE!

[chapel1]

SergntMac let me know when your ready to change out your wheels?The only problem is knowing you,there won't be much rubber left on those bad boys!:D

[Vince Gortner]

Yes. Different wheels if for no other reason than to be different. It's the only thing that separates us from the mini-van driving masses.

I'm confident that many of us bought a MM just to be a little different. Sure, I know that our cars are relatively unique in the automotive world just by virtue of the fact that there aren't too many rolling out of the dealerships, but I want the cognocenti of the cool car world to look at my MM and say, "That's a cool car, and I recognize that you've done some tasteful modifications to suit your own preferences. I like what you've done with that car."

This car is pretty neat bone stock, but a simple change like throwing on a different set of wheels can really make your car stand out without having to resort to gigantic rice-boy wings and curb feelers.

I agree that the stock wheels are sharp. Unfortunately, they are mounted on just about every MM in circulation and they must go.:burnout:

[jgc61sr2002]

I will leave my wheels stock. I think thats the way to go. As stated above there aren't to many MM's out there. I have only seen one other on the road since the were introduced. John

[TAF]

I agree that the stock wheels are sharp. Unfortunately, they are mounted on just about every MM in circulation and they must go

What...All 2,900 of them that have been sold in North America...

Don't get me wrong guys, I understand the want for other wheels (kinda)...And Sarge...those Cragars would be smokin!:beatnik:

But, I'm going to lean towards my stockers...and hopefully my new replacement I'm still working on...

[2003Marauder]

Let's see 100,000,000 cars or more divided by 4,000 MM that works out to about 0.004%
That is more than 99,996,000 vehicles that don't have the MM wheels.
Odds are you'll see more aftermarket wheels than the MM wheels.
I still have my Stock Tbird SC wheels. Never did see the point of putting Mustang wheels on a ThunderBird or Mustang wheels on a MM.
Now painting, powdercoating, etc. the Stock wheels--that's an idea to consider.

[Billatpro]

Ok so considering the "Rarity" of this car, why would you want to destroy the factroy wheels and possably de value the resale value of the car down the road? No I think I'll put those wheels away and have them safe and sound at resale time.

Just my opinion of course!

[russ in VA]

Sarge,

5 on 4.5" is the same as 5 x 114.3 mm

I believe the factory wheels have 50mm positive offset (this is based on the markings on the back side of the wheel corroborated by some rough measurements I took).

Some custom wheel companies may prefer you to specify back spacing instead of offset. A brief explanation:

Backspacing and Offset are two different ways of describing the same thing. Backspacing is the old school way to describe it while offset is the more modern terminology. Backspacing is easier to measure while offset can be more useful.

Backspacing is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to the bolt face (the part of the wheel that touches the car) Some folks measure from the actual back edge of the wheel while others measure from the inside bead seat of the wheel (just to make things confusing). There will be about a 1/2 inch difference in these two measurements so be sure to find out which one they want.

Offset is the distance from the geometric center of the wheel to the bolt face. In our case the bolt face is 50mm closer to the outside of the wheel measured from center.

To calculate the backspacing of our 50mm offset wheels:
Our wheels are 8 inches wide .... this means that the bead seat is 8" wide, the total width of most wheels is 1" wider than the bead seat so that gives us 9". Therefore the center of the wheel is 4.5" in and then you have to add the 50mm offset to get backspacing. 50mm / 25.4 = 1.97"
1.97+ 4.5 = 6.47" backspacing measuring from the edge of the rim or
1.97 + 4 = 5.97" if measuring from the bead seat. (If you are actually going to order wheels, please measure yours first to verify my calculations!)

Of course, this is for a rim of the same width as stock. If you go with a wider rim you will need different backspacing to keep the tires centered in the factory location. This is where offset becomes a more useful number because you can use the same offset regardless of wheel width and still have the tire end up in the same position under the car.

Apparently I have too much free time on my hands.

Russ

[russ in VA]

Oh, and Bill, yes the wheels are the same front and rear.

[SergntMac]

That's a great reply, you spelled everything out for me, and I know your 411 will be helpful to a lot of people here.

Opinions aside, this is why this site rocks!

[Macon Marauder]

Originally posted by Directedby
On the S55 Marauder Concept they went with Gun Metal Grey and kept the chrome lugs nuts and center cap.:rasta:

At first I thought you guys were crazy. I love the stock wheels on the MM! But now...

Not ready for aftermarket, but I really like the powder coated (or whatever they're called) S55 wheels. Hmmm...

[Black Terror]

stated that offset was 50mm. Otherwise figures seem correct.

[Mark McQuaide]

I agree with 2003Marauder, aftermarket wheels have a good chance of being less unique than the stockers.

[Vince Gortner]

Originally posted by Billatpro
Ok so considering the "Rarity" of this car, why would you want to destroy the factroy wheels and possably de value the resale value of the car down the road? No I think I'll put those wheels away and have them safe and sound at resale time.


Exactly. That's the nice thing about a set of aftermarket wheels. They substantially change the look of the car and make it unique, but it is totally reversible. When you are tired of that change the wheels still have some value to another enthusiast and can be easily re-sold. Your car goes back to stock with the spin of a wrench and you're all done.

I had an SCCA Miata R that was great fun because it was like a big tinkertoy set. If you go on the Miata.net website you will see a huge trade in wheels, hardtops, & exhaust systems that are all bolt on & go. No permanenent damage to the cars, so when it's time to trade in or trade up, you take all your toys off the car and sell your "stock" blank canvas to the next guy, who then adds stuff that he likes.

Thanks to everybody that resisted the urge to flame me... I just like aftermarket wheels.

[jgc61sr2002]

If you install after market wheels it would be wise to keep the factory wheels. I personally like the factory wheels just the way they are. John :D

[03 Merc]

I am doing a slightly different approach to replacing the stock MM wheels..

I just bought a set of 2003 Grand Marquis LS(E) 9 spoke alloy wheels off E-bay. Yes, they are 16 inchers but that is what I wanted.. Since they are 03 GM's there are no fitment issues (offset, etc), they will bolt right on.. The wheels are shown here: http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/vehicles/grandmarquis/ext_colors.asp

Next step is to have them powder coated in either argent, gun metal or black. One of the guys in the local SVT group had his wheels done in black powder coat and they look real good on his black Cobra.. My only concern with black is it may look a little overwhelming. I'll play around in Photoshop and see how it goes..

Then I am adding in a set of new Michelin Pilot A/S' in 225/60 ZR16. The height of this combo is 27 inches which is close enough to stock, -5%, that the computer will compensate without a chip per my dealer.. BTW this 5% drop, on the rears, will effectively give me 3.73's without turning a wrench.;)

Why did I go this route? My MM is my daily driver over under maintained county roads. The lack of a decent sidewall height in the stock setup contributes to a jarring ride. By doing a Negative 2, 18 to 16 inches, as discussed in the snow tire threads, I get a decent sidewall height. That sidewall height will help smooth out the ride. Plus the Pilots are much better tires than the stockers.. Tread Wear 400 AA ratings...Plus I can really rotate them for better wear..

Total cost for this conversion will be around $600 for wheels, including powder coating, and $600 for the Pilots... so for around $1200 I get to be "unique" and should improve the ride...

Meanwhile the stockers will go in to the basement. If I want to change back it's a quick changeover. Plus I can always sell the alloys on CVN on BON..

[bugsys03]

537 bucks a piece and youre going to ruin them. thats nuts

[RCSignals]

03 Merc
Those must be the wheels I posted a link to a few days ago. If so they are apparently brand new, never on a car. you got a great deal!

[03 Merc]

RC,

That is what I like about E-bay...:D Even with shipping it's still less than $75.00 a wheel... Now finding some center caps for them is the next trick...According to my Parts Mgr the size changed slightly for 03, part of the wheels redesign due to offset, and the 02 and earlier ones may not fit. We are going to do a test fit of older ones when the wheels arrive to find out for sure though.. New ones are about $40.00 each at the dealer so that's not to big of deal..

If I want to really confuse folks I could leave them stock and look like a GM LS(E) from the side profile..;) Then instead of being a CV or GM impersonating a MM I'll impersonate a GM..?:eek: :rolleyes: :shake:

[Billatpro]

03Merc..

Are you sure the GM wheels and the MM wheels have the same offset in the rear? Does the GM have out board mounted shocks in the rear like the MM?
Last is the offset on the MM wheel the same in the front as in the rear? For some reason I thought they were not.

[03 Merc]

Bill,

The offset is the same front and rear on our wheels. If our tires were the same size we could rotate front to rear..

I have been told the suspension will clear fine.. That being said I am going to test fit the wheels to confirm before proceeding or spending any additional $! Since the wheels and tires are not as wide that will help as well on clearances..

[Billatpro]

Thanks Wayne

BTW checks in the mail

Bill White