Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: russelljones48 on January 23, 2019, 16:01:24
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I'm still looking for a rim suggestion for our '67 230. I'd like to do a +1 but don't like how any of the later rims look. so i'm now focusing on what later steel rims might fit. 15X6 or 6.5 with close to the factory offset. Has anyone done this? and what readily available rims would fit? I have a source for custom made rims but they're a bit pricey
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I put a set of bundt rims on my '66 230SL many years ago, and they are fantastic. They are lighter weight than the steel rims, and seem much stronger. Car runs arrow straight on the freeway, and handles noticeably better on the curves. I ended up polishing mine, but you can get the same basic effect with chromed rims (if you do not like the look of the standard painted rims).
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https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=28630.msg206782#msg206782
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I was 'out on the web' earlier this week and came across this beauty that sold at a staggering price at Sotheby's recently. https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19/arizona/lots/r0152-1970-mercedes-benz-280-sl-pagoda-custom/736717
What is keeping my mind working overtime is not the price or that engine conversion, but the wheels. Sure would love something like that on mine. They appear to have custom fabricated these to 16" rims and then used - what I think are - 15" hubcaps. I am unable to see what size tires these are but they look quite a bit wider than 205. Since they completely re-engineered the suspension, the wider tires might provide more room for fitment than a standard rear end set up with these tires. Thoughts?
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I put a set of bundt rims on my '66 230SL many years ago, and they are fantastic. They are lighter weight than the steel rims, and seem much stronger. Car runs arrow straight on the freeway, and handles noticeably better on the curves. I ended up polishing mine, but you can get the same basic effect with chromed rims (if you do not like the look of the standard painted rims).
The problem with chrome plating aluminum wheels is the fact that the chrome is much more brittle than the softer substrate and it will start to crack over time. Moisture can get behind or underneath the plating and then the plating will start falling off. Polishing alloy rims is OK - chrome plating, not so much.
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The fronts are 205/60R16 and the rears are 225/60R16. The hub caps appear to be standard 14" full wheel covers set over a 16" trim ring. Can't tell what sort of wheels are used, but I suspect the only reason why the 225s fit under the rear is because of the CLK 430 rear sub-frame, diff & drive shafts replacing the original low pivot swing axle.
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I'm still looking for a rim suggestion for our '67 230. I'd like to do a +1 but don't like how any of the later rims look. so i'm now focusing on what later steel rims might fit. 15X6 or 6.5 with close to the factory offset. Has anyone done this? and what readily available rims would fit? I have a source for custom made rims but they're a bit pricey
I have a set of 4 rims all date coded 10 71, rim size is 5 ½ x 14, # 115 400 1302 for sale, if that is something you might be interested in. ($200)
Dirk
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I've been OOT for a couple of weeks, so I owe some replies. I'm looking for 15 X 6 or maybe 15 X 6.5's - I think sixteens could be a clearance challenge and I'd like to stick with a look that is somewhat period correct.
That black car is awesome but I think the comment on the rears is correct. However, I can get a set of custom aluminum wheels made but the price tag is pretty high (around $750 per wheel) and the "upgrade" I'm proposing doesn't have the owner's (my wife) full approval yet so I'm trying to go at this inexpensively for the first try.
I also have to admit that the bundt wheels aren't my cup-of-tea and that the original look seems the best available look so I'm trying to find a wheel that fits with a look I like.. my latest research is pointing me towards the wheels off of the mid-late '80's cars: specifically the 560 which came with 15 X 6.5's with a 25MM offset so they might fit. I could have them color matched with a powder coat.... just thinking. I've found some Pinterest posts on slightly later cars and some vertical headlight cars that I like... Sad part is that I pulled a set of those rims off my 1986 300E years ago... why is it that I never keep the right "junk" long enough?
If anyone has a pic of a Pagoda with those wheels I'd love to see it.
rj
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Hi Russell,
One of our members here, Hauser, has 15" on his Pagoda. He might be able to comment if you contact him; look him up on the member list. He's in Florida.
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Are those the aluminum ones?
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Are those the aluminum ones?
Don't know, you'll have to ask him. I do know they look very correct and take the full wheel covers.
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I got my 15" wheels and hubcaps from Tom at the Classic Center. I added a modern Michelin with a 3/4" Diamond Back Classic white wall. I immediately loved what it did for ride quality.
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Hauser, could you possibly post a photo of your car with the 15" rims. It would be nice to see a full shot of car to appreciate proportions. Thanks!
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This was at PUB Virginia!
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Hauser, I have a picture of your car “on the ground” taken at PUB. With your permission I can post it here or I can email to you.
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Yes of course!
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Here is a shot of Hauser's car at Ramsay farm in front of the main house.
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Looking very smart! with the white side walls the wheels look even bigger.
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I did make one simple mistake when I ordered these tires. I wanted to make sure it was a 3/4" WW however it should have been 1/2" from the rim and these are 1" from rim.
The WW are done to order and the width of the WW is up to the customer.
https://dbtires.com/
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A couple of years ago I installed new Maxxis WW tires. After I had them mounted I made some measurements against my original unused Firestone Phoenix spare. See here:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15847.msg184433#msg184433
While the tire diameter and circumference match the original almost exactly, the white stripe width and location is slightly off.
Yours look great Hauser, I guarantee that no one will ever notice the stripe being off slightly!