Author Topic: still searching for a rim upgrade  (Read 4701 times)

russelljones48

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still searching for a rim upgrade
« on: January 23, 2019, 16:01:24 »
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

rogerh113

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2019, 05:38:41 »
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).
1966 230SL black 4 speed (250 low compression engine)

450sl

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BlackJack

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #3 on: January 30, 2019, 21:20:17 »
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?

Benz Dr.

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2019, 23:59:27 »
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. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Mike Hughes

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #5 on: January 31, 2019, 00:24:17 »
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.
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
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dirkbalter

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2019, 00:36:06 »
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
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
05 HD FLSTNI

russelljones48

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2019, 21:34:00 »
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 

mdsalemi

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2019, 22:11:01 »
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.
Michael Salemi
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Steve.k

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #9 on: February 13, 2019, 01:02:05 »
Are those the aluminum ones?

mdsalemi

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #10 on: February 14, 2019, 16:13:24 »
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.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2022 Ford Escape Hybrid
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid

hauser

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2019, 20:29:48 »
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.

BlackJack

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #12 on: February 15, 2019, 10:18:16 »
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!

hauser

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #13 on: February 16, 2019, 06:28:46 »
This was at PUB Virginia!

neelyrc

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2019, 13:17:36 »
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.
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
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hauser

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #15 on: February 16, 2019, 14:53:47 »
Yes of course!

neelyrc

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #16 on: February 17, 2019, 00:29:26 »
Here is a shot of Hauser's car at Ramsay farm in front of the main house.
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

BlackJack

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #17 on: February 18, 2019, 08:39:53 »
Looking very smart! with the white side walls the wheels look even bigger.

hauser

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #18 on: February 18, 2019, 08:59:53 »
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/

neelyrc

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Re: still searching for a rim upgrade
« Reply #19 on: February 18, 2019, 13:39:11 »
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!

« Last Edit: February 18, 2019, 13:50:22 by neelyrc »
Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)