I need a set of Rallye wheels for my 71 GS. Which is the better way to go, Repops from a place like Vintique, Then & Now, etc. or buying a used set on Ebay? Thanks
If i had the small bolt pattern I would go repro because you can get custom width. and they are brand new perfect, unless you need numbers matching go repro. I would but mine are 5 x 5 and i know of no repro for the big bolt pattern so Im looking for some 6th generation 15 x7 5 x 5.
If you're not worried about numbers matching then go repro. In many cases they are nicer than the originals, and brand new without curb rash, peeling paint, etc. Custom widths and offsets is also a plus.
Depends on what you want if you are looking for a great set of drivers used ones can be had at a fraction of repos but if you are doing a show car or restoration you have to decide if you want the correct coded ones and restore them or a new set of repos that look perfect out of the box. For the average car a nice used set repainted and cleaned up on a budget and look great.
I guess I'm just wondering if the Repops are as good as the originals. Can anyone comment on the quality of the Repros? Thanks
I have a set of repros that are not true (THANK YOU COKER TIRE) :spank: and suck A$$. Do I sound sour about it? They also MUST be balanced using a lug-centric adapter; this adaptor is difficult to find as most tire shops don't have one and usually have no idea what the hell "lug-centric" means. ou:
We have owned many of both old and repro wheels. Quality repros with fresh chrome will look better any day. Get repros. They are not very expensicve considering so many of the other things needed for these olders cars. They cost less than so many newer style wheels and they are period correct.
This past weekend, I had the Speciality Wheels repros that I purchased from Then and Now installed. They balanced up nicely and ride great. They look great also.
That's because these repo's are Original centers welded to new chrome rim-shells. I also had a set that would not balance for anything. Original wheels are easy to restore, long as there is no pitting, flaking chrome ect. DL
Since your car is a 71. I would go with the super sport option instead of the rallye style. Just a thought. Kurt
Excuse my ignorance, but which part of the wheel is matte? Does anyone has close up pics of the matte center? The pics of the matte & chrome wheels on Then & Now's web site look the same to me. Thanks
I think it would be a good bet that when they say matte, it is referring to the finish of the black paint. By definition, matte would mean low contrast or flat etc,,, But Im just shooting in the dark.:Smarty: Maybe somebody who bought or sold some knows for sure.
Try Curt McKim.... many here have had good luck with him rebuilding old wheels into new. This is from the BuickPerformance website... My name is Curt McKim. I live in Slater, Iowa and I am the guy that makes custom steel musclecar wheels. Basically what I do is take a 14 x 6 Buick Rally, cut the center out in my lathe. Acid treatment, 2 stage buffing for the chrome. Tape wheel up and cut with razor so just the black is showing. I glassbead all the old paint off. One coat primer, 2 coats paint. Center is done and looking good. I get NEW rimhells from California by the pallet. Set center in jig, put rimshell over center to desired backspace. Put dial indicator on rim and slowly spin and adjust rimshell until dial indicator is at 0. Weld up wheel and recheck for tolerance. You have a new wheel with original center. You can make a 14 into a 15, centers are the same. Pretty much any backspace you need. Been doing the wheel thing for 15-16 years now. I don't advertise but go to swap meets every other weekend and sell straight to the public. Any questions, call 515-685-3397 . Thanks, Curt!!! If you traded in your 14 x 6 or old 15 x 7, these are the centers I would use for your wheels. Make sure the lugnut holes are good and round (not hogged out). The price of doing your wheels got cheaper by $20 each. I will do the same process as before just on your centers. The sizes I can do is 14 x 6, 14 x 7, 15 x 6, 15 x 7, 15 x8, 15 x 10s all in chrome!!14s are $199 each , 15 x 7s are $110, 15 x 8s are $120, 15 x 10s ar $185ea. Turnaround time if I have everything in stock is 1 1/2 to 2 weeks Hope this helps,
