It has been done to death I know but:: Wheels, I want some.
Discussion
Hello again every one. I am after a set of wheels and the harder I look, the more evasive they seem to be!
The remit: I am after centre bolt fixing rims, 9.5 front and 12.5 rear. I would like one piece rims but as this is unlikely will have to settle for three piece I reckon. I have spoken to Fikse in the USA as they have a design that fits the bill but they will not supply me for some bizarre reason? 'Go figure' I believe to be the correct terminology for this situation that our Trans-Atlantic friends may say. BBS or OZ are probably favourite although the later is a bit difficult to deal with. Any thoughts?
The remit: I am after centre bolt fixing rims, 9.5 front and 12.5 rear. I would like one piece rims but as this is unlikely will have to settle for three piece I reckon. I have spoken to Fikse in the USA as they have a design that fits the bill but they will not supply me for some bizarre reason? 'Go figure' I believe to be the correct terminology for this situation that our Trans-Atlantic friends may say. BBS or OZ are probably favourite although the later is a bit difficult to deal with. Any thoughts?
m3desmo said:
GTWayne said:
'Go figure' I believe to be the correct terminology for this situation that our Trans-Atlantic friends may say.
Wayne, I think you'll find they actually meant 'Go forth and multiply'
And I always thought that it meant "you go forth and figure it out" I had better be careful using it in future if you are right. (But I think you are wrong).
I doubt very much that you will find a one piece that has exactly the correct offsets, and if they are not correct, the tyres will rub the body. I understand from Ken that Kenesis got his wrong a couple of times but now know the correct offsets...
Wheels were USD4200 = GBP2200.
The cars in Australia that were built by the GT40 company came with Simmons rims....I recall that their website does not show 18's.
The thing I like about the Kenesis rims is that the centres are quite large. To me, the Ultima factory rims look like they are the centres from the old 17" rims, and the rims are 18" with a large lip to accommodate the 17" centre... If you look on the Kenesis site you will see photos of the Miller Racing GTR with the Porsche Engine and another model of Kenesis Rims.
Wheels were USD4200 = GBP2200.
The cars in Australia that were built by the GT40 company came with Simmons rims....I recall that their website does not show 18's.
The thing I like about the Kenesis rims is that the centres are quite large. To me, the Ultima factory rims look like they are the centres from the old 17" rims, and the rims are 18" with a large lip to accommodate the 17" centre... If you look on the Kenesis site you will see photos of the Miller Racing GTR with the Porsche Engine and another model of Kenesis Rims.
Crafty I think I understand what you are talking about with the wheel centres being different sizes.
From memory the cars that were built in Australia by gt40 –DRB do use Simmonds wheels. They are quite popular hear and will do custom offsets. The model that they use are I think called FR18, they do an FR17, and FR19 as well. Originally Simmonds made the FR18 by supplying a larger rolled/spun rim bolted to the FR17 cast centre section, however I think that the later model FR18 use a slightly larger centre section that may even be a common part with the 19’s. I personally like the look of the larger centre bolted to a minimalist outer rim.
GTWanne, were you after a rim that used only a centre lock nut to attach to the upright? Or have I miss-read your post?
If so you could look for some second hand race car wheels, you might get lucky and get something suitable. Even if it just turns up something with an appropriate centre, as then you could get it modified to make it the appropriate offset for the Ultima.
Roaring Forties (gt40 replica manufacturer) used to get their centres cast, either BRM or Halibrand style and then machined to accept a centre mount locknut style. A equivalent aluminium rim was then manufactured to fit to these and they were then either laser welded or rotationally friction welded. Can’t remember it was a while ago that I went down there and visited the factory, and saw how it was done. I am unsure weather this might be an option for an Ultima but thought that some of you on the forum might be interested in the info anyway.
NOTE - the original roaring forties company has since gone bankrupt. The trading name and much of the equipment has been bought recently by another company and they are attempting to resurrect the business. Not sure if they will make an 18” wheel.
From memory the cars that were built in Australia by gt40 –DRB do use Simmonds wheels. They are quite popular hear and will do custom offsets. The model that they use are I think called FR18, they do an FR17, and FR19 as well. Originally Simmonds made the FR18 by supplying a larger rolled/spun rim bolted to the FR17 cast centre section, however I think that the later model FR18 use a slightly larger centre section that may even be a common part with the 19’s. I personally like the look of the larger centre bolted to a minimalist outer rim.
GTWanne, were you after a rim that used only a centre lock nut to attach to the upright? Or have I miss-read your post?
If so you could look for some second hand race car wheels, you might get lucky and get something suitable. Even if it just turns up something with an appropriate centre, as then you could get it modified to make it the appropriate offset for the Ultima.
Roaring Forties (gt40 replica manufacturer) used to get their centres cast, either BRM or Halibrand style and then machined to accept a centre mount locknut style. A equivalent aluminium rim was then manufactured to fit to these and they were then either laser welded or rotationally friction welded. Can’t remember it was a while ago that I went down there and visited the factory, and saw how it was done. I am unsure weather this might be an option for an Ultima but thought that some of you on the forum might be interested in the info anyway.
NOTE - the original roaring forties company has since gone bankrupt. The trading name and much of the equipment has been bought recently by another company and they are attempting to resurrect the business. Not sure if they will make an 18” wheel.
ezakimak said:
GTWanne, were you after a rim that used only a centre lock nut to attach to the upright?
Sorry fellas, I didn't realise my name could be spelt that way
but live and learn eh? Yes, you are correct, they are centre lock wheels that I am after. I love the Dymags that I have on the car at the moment but would like to experiment a little and split rims are looking the most favourable for such requirements making width alterations easy and thus opening up a whole new world with regards to tyre choice and availability.
My Mini mad friends back home used to revere these guys for their classic rally rims...
www.superlite-wheels.com/
I think they do 3 piece stuff as well...
www.superlite-wheels.com/
I think they do 3 piece stuff as well...
We had those on our Westfield and ended up going to court when the rear wheel fell apart on the A38.
Instead of the bolts sitting in the centre as with most normal wheels, they had bolted a spacer to the back of the centre which the bolts sat in, held in place by 4 allen bolts. 1st drive out it sheared of, unsurprisingly.
Would never use that company again and will never recommend them to anyone.
Instead of the bolts sitting in the centre as with most normal wheels, they had bolted a spacer to the back of the centre which the bolts sat in, held in place by 4 allen bolts. 1st drive out it sheared of, unsurprisingly.
Would never use that company again and will never recommend them to anyone.
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