I need to replace the stock wire rims on the 2-dr. Limited I bought -- I really like the appearance of Chris Pollak's 'big wheel Buick' (17x7s) and think a 20" wheel on a C-body would appear equivalent to a 17" on an A-body. I want to keep close to the original tire height, to retain the gearing I have, and ride height will remain the same. No rubber band tires. Front rim width would be 8", rear 9-9.5", depending on what will fit inside the skirt. The new color scheme will be black top, moulding and interior, silver mist (poss. pearlescent added) exterior. Sway bars will be underneath. I've never bought aftermarket rims, so any advice is much appreciated! Ideas: Boyd Coddington Smoothie S (reminiscent of the Lincoln 'doggie-dish' rims) Boyd Coddington Smoothie II Boyd Coddington New Wave Budnik Fontana (mistakenly listed as 'Pantera' in poll)
I voted Pantera. I think the thing I don't like about large wheels (especially on older cars) is not that they are big, but that often there is very little "rim" showing, and a small hub. They remind me of iron wagon wheels. I like the spokes better on the Smoothie II, but there's not enough rim.
I think I'd lean towards the Pantera rim also.:bglasses: None of them are bad choices. I think ZZ Tops 'CadZilla' ('48 Caddy) used the smoothies. That was one sweet looking rod!!!:TU: :bglasses: I suppose the only 'negative', would be that your brakes (unless upgraded) will now look 'tiny'!!
I voted for the Pantera's (and you know which ones I own), those are sweet rims! I am guessing they are more expensive than the others though, my Smoothie II's were $900, including shipping. Also, if you planning on driving the car a lot, I would steer clear of billet or polished aliminum and go with Chrome, a lot easier to keep clean!
KMC rims Thanks for the replies and suggestions - the Fontanas (mistakenly listed as 'Panteras' in the poll) are indeed the most impressive (and pricey) of the bunch. Some of the bling-blingy wheel manufacturers out there make rims that could well cross over to rods, if they survive the stigma of being able to accommodate spinners... especially if this trend of big, vintage-look wheels on classics endures. The rims below are about half the price of Budniks. What do you think? KMC SS (18x9) KMC Stealth KMC Condor
