FTO Drivers Club, Western Australia

Uisce · Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 24

Now that I've had my car for a few months, I need to get some cosmetic stuff sorted out with it. The main problem I'm having is deciding what to do with the rims that came with the car.

Here are some pics of what it looks like right now (each pic is around 400kB so you can see all the details):

Whole car image
Image of rims

As you can see, things aren't looking too pretty right now (and yes, I know there's a nut missing on that front wheel - it had rusted on and I'd just removed it). Sad

I've had mixed opinions about the red rims, ranging from "awesome, makes the car to stand out" to "godawful, change them asap". I'm kind of in the middle of the road with the issue. I like the individuality that they bring to the car, but they're in such a shocking state that I'm wondering if they're worth salvaging. My main issue is that they look so small, even though they are 17 inchers.

As far as I see it, my options are as follows:

1) Fix up the current rims. Keep the red theme going and possible expand it to the large black outer wall that doesn't really serve much function other than to look completely dull. Buy some new capping for the rims to cover the nuts and generally make the whole centre of the wheel look better (any ideas where I could go to get something like that? I can't find any brand names as such so I wouldn't know what company to go through). On the other side there's some evidence of kerb kissing that has gone on from the previous owner (read: there's chunks out of the black outer section). Is there a way that it can be ground back / filled in to look decent again? This would be the cheapest option by far, and more favourable to me as I'm just a poor uni student!

2) Find some stock rims to replace the current ones. Are there any yards or wreckers that would have a set or am I chasing something unattainable? This option is viable providing I can source enough funds.

3) Buy some completely new rims - maybe go some 18 inchers and some wafer thin-walled low profiles. Basically not an option, but I can dream, can't I? Smile

What do you guys think? I'm basically looking for feedback on options 1 & 2. Ideally I'd like to get something sorted out before the photoshoot and not be subjected to international scrutiny as a result of my rims. If you took the time to read all this, thankyou!

RichardH · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 804

> and not be subjected to international scrutiny as a result of my rims

I wouldn't stress! Smile

Besides, our pic will have to beat loads of others to make it into the FTOOC calendar comp, hehe. Although we will be posting pics up on our own website, of that you can be sure!

> 2) Find some stock rims to replace the current ones.

Zan has a full set of stock GPX rims. In good condition too, from what he said. I think he was looking to sell them for around $400, although my memory could be faulty! [email protected]

Good luck with whatever you go for...

- Rich

mark_n · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 9 Location: perth

heres an idea... why not Powdercoat them white, this would be cheap and would make them stand out nicely.

Fred · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 61 Location: Perth

I was going to suggest that.

Ring around for best prices. I had mine done at A & S Sandblasting in Ozzie Park, cost me $35/rim back then. Tel: 9244 4114

Others quoted me $60/rim. Let your fingers do the walking Idea

Yellow Pages. Idea

From memory, I think they had the rims for 2 days. It can be any color you want, white, blue, red, black, gold and so on.

Good luck Twisted Evil

marke · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2003 11:34 pm Post subject:

shit didnt realise it was that cheap Smile

If I did I woulda bought a set of non-black chrome wheels and had them powercoated black!

BASSULA · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 196 Location: perf

to get the kerb damaged repaird go to alliance rim repairs in north bridge.. have just had 2 sets of wheels come back from them and they are mint!! with 1 set being a 10k set of 18" loenhart's

and dont re powdercoat them..... POLISH THEM... nothing looks better in my opinion on a black car than a nice set of shiny rims.... Very Happy

but in the end it is your choice..

cheers

marke · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 11:05 am Post subject:

where did you get the cash to buy a set of loenharts for the calibra? Smile

Zan · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 85

Heya Uisce,
like Rich said, I do have a set of stockies which
i'd like to sell.

If you're interested in having a looksee or anything then
I can be contacted at [email protected]

cheers,
Zan

RichardH · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 804

Well, both of you are listed as coming along on Saturday, so you can add wheel talk to all the other tyre-kicking business, hehe.

- Rich

Uisce · Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 24

Just thought I'd update you on what I ended up doing.

Whole car image
Image of rims

Thank you all for your advice! Cool

RichardH · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 804

Extremely pretty stuff! Enjoy...

...and keep those stock alloys for putting r-comp sticky tyres on! Smile

- Rich

SilentBob · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 3

if you dont mind me asking,.....what kinda $ did that set you back for rims and tyres.....thinkin of upgradin from stock GPX tyres myself and wanna know what kinda $ ill be up for in the process

Thanks
SilentBob

Uisce · Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 24

BASSULA · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 196 Location: perf

nice pics...

but geez dude... can ya shrink the size of them a bit.... they are HUUUGE and take for ever to d/l on dialup....

nice choice in wheels too.... what did a end up doing with the old 1s..

cheers

Uisce · Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 24