FAQ: Rims, Wheels that Look Good on the Riv

Well, I guess $5k+ offers some "exclusivity" to some degree  

...and here I am obsessing on whether to "invest" $300-400 in some refinished wheels  

The guys on the ATS forum had similar thoughts. I think one said something like: "wheels or turbo kit, which do I choose?" 400+ HP turbo kit is about the same amount, btw. They're outrageous, but I expect they're up there with BBS in quality. Probably USA made, too.

Most of us are spoiled on prices of Chinese alloy wheels, me included.

I get that those rivets are functional but man they really screw up the look of that style... and $5000??? Ugh... I'm toiling over spending $800 on a set of 20" truck wheels.

So I did some reading on 2-part rims...

Those rivets area actually titanium nuts & bolts, as they are a true 2-part design. They're going for the track look, so the fasteners have appeal in that respect, but it's really all about function.

2-part wheels allow the rim to be forged while the spokes are cast. This means the rim can be stronger while the spokes are lighter. They'll take hits from curbs without serious damage, and if you do manage to hurt one, just order a spare rim, not the entire wheel. This might even be covered under the warranty (better be for $5k!)

Also 2-part wheels give a lot more custom options for wheel widths and offsets. So to get the exact same options they did for ATS, a single piece might have been even more expensive.

These wheels are for racing hours on end without bending or cracking a rim. I could see how someone who purchases an ATS as a weekend track toy would buy them. They're already throwing money into the fire with all the other related expenses: fuel, tires, repairs, etc.

For a street rim, I agree they don't make much sense!

Anybody know of a set of Buick Rally type wheels with our bolt pattern and 16"? Impossible dream? I'd like a set anyway.....sigh

I need honest opinions on these: Link

was up late tearing my hair out deciding which rims to order. these are what im left with this morning. keep in mind im also doing most of the chrome trim on the car black:

I have the tires selected, along with KYB struts and mounts. my finger is on the order button and they can be here by Wednesday next week but I need some input.

Ordered... I'll put picks up next week

i like them but when i get some i want more lip on them. these cars already make people think they are rwd, i wanna add to that lol

I can dig em. I wish tire rack had a bigger selection for the Riv or there was another website we could check out.

From what I gather, it's either craigslist or tire rack.

joshuadalegrimes wrote:

i like them but when i get some i want more lip on them. these cars already make people think they are rwd, i wanna add to that lol

I totally agree, that was one of the few things that I did not like about them, they practically have a flat face. also, I'm gonna spray those center caps to cover up the lame "sport tuning" logo

Rims/Tires came in, 2 days before estimated, Gotta love TireRack !

Those wheels kind of look like mine, but black  

96_Juggernaut wrote:

Rims/Tires came in, 2 days before estimated, Gotta love TireRack !

I love the interior colors I wanted mines peanut butter but I have to settlel with this green instead

And these 20's make it hard to take a cruise in the neighborhood now without feeling every pebble

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/4231554403.html

What do you guys think of these?

Im getting tired of my chrome wheels...

Sir Psycho Sexy wrote:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/pts/4231554403.html

What do you guys think of these?

Im getting tired of my chrome wheels...

Not sure what "brand (repaved)" means, but they look nice. For $450 w good rubber that's not a bad deal.

Those are nice wheels, good price. Make sure the wheel offset, width, and tire size will fit your car. 45-50 profile tires look best on 18"s, imo.

He said they are 225/50/18s, and they were on a Pontiac Montana, which i would have to assume is a similar offset. It seems like those tires dont get great reviews, but if they are nearly new, it would be hard to pass up.

Those look really nice. I would hop on it if I were in Michigan. If worst comes to worst you can resell them for profit.

By "repaved" he might mean the tires were retreaded. I would definitely ask about that as well because generally, retreaded tires kind of suck.

th3fr4nchi5e wrote:

I would definitely ask about that as well because generally, retreaded tires kind of suck.

yup

I didn't even know they did retreads anymore for passenger cars.

I didnt know retreading was ever a thing... That seems super sketchy.

Sir Psycho Sexy wrote:

I didnt know retreading was ever a thing... That seems super sketchy.

Back in the '60s it was quite common. Today, it's still common for heavy duty semi-truck applications, but I didn't know they were still doing it for passenger cars.

Similar concept to re-soling a boot? I will definitely have to ask the guy about that. That might be a deal breaker, especially since the tires arent anything special to begin with.