alloy wheels that accept original hubcaps

[Cees Klumper]

I am considering buying a brand-new set of wheels + tires for my '69 (I have a bend in one or two of my old steel wheels and have too-wide tires: Pirelly 205's) and recall that there was talk about alloy wheels being available that accomodate the original hubcaps. The following is an excerpt from a post by Rodd Masteller from last October:

"There is a 14" alloy wheel that will accept the later one-piece MB hub caps. Tom Sargeant has these. This gives you the performance of a light weight wheel while maintaining an original MB look. Plus, one-piece hub caps are still available brand new."

I asked Frank Van Dijk (of Van Dijk Classic SL here in Holland, specialized in parts for Pagoda's and 190 SL's) about these a few days ago, and after checking with the usual suspects including in Germany, he came up empty-handed. Nobody he spoke with has ever heard about these wheels.

Does anyone (Tom?) have a part number I can throw at Frank?

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[TR]

I like the sound of this.  I wonder what sort of measureable performance improvement(s) one might experience with light-weight alloy wheels?

And in terms of getting more power to the ground quickly might it also be worthwhile to go with a lighter driveshaft too?

[waltklatt]

I think those alloy rims are from the late 70's and 80's W123 series.  I know this as I used to work in the junkyard.  Look for the black painted rims with the 3 or 4 short silver painted stripes in the first circular bump around the lug holes.  That is the alloy rim.

Hope this helps.
Walter
1963, 1965, 1967 230SL's

[hauser]

Cees, check my post in the gallery section, "Photos from Hauser" I have listed the stamped markings that are on my wheels.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[mdsalemi]

"Reducing unsprung weight" is and has always been a goal of chassis designers and the original premise behind alloy wheels.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by hauser

Cees, check my post in the gallery section, "Photos from Hauser" I have listed the stamped markings that are on my wheels.

For the Searching Challenged members:

http://index.php?topic=1756

Excerpt from Hauser's post:
Let's start with the wheels. I pulled the wheel cover and between each bolt (clockwise) it reads as follows.

6J x 14H2
48 80
star logo 1234001502
1465-3 Lemmes
2A

The tires Michelin Rainforce 195/75/14.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[Benz Dr.]

Very common fit for racers.  Benz wagons have them as well as some other models. A few 190SL guys use them although they're 14''.  This gives you a lot more tire options I suppose.

I have a few of them kicking around. They have about 20 or more small round holes towards the outer rim. They are very light for sure.



Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks a lot guys, with this information I am sure we will get there.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic