Old Style Alloys

[bootes]

I have an opportunity to buy original old style alloys for my '71 280sl (MB OEM part # 108 400 0902); They will be refurbished, painted and clear coated. Should I get these clear coated or not?  From what I've read, clear coating was not done until well into the 70's. Any pros or cons anyone would like to offer regarding getting the clear coat or not? Any other comments would be appreciated regarding buying these old alloys. I would have to find the metal center caps as well as lugs on my own. Not sure how difficult that will be. Also, the purpose for buying is to use the alloys as a alternative to the hub caps every so often. I still very much like the hubcap look.

Thanks for your comments and advice! Rick

[Bob Killam]

I believe I saw the caps you would need on EBay just yesterday, Good Luck,

[ja17]

Hello,

The alloy wheels look much better with a clear coat and are more durable.

[RayG]

I have the clear coated  alloys on my 71 and they look stunning. They were a factory option in 71( don't know about earlier) The issue is you will still Need a steel wheel for your spare or you will have to find a different trunk bracket to accommodate the spare alloy.  The center star pieces are still available from Mercedes. Don't forget, the alloys take different bolts so you will have to change these and carry a set for the steel wheel spare if that is the way you go.

[dseretakis]

I would definitely clear coat them.

[bootes]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like clear coat is the way to go.

Are the center caps metal or plastic from Mercedes?

I would keep the original steel spare and carry an extra set of lugs.

Ray, what size tire do you use? Also, are your alloys 6Jx14 or 6.5Jx14? Would the 185R14's work best or 205/70–14?  Any advice here?

Thanks!

Rick

[dseretakis]

Center caps are plastic

[bootes]

thanks. were they ever metal?

[hauser]

The early center caps were metal, not sure when they switched to plastic.

[scoot]

Ray, what size tire do you use? Also, are your alloys 6Jx14 or 6.5Jx14? Would the 185R14's work best or 205/70–14?  Any advice here?

The alloys should be 6".  Regarding tire size, you can find as many opinions as you want.  My preference is Vrendenstein 185R14 tires.

[RayG]

I have Michelin Destiny P195/70R14 mud & snow tires. The 185 series(original equipment) is no longer available and has not been for many years. You can also use 205 series tires as they will fit without modification. Since I do not race my car, I opted not to put HR series tire(high speed rated)on the car.  I concur that clearcoat is the only way to go.

[Peter van Es]

Vredestein still sell 185R14 today.

Peter

[badali]

The lug bolts are available from the Classic Center for $4.40 each minus MB club discount.  I called yesterday because I also found a set of wheels.

[bootes]

great information everyone..  thanks!

[scoot]

I have Michelin Destiny P195/70R14 mud & snow tires. The 185 series(original equipment) is no longer available and has not been for many years. You can also use 205 series tires as they will fit without modification. Since I do not race my car, I opted not to put HR series tire(high speed rated)on the car. 

Bzzztttt!  Wrong.   http://www.tiresbyweb.com/p-8497-vredestein-sprint-classic-tires.aspx
And yes, you _can_ use 205 series tires, but why?  They look big and fat and nothing like what was originally intended.

[zoegrlh]

I agree with Scoot, clear coat, and use 6J wheels with 185 tires.  Peter is correct, Vredestein are your best bet.  This is what I am running.  You will find that the alloy wheels drive and corner better.  I love them compaired to the steel wheels now.
Bob

[bootes]

Scoot and Bob..that's the route I'm planning on taking. I'm currently using the Phoenix 185's on my steel wheels and love them. Thanks

[ljg]

Coker Tire sells the Phoenix Firestone 185 x14 white wall.  These or the Continentals were original equipment on our Pagodas.  I have just put a set on my 14,000 original mile 71' Pagoda-they look just perfect.
ljg

[hauser]

The Coker is not the same as the original.  The treads are wrong, the rub strip is in the wrong place and to top it off it's a 1/2" shorter in diameter than the originals.  The Michelin MXV-P is more correct than the Coker.  The only drawback is that there is no WW available for it.  Just my opinion.

[Jim Donati]

my 14,000 original mile 71' Pagodaljg

Really, only 14k miles?

I think this would be an interesting topic to see who can claim the least amount of miles their Pagoda has ever been driven.

Jim

[Bob Killam]

Me Thinks the first 100.000 miles dissapears on many Pagodas,I have 145000 and car is still tight and has original running gear,Some of the 30-50 thousand mile cars for sale have had extensive repairs,Makes You Wonder.

[zoegrlh]

Boots,
Suggestion, when you get ready to have your alloys painted, have the paint shop mask the back of the center plates that touches the axle plates.  My original alloys have black stampings on this plate (ie. date stamps, and manufacturer stamps and approvals).  I wanted to keep these intact.
Bob