Author Topic: ALLOY WHEELS (Read 41420 times)

RBYCC · « **on:** October 13, 2007, 09:01:50 »

Can anyone confirm that alloy wheels ( bundt? ) were an option on the later 280SL's ?

If so,what's the consensus opinion versus the painted hubcaps ?

Thanks

Ed

J. Huber · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2007, 10:03:14 »

Yes, alloy bundt-style rims were available on the later 280SLs. As for "consensus opinion" -- good luck! It's a lot like asking the whitewall vs. blackwall or best color (or dare I? -- blonde versus brunette!!) Personally, I have seen some very good looking cars with alloys -- usually silver and grey cars. With darker colors like your red, I am inclined to stay with wheel-covers. And for 230SLs, the original two-piecers all the way.

James
63 230SL

zanone · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2007, 12:19:16 »

Just had this discussion with Bob Possel this morning. Decided to keep my 230sl caps on the car to keep it's original look. Here is a comparison of the two wheel styles. zanone 66 230sl

gilles82 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2007, 13:08:04 »

quote:
Originally posted by RBYCC

Can anyone confirm that alloy wheels ( bundt? ) were an option on the later 280SL's ?

If so,what's the consensus opinion versus the painted hubcaps ?

Thanks

Ed

"Alloy wheels were extra-cost options for the 1970 model year right through to the end of productions in February 1971" (from the Meredith's book "Original Mercedes SL") but I prefer normal wheels also in the late 280SL's.

Ciao
Roberto

www.stellecadenti.com

Jonny B · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2007, 14:05:33 »

On the MB judging sheet, bundt wheels are listed as appropriate from late 69 onward. Here is the reference from the MBCA rule book for concours (2007 edition).

"Light alloy wheels were a factory option starting with the 1970 model year and were available in the fall of 1969."

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

RBYCC · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2007, 17:34:27 »

Ask and you shall receive !!!

Great forum and good information.

I'm leaning toward keeping the painted caps, rims have some rash, so that's why I considered the Bundt alloys.

They seem to be less expensive then the caps !!!

Another item to my growing list of stuff to do to the "new" car...

Not looking for perfection, but what a somewhat correct appearance...

Speaking of which, I ordered the rear side markers.
Wiring is in the trunk, looks like the holes were filled over when the car was painted..

Also ordered under dash light, windshield washer reservoir, chrome exhaust tips, and considering converting to euro headlights as I'm having a difficult time finding new USA headlight doors.

Is the trunk light still available?

Fuse circuit 1 which has all this direct battery powered items doesn't seem to be completely working.
Discovered this circuit is the cause of my gen light going on when I open the door with key off.

Isolated the problem between the entrance light, associated switches,clock and glove compartment light.

Tomorrow more stuff to discover, if I don't go to the track or watch some NFL !!!

Thanks

Ed

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2007, 22:50:49 »

When It comes down to it, nothing looks better than the early cap and ring. Done right it's stunning.

Dan Caron's
SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
slbarn.mbz.org
1 877 661 6061

Peter van Es · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2007, 02:34:42 »

quote:
RBYCC:

Also ordered under dash light, windshield washer reservoir, chrome exhaust tips, and considering converting to euro headlights as I'm having a difficult time finding new USA headlight doors.

Is this what you are looking for: http://index.php?topic=7602?

Peter

Also known as 'admin@sl113.org' and organiser of the Technical Manual (http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php). Check out http://bali.esweb.nl for photographs of classic car events and my 1970 280SL.

RBYCC · « **Reply #8 on:** October 14, 2007, 05:59:06 »

quote:
Originally posted by Benz Dr.

When It comes down to it, nothing looks better than the early cap and ring. Done right it's stunning.

Dan Caron's
SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
slbarn.mbz.org
1 877 661 6061

Dan

I tend to agree.
The painted cap is a very formal look, reminiscent of coach built cars.
I used to show a standard steel 1956 RR SC1 which not only had caps painted, but with a pin stripe.
I've decided to stay with the "classic" look !!

Thanks

Ed

Rolf · « **Reply #9 on:** October 14, 2007, 06:25:04 »

My car had the aloy wheels when I got it. I went with the steel rims and caps. I have a silver car and like the look of the caps better.

Rolf
1966 230SL Auto
1992 300D
1991 FLHS

Kenneth Gear · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2007, 13:10:22 »

I like the hub caps as well...It sounds like there may indeed be a "consensus opinion" forming here

Ken G
1971 280 SL Silver/red
1969 BMW 2800 (sedan)

ja17 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2007, 17:39:40 »

Hello Ed,

I think the alloys make the car look more sporty. They do very slightly reduce the un-sprung weight of the car. If in doubt, why not have both! These days you can find these used for around $25.00 ea. You may have to refinish them, they are painted silver with clear coat.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

rogerh113 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2007, 18:52:38 »

Might as well throw in my opinion. Ran on steel wheels for about 5 years, then shifted over to alloys. I would not even consider shifting back. Of course, I do have to add that I DRIVE my car, and the performance enhancement of the alloys was significant. I understand the issues with originality, and on my black '66 alloys would certainly not be original. I have kept the original steel wheels, caps and rings for the next owner of the car (never really plan on selling), but I can not imagine putting them back on during my ownership. The alloys do seem to look better on certain colors, and I do think they look stunning on a black '66....

If you have never tried driving a 113 with alloys, give it a try - you might be really surprised......

Regards -- Roger

mdsalemi · « **Reply #13 on:** October 16, 2007, 19:35:49 »

...and then there is that rare beast, the pressed alloy wheels ex-diesel Benz's of the early 80's. Each wheel weighs 11 pounds versus about 31 for the steel. That's a whopping 80 pound savings in unsprung weight. Add the additional 20# savings if you have the spare in alloy as well, and you have a car that is much lighter on its feet; handles a bit better and takes the wheel covers...

I finally got my set all together late in the summer and it's pretty nice--but you have to take a magnet to the wheels to tell them from steel.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

RBYCC · « **Reply #14 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:03:19 »

quote:
Originally posted by ja17

Hello Ed,

I think the alloys make the car look more sporty. They do very slightly reduce the un-sprung weight of the car. If in doubt, why not have both! These days you can find these used for around $25.00 ea. You may have to refinish them, they are painted silver with clear coat.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Joe and the other "Alloy" advocates.

Considering the current price of alloys, it may make sense to try a set along with a slightly larger tire.

Interesting how many have noted a significant difference in "driving" with the alloys.

Yesterday dropped the car off at my Merc dealer.
Need to get it to original spec so I can pass emissions which will allow me to title the car.
Having them change all the fluids and filters and do a complete tune.
Fortunate that my small dealer has two of their four mechanics that date back to when the car was new.

So far very impressed...!!!
Seems fairly easy to work on compared to a more modern vehicle.

Thanks

Ed

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

Douglas · « **Reply #15 on:** October 17, 2007, 07:33:53 »

Ed,

If you do track down a set of aloys, make sure they're OEM. There are loads of fakes out there.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

harleydan · « **Reply #16 on:** October 17, 2007, 09:49:12 »

Although not OEM, another option are bundt/fuchs/barock alloy rims in 15 inch vice 14 inch. Some of the people on this forum have these particular rims on their car and they all seem to rave about them. I have been searching for a set for sometime.

Cheers,
Danny
1970 28SL silver Euro 4-speed

RBYCC · « **Reply #17 on:** October 17, 2007, 11:59:45 »

quote:
Originally posted by Douglas

Ed,

If you do track down a set of aloys, make sure they're OEM. There are loads of fakes out there.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Douglas

Adsit has replicas weighing 20 lbs each.
Any experience with the quality of the replicas versus OEM?

Thanks

Ed

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

Douglas · « **Reply #18 on:** October 17, 2007, 12:48:23 »

Don't buy from ADSIT. A friend had a very bad experience purchasing used alloys from ADSIT that were not described accurately. After the sale, they wouldn't even bother to return his call.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

RBYCC · « **Reply #19 on:** October 17, 2007, 13:17:09 »

quote:
Originally posted by Douglas

Don't buy from ADSIT. A friend had a very bad experience purchasing used alloys from ADSIT that were not described accurately. After the sale, they wouldn't even bother to return his call.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

Douglas

Thanks much.
I'll start looking for the OEM's.

Ed

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

hill · « **Reply #20 on:** October 19, 2007, 18:11:28 »

I just located four stamped alloys they want $150.. Good price?

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

Wheels turned out to be bogus. Still hunting.

Thanks for all the info.

RBYCC · « **Reply #21 on:** October 19, 2007, 21:09:06 »

quote:
Originally posted by hill

I just located four stamped alloys they want $150.. Good price?

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

Excellent price for four wheels in decent condition.
Not difficult to repaint before you mount the tires !

ED A.
1971 280SL
1988 300CE TWIN TURBO
1990 C43 AMG
2003 G55 AMG

ja17 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 19, 2007, 22:33:14 »

quote:
Originally posted by Douglas

Ed,

If you do track down a set of aloys, make sure they're OEM. There are loads of fakes out there.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA

The original Mercedes Alloys had steel inserts around the lug bolt holes. Most reproductions of the era did not. These inserts are clearly visible around the lugs.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

dseretakis · « **Reply #23 on:** October 20, 2007, 08:53:05 »

I much prefer the hubcap look. The pressed alloy wheels that take hubcaps, referred to by Michael Salemi seem to be an interesting alternative.
Dimitri

dseretakis · « **Reply #24 on:** October 20, 2007, 10:31:15 »

quote:
Originally posted by harleydan

Although not OEM, another option are bundt/fuchs/barock alloy rims in 15 inch vice 14 inch. Some of the people on this forum have these particular rims on their car and they all seem to rave about them. I have been searching for a set for sometime.

Cheers,
Danny
1970 28SL silver Euro 4-speed

My brother bought a wreck of a euro 250SL a few months ago for $3000.
Yes, tons of rust but a complete car. The car has some weird old school alloys which I've never seen before. I wonder if they are these Fuchs wheels. I'll have to take a closer look.
Dimitri

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Author Topic: ALLOY WHEELS (Read 41420 times)

RBYCC

zanone

gilles82

RBYCC

RBYCC

Rolf

RBYCC

Douglas

harleydan

RBYCC

Douglas

RBYCC

hill

RBYCC

dseretakis

dseretakis