Aluminum Wheels, your input needed

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ford-mercury-comet-maverick-grabber-aluminum-wheels_W0QQitemZ4583952539QQcategoryZ34209QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hey guys, do you think the one rim looks bent? (you have to click on the close up shot) What is a set worth? Do you know of any new "aftermarket" ones that "look" like these? I not concerned about keeping my future Stallion clone original (the fact that it will be a "clone" speaks volumes) but I am concerned about the looks. I would like to either get original aluminum wheels like the ones above, or new aftermarket ones that look close, or I wouldn't even mind getting the "styled steel rims", which is what my original car had on it (however I always liked the slotted aluminum ones). A few years after I had the car, I put Keystone Klassics on it, but with this one, I want to keep it "looking" more original. Anyway, what do you think those on eBay are worth, and is that dented one look like a problem (unusable, perhaps could not be balanced, etc.)

Thanks for your input!
Art

 

Looks like someone tried to park next to the curb & the curb jumped out & got him. I have had that happen a time or two. Getting a tire that is slightly wider than the rim helps. Don't know how much they might be worth.

 

I agree with the curb bite. As far as value, consider the shipping costs as well.

 

Yeah, I know, looks like $65 to $110 for shipping, ouch....

I wouldn't mind finding "new" ones that "look" like these....

Art

 

American Racing Wheels is offering the Ansen Sprints

http://www.americanracing.com/wheels/details.asp?wheelid=170&name=Ansen®%20Sprint&style=A69&desc=1-piece%20painted%20/%20machined%20alloy&section=V

 

Looks like Chuck Stalnaker is stalking them too!

One pic shows a possible bend in the back of one. Can't tell for sure, could be photo
distortion. Curb rash can be repaired-made better-by someone experienced in doing so.

They aren't making any more of them. The caps are worth a little too.

Seth

 

Allan,

Hey, thanks so much for the American Racing link! That rim does look very close, very close indeed! I called a local dealer to get a price (he has to get back to me) but I did notice one thing. That Series A69 rim only comes in a 15x7 size, the Mavericks had 14x6 (I think is was 6 anyway). Do you think there will be any problem getting that to fit ok. Will a shorter wheel height be enough to compensate for a taller wheel? Will a 7" rim be kind of wide for the front tires? What's the majority of you guys running on your cars?

Thanks again!
Art

 

Some pics to compare...

 

I checked with AKH Wheels, they carry refurbished factory rims. Here is the reply note:

Art,
A nice used set/4 wheels and center caps runs $690.
We repolish the wheels facially as shown on the web site.
Freight varies on zip/state.
As far as the new Magnum wheels we quit stocking them as the suppliers always seem to be out when we need them for buyers.
Terry Rowe
AKHWheels.com

Wow, basically $700 bucks, plus shipping, ouch....

Belle tire got back to me on the "new" American Racing A69 series (clones) and they would run $149 each. For 4, including tax, $631.76. It's been a while since I bought rims, is that a decent price?

I'm not looking to purchase wheels right away anyway, I'm just doing homework since I saw the originals for sale on eBay. My wife would kill me if I spent any more money, she isn't too happy with me for getting the Maverick, said something about wanting a camper. I figure it's worth it to be in the dog house, at least I have a Maverick, lol.

Anyway, thanks again for the help, I have been looking for good "clone" rims, and it looks like those Ansen Sprint Series A69 are about the best I've seen!

Art

 

Thats funny, the demands too high so we just wont cary them anymore:confused:. strange....

 

The only problem I see is that you won't be able to use the Grabber center caps (they screw into the wheel). The mags look just like my Comet GT mags, except for the center cap emblem...

 

I paid that much for my restored Ford Maverick Aluminum slots ... without centers. There wasn't a nick, dent or scratch in them.

Keep in mind most of these places will have Mustang Aluminum Slots ... Mustang slots will not fit Mavericks ...

I also highly doubt they have Maverick center caps to go with them ..

 

I currently have 15x7 Front and 15x8 Rear on my car.

 

Allan,

What size tires did you put on those 15" rims?

 

Any wheel can be drilled and tapped to accept the Maverick caps. 15x7 wheels fit fine. I have them on the front of mine and 8" on the rear. You can easily run a 225 on the front or as big as a 245 on the back in a 60 series tire.