Gretchen got new wheels...(bad iphone pics)

[97tbird]

I was so tired of cleaning the OEM style wheels on the ZHP. And although I know that I am removing one of the 'trademarks' of a ZHP/Performance package, I've always wanted clean 5-spoke style 264 wheels on my car...MUCH easier to clean than the million spoke, busy looking ZHP style wheels...

Initially, due to the front wheels being 1" narrower than the old ZHP wheels, went with 10mm spacers in front, but car handled like [censored] (play in steering wheel) took them off, and everything's normal...They were brand new Macht Schnell, and installed correctly and hub centric but car did NOT feel like normal until they were removed.
Sure VERY picky ppl may not like it as the 'stance' is not perfect, but for me I don't want to sacrifice any handling for looks, and it still looks GREAT. (will take better pics later these are just iphone pics)

So right now, NO spacers, and no rubbing or other ill effects, car handles normal, and still using OEM staggered ZHP tire sizes. (I never tried the spacers in the REAR, guess I can always do that and that might not affect steering like it did with them in front)

I will probably sell the ZHP wheels when I get new tires and still feel than all is well with the new wheels as far as handling feel.

A few iphone pics edited for exposure.

 

[renegade_987]

Interested in trading for an '04 F150 thats not near as nice and has more miles? In all honesty though, great looking car!

 

[yonyon]

New wheels with different metrics -> time for a wheel alignment. Tucking the wheels in like that will throw all the angles off a little.

 

[4D-56]

Shes a fine motor!

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: yonyon
New wheels with different metrics -> time for a wheel alignment. Tucking the wheels in like that will throw all the angles off a little.


Alignment was done at the same time when the wheels were installed, and everything's in spec. The car was due for one anyway.

 

[Turk]

 

[Quattro Pete]

I understand not wanting to clean multispoke wheels (mine are a PITA, too), but from pure looks perspective, I think the ZHP wheels look better on this car. These 5-spokers look a bit too open for my liking, alas, that's all subjective.

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I understand not wanting to clean multispoke wheels (mine are a PITA, too), but from pure looks perspective, I think the ZHP wheels look better on this car. These 5-spokers look a bit too open for my liking, alas, that's all subjective.


I'm with ya....going Behern Bavarian matte black with my German sled in spring. Some cars look great with open spoke others not so good.

 

[97tbird]

I know, and I fully understand
- a lot of people like multi, multi spoke wheels that don't reveal much or look 'open' - but I am the exact opposite; I like simple elegance as opposed to complex looking elegance. And I really DID get tired of cleaning the (seemingly) million spoke ZHP wheels. (esp. the inner barrels) - I also did not like the M badges they had. (The ZHP does not make the car an M car).

These are less pretentious/busy, lighter and MUCH easier to clean, and echoing QP's comment, look SUBJECTIVELY a lot better to my eyes, and yes, although i know it's a cliche, pics do not do them justice. (And I can still run OEM ZHP tire sizes without any problems)

I am still not sure if I want to keep the ZHP wheels around or sell them...will decide only after the next time I get tires and everything's still normal handling-wise.

 

[IndyIan]

Those tight double spoke wheels are a pain to clean, the focus has only 10. I think the 5 spokes look more purposeful, less blingy than the other's, suits the car well.

 

[daves87rs]

Looks great!

 

[BISCUT]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
I know, and I fully understand
- a lot of people like multi, multi spoke wheels that don't reveal much or look 'open' - but I am the exact opposite; I like simple elegance as opposed to complex looking elegance. And I really DID get tired of cleaning the (seemingly) million spoke ZHP wheels. (esp. the inner barrels) - I also did not like the M badges they had. (The ZHP does not make the car an M car).

These are less pretentious/busy, lighter and MUCH easier to clean, and echoing QP's comment, look SUBJECTIVELY a lot better to my eyes, and yes, although i know it's a cliche, pics do not do them justice. (And I can still run OEM ZHP tire sizes without any problems)

I am still not sure if I want to keep the ZHP wheels around or sell them...will decide only after the next time I get tires and everything's still normal handling-wise.


I'm with you....most of the time I prefer the simple and sleek. I was surprised I wanted the Bavarian multi spoke for my Bimmer. I'm guessing they will be a serious PITA to clean while you Sir, will spend narray a few minutes cleaning yours.