I might just hijack this thread, hopefully with Oversize's permission. Over a period of time, my Gleaming Beauty 6.9 has sported a variety of rims. Initially, it came with the standard 14" Baroque wheels, but I didn't really like them that much. At that time, they looked common and boring. I then switched to eight (?) hole 126 rims, but in due course I also tired of them, and onsold them to an ex TK member. Disposal of those rims came by way of courtesy as I was able to source two piece rims very much similar in looks to the AMG Pentas. Also they were 15" and one could obtain better quality tyres when compared with 14" tyres - originals are almost unobtainable.
I liked those unnamed two piece rims, but unfortunately I damaged one of them when hitting a curb, but I was fortunate in sourcing 18" pretty solid Alloys branded "Speedie" and manufactured in Taiwan to take their place. The curb damage to the two piece units was really beyond repair so I simply decided to replace all four with aforementioned "Speedie" units. I managed to source five rims with tyres initially at a cost of a grand, but the retailer had one spare unit (new) which I bought as well.
Those Taiwanese built Alloys are huge, solid and HEAVY, but with really up to date 18" tyres Gleaming Beauty's handling was transformed. I must admit that the ride is a little on the "solid as a brick" side similar to Air Suspended 6.3s, but never harsh or offensive. Some little while ago, I joined "My Car Club" after having my membership with the MB Club of NSW terminated by courtesy of its President (nice fellow that he is), and the new club was somewhat hesitant in accepting my application with a car modified with non-standard and to all intents and purposes oversize rims. I decided to toe the line and, believe it or not, went back to a set of oldish chromed original Baroque (Bundt) rims that I had managed to find, fitted with the correct size 2.15.70.14" Columbian manufactured tyres. Columbian ? Yes. It just so happens that in all likelihood not only would those tyres be somewhat illegal on account of age, but the same sentiments would also apply to the 18" Nankangs fitted to the aforementioned "Speedie" rims - time moves fast, and why, hey are about ten years old so more than likely, illegal. Best not have an accident with GB, as my Insurer would probably look at any accident claims with a jaundiced eye. So, why am I talking about all this ? Well, it takes me back to the two piece 15" ers. I separated the centre section, with the hope of perhaps being able to mate them up with larger rims, say 16 or, 17, maybe even 18 ? So far, I have been unable to achieve any of those options, but I still have the original chromed 15" rims. I managed to find a very capable and "hands on" tradesperson that was able actually quite well repair the damaged rim, and I then gave thought to re-chrome those rims and go back to what I had in the first place. You know, nice shiny rims, better tyres etc.......
Therefore, I hot footed it to my trusty Chrome Plater at Villawood - I had been there before and the quality of chrome was beyond reproach, although not cheap. I figured that maybe it might cost six to eight hundred $$$ for the lot, but little was I prepared for a quote of, wait for it, $1K. PER RIM. Covid 19 has created some pretty dicy, shall we say, practices. I can only put it down to that.
I'll keep you posted as to my next step, but I suspect it will be backwards, not the other way. I will also dig up photos to illustrate the various rims I have referred to - it might make the post more interesting. For the time being - Regards Styria
