Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

[Rainman]

Hello: Just joined So here I go. I own a 03 T/Bird and ever since I saw a 05 Anniversary edition out in front of the dealership, Ive had a incline to swap out the wheels say after dark. Anyway Ive decided against it because I am a little over 50 and cant run as I used to. I have the chrome premium wheels and Every time I stand back and admire my washjob, I just cant get over that "To Much Crome Bling" look ,For my eyes. Does anyone have a source for the 16 spoke"micro machined" wheel offered on a 05? Im a little hesitant of dealing with just any website wheeler dealer. I do know that the 03 and the 05 hubcaps are differant. 'Thanks'

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

First place to try is a PM to

worldclasswheels

He is a trusted & respected member here
and has often managed to get what members want!

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

Ray,
Welcome to TBN. You are going to love this site and your car. There are a number of members who have changed out stock wheels for the retro Bird. I am conservative with chrome but do have a few mods that suit my personal style. I bought an 04 and eventually found after market wheels that are very similar to ones on the original prototype Bird that we had on display for the TBN Beach Boys event. About the only difference between my wheels and the original prototype wheels is that I do not have center caps that cover the lugs. The lugs on Vintage Merlot are exposed. I think the wheels eliminate the flat disc look and creates a more aggressive stance.

Below is a picture Vingate Merlot's wheel design. I have other full pictures in my gallery that show the car from various angles. I likely would not consider going back to factory wheels unless I decided to sell the car.

Dot's website www.portholeauthority.com also has a variety of aftermarket wheel choices that others have made for the car.

[Lonestar]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

The painted 16 spoke wheel can still be had from ford but once you add the center caps and shipping you are at approx $300. per wheel. You can go to www.teamfordlv.com and look these up - look them up under the '04 because many parts, including wheels, were never loaded into their parts data bases for the '05. Also, if Rick at Worldclasswheels can not help you then keep checking ebay. There are two singles out there but not a set. If you see a 99.5 and up positive rating you can be fairly confident you are dealing with a good person but be cautious.

But, be careful making statements like, "To Much Crome Bling", for there are some on this site that would need to visit the ER after seeing such a statement.

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

RAY, I JUST SOLD A VERY NICE SET OF THE SIXTEEN SPOKE FACTORY WHEELS WITH CENTER CAPS ON EBAY. THE SOLD FOR $405. I THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE TO LOOK. THEY ARE LIKE THE CASHMERE WHEELS.

[5bird7]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

Welcome, Ray. Glad you made it onto the site.

[Leroy]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

I think the sharpest wheel upgrade is the wire wheels with the white wall tires. It just adds to the retro look and is a real eye catcher. Too rich for my blood though, but if I were to be in the market for new tires for my car I think I would consider the red line side wall with the 16 spoke wheels I have. I don't think I've ever seen white walls on the 16 spoke wheels. Leroy

[dhg2892]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

Ray,
Welcome to the site! There is a wealth of info on 'Birds here! I was kinda like you when I got my '03 -- the full chromed wheels with wide spokes just didn't do it for me. I liked the 16 spokers from the '04&'05 in chrome. I did find 5 wheels from various sources to have a set chromed in CA. I got 2 from Rick @ worldclasswheels, and 3 from ebay. They are out there so shop around!

[JoelK]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

I'm with you. I really like the look of the 05 cashmere's wheels and caps...anyone know if those are available?

[ArgonV]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

I'm a fan of the '03 wide spoked wheels. In fact, it's one of the reasons why I bought my '03. :)

[islandtime]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

I'm with you. I really like the look of the 05 cashmere's wheels and caps

Ditto, which is why, after I purchased Moondoggie, I switched Goldie's wheels to the 16 spoke. Two of her original's can be seen on Bronzebird's at CC Thunder (this pic of BB's Bird was taken at Savannah Thunder). Second pic (of Goldi) was taken during the switch.

[Sandman]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

Leroy,here's a pic of Ol'Dave's Bird with the whitewalls.
Dave, hope you don't mind me showing your car.

Ron

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

I GUESS I JUST LIKE THE SPARKLE OF THE CHROME, OF COURSE THE FOURTEEN SIDES TO WASH IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE THIRTY-TWO SIDES.

[Sandman]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

CORRECTION TO PREVIOUS POST


It's Claire's Bird ,not Daves,Sorry!

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Wheels: Any tips for a Newbie?

Hello: Just joined So here I go. I own a 03 T/Bird and ever since I saw a 05 Anniversary edition out in front of the dealership, Ive had a incline to swap out the wheels say after dark. Anyway Ive decided against it because I am a little over 50 and cant run as I used to. I have the chrome premium wheels and Every time I stand back and admire my washjob, I just cant get over that "To Much Crome Bling" look ,For my eyes. Does anyone have a source for the 16 spoke"micro machined" wheel offered on a 05? Im a little hesitant of dealing with just any website wheeler dealer. I do know that the 03 and the 05 hubcaps are different. 'Thanks'

You're not alone.
Chrome wheels come on everything from luxury cars to pick up trucks these days.

wayyyyy......over-done now.

The urge to do something different is hitting me too.

Unfortunately, as with so many things Thunderbird, choices are limited.