I want to make some wheels

[vonhep]

I have a small company that makes performace parts in another little niche car market. I have the resources to make small runs of forged aluminum wheels and would like to know if you think I'm on the right track. I am a small company and can't afford to make alot of different sizes and styles, at least for now, so I would like to start with the size that will have the most appeal. It seems that although the 17" look nice, it's a bit of a sacrifice in ride quality. 16" would seem tobe a good compromise of style, tire selection and ride quality. I am thinking that a 16" x 6.5 width with a 195/40-15 tires. The tires will end up a couple 10ths of an inch smaller in diameter overall from stock and I've done enough research now to know that using the same size front and rear will not have any affect on the ABS or TC. Becouse of the off-sets that will be required, the rears will have more of a lip, or dish, so it will sort of appear that the rears are a wider rim. As for style, I am thinking of taking cues from some of the AMG stuff or maybe the Mercedes SLR fanblade style.

So, all that said, am I on the right track?

If there are any dealers listening, I need to buy one front and one rear steel wheel, Can those be ordered yet?

[mnext02]

screw 16s. we need 17s. ride quality is fine. its all about looks.

[vonhep]

that's what I need to hear, who else?

[oldbike]

I would be all for 16's. I am sure many others will be very interested as well

[GiantKiller]

would like to have 17 something good looking but light.

[jwight]

Just my .02, but don't see the point. It's an economy car that's runs about $15K; adding a $1,200K set of wheels sorta defeats the purpose in my book. A few other mods and now it's in the VW/scion/Honda/Toyota price range. With the economy on the slide, folks losing their homes, etc. this doesn't seem like the best time for small production runs of anything. But, if folks will buy them, have at it.

[RLove]

16 inch would appeal to a larger group I believe. 17 inch look better parked - 'cause you're not going to want to live with them every day.

[Fredvon4]

Light weight 16s or 17s are what I am shopping for... I will do 3 to 5 lug adapters but strongly prefer 3 lug options...

I am on the wide side of the street with plans for 195~205 in front and 215~225 on the rear I drove a roadstrer in Germany with 35 series profile and the ride quality was fairly harsh but not significantly worse then the fortwo I drove with the 60~55 series stock tires...

I desire 3, 5 or 7 spoke design, deep dish look, no bling dimples, faux cap head bolts, or other carving, hard to clean crapolla...simple asthetically and functional wheels... they need to be 3 lug 112.5mm 25mm pos offset 7~7.5" JJ

Take a peek in my gallery to see the styles I am looking seriously at

[vonhep]

I'm no economist, but I think buying stuff, selling stuff and making stuff(especially in the USA) is what we should do.

Originally Posted by jwight

Just my .02, but don't see the point. It's an economy car that's runs about $15K; adding a $1,200K set of wheels sorta defeats the purpose in my book. A few other mods and now it's in the VW/scion/Honda/Toyota price range. With the economy on the slide, folks losing their homes, etc. this doesn't seem like the best time for small production runs of anything. But, if folks will buy them, have at it.

[WJReiss4]

My vote is 17".... make them light, wide, properly offset, 3-lugs, and non-bling-blingy. I understand that a forged wheel is better and costs more, but $200/wheel is (beyond) pushing it price wise... especially when you can buy cast AMG 19" Replicas for your C,E, or S class for $799 for the set. Those (found on Ebay) manufacturers will be right behind you with cast 17" Smart wheels for $499/set.

I have bought these replica wheels before for my MBenzs and Porsches and they are good quality. If a forged wheel can provide significant weight reduction, and still looks great... I would spend a little more for it.

Bill