[DeTomaso] Pantera GT5S *seventeen* inch wheels

[Mike Drew]

Chuck,

I wasn't clear enough. I believe front tire availability is the issue for 17-inch wheels. Others are more knowing than I am but I think the goal is to get something like a 285/30-17 or 285/35, which were available at one time but aren't anymore?  I think the widest front tire is a 245 which much too narrow, and the next larger 17-inch are too wide and much too tall?

Somebody who is smarter on this subject please chime in!

Mike

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 30, 2014, at 9:04, cengles at cox.net wrote:

> Dear Mike,
> 
> 
>                   See below.
> 
> 
> 
>  
> In a message dated 9/30/14 7 59 34, cengles at cox.net writes:
> 
> 
> 
>                 "I read somewhere in the last twelve months that there
> was a source for seventeen inch diameter  reproduction Pantera GT5S
> wheels.   A friend is now ready to make the change from the originals.
> Now, I can't seem to find nor Google the source or reference.  Anyone
> able to direct the search? "
> 
> 
> >>>Both Wilkinson and Pantera East offer them.   Wilkinson's are 17x10 and 17x13 I believe, while Pantera East are 17x11 and 17x13?   That's from memory, could be off a bit.
> $$$$$$$$$   Good.
> 
> Note that tire availability is becoming a problem!   In fact even though it's still pretty difficult, it's arguably easier to get 15-inch tires in the appropriate sizes (and the cars look infinitely better with the short 24-inch tires they were intended for, rather than the 27-inch tires that the larger-diameter wheels restrict you to) than 17-inch tires in the 'right' sizes.
> $$$$$$$$$   Tire availability is becoming the bane of many sports cars, it seems, whatever size one chooses!    In any event a reliable source tells me that a Michelin Pilot mounted to a seventeen inch GT5S repro measures 25.03" (!) diameter.  Perhaps not a short 24 inch diameter, but far better than a 27 inch diameter.  FWIW.
> 
> 
>    Some people are going to 18-inch wheels, which IMHO makes the widebody cars look positively cartoonish.
>   But if that's the look you're after, it's an available, albeit very expensive option.
> $$$$$$$  Ah, no thanks.  
> 
> Figure minimum $6-8K cost to transition away from the 15-inch wheels.
> $$$$$$  Yes, that would be about right.
> 
>    Makes even expensive 15-inch tires downright cheap by comparison...
> $$$$$$   You pays your money and makes your choice.....
> 
> 
>                        Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
> 
> 
> Mike
-------------- next part --------------
   Chuck,

   I wasn't clear enough. I believe front tire availability is the issue
   for 17-inch wheels. Others are more knowing than I am but I think the
   goal is to get something like a 285/30-17 or 285/35, which were
   available at one time but aren't anymore?  I think the widest front
   tire is a 245 which much too narrow, and the next larger 17-inch are
   too wide and much too tall?

   Somebody who is smarter on this subject please chime in!

   Mike
   Sent from my iPhone

   On Sep 30, 2014, at 9:04, [1]cengles at cox.net wrote:

   Dear Mike,
                     See below.

   In a message dated 9/30/14 7 59 34, [2]cengles at cox.net writes:
                   "I read somewhere in the last twelve months that there
   was a source for seventeen inch diameter  reproduction Pantera GT5S
   wheels.   A friend is now ready to make the change from the originals.
   Now, I can't seem to find nor Google the source or reference.  Anyone
   able to direct the search? "
   >>>Both Wilkinson and Pantera East offer them.   Wilkinson's are 17x10
   and 17x13 I believe, while Pantera East are 17x11 and 17x13?   That's
   from memory, could be off a bit.
   $$$$$$$$$   Good.
   Note that tire availability is becoming a problem!   In fact even
   though it's still pretty difficult, it's arguably easier to get 15-inch
   tires in the appropriate sizes (and the cars look infinitely better
   with the short 24-inch tires they were intended for, rather than the
   27-inch tires that the larger-diameter wheels restrict you to) than
   17-inch tires in the 'right' sizes.
   $$$$$$$$$   Tire availability is becoming the bane of many sports cars,
   it seems, whatever size one chooses!    In any event a reliable source
   tells me that a Michelin Pilot mounted to a seventeen inch GT5S repro
   measures 25.03" (!) diameter.  Perhaps not a short 24 inch diameter,
   but far better than a 27 inch diameter.  FWIW.
      Some people are going to 18-inch wheels, which IMHO makes the
   widebody cars look positively cartoonish.
     But if that's the look you're after, it's an available, albeit very
   expensive option.
   $$$$$$$  Ah, no thanks.
   Figure minimum $6-8K cost to transition away from the 15-inch wheels.
   $$$$$$  Yes, that would be about right.
      Makes even expensive 15-inch tires downright cheap by comparison...
   $$$$$$   You pays your money and makes your choice.....
                          Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
   Mike

References

   1. mailto:cengles at cox.net
   2. mailto:cengles at cox.net