Wire Wheels

[BADOS]

Re: Wire Wheels

Still thinking about Dayton's. Anyone know what they are new?

[Bradford]

Re: Wire Wheels

I've heard of people initially not using tubes with their Daytons (on cars other than T'Birds), then having to add tubes as constant slow leaks were plaguing them. It's typical of all wire rims to leak after time without a tube. It's virtually impossible to have a permanent seal at the point of spoke and rim contact. Those who do not are exceptionally lucky. Sometimes hitting even a small pothole or even a speed bump can produce a slow leak even without the rim being damaged or out of round, of course, the driving habits, driving daily vs. occasional driver can affect the likely hood of this. Putting and running tubes these days is no big deal. For the investment of wire rims, I would not let the tube be the deciding factor, chances are you could end up with tubes either way you go. I briefly researched wire rims before purchasing the chrome rims I ended up with. For me, it was cleaning them that made my decision. I used to pull the wire hubcaps off my Moms Cadillac Fleetwood and put them in the dishwasher whenever I gave it a through cleaning and detail. It worked like magic. But realizing I could not do this with a rim and tire, went with a chrome rim instead.

[Ediron]

Re: Wire Wheels

Try www.hobbycar.com for the wheels.They even state the rims need innertubes as they will leak.$2600 for rims ,tubes,center cap and lugs plus S/H

[BADOS]

Re: Wire Wheels

Satisfied Motorspot, Inc. customer Mr. Doug Jones of Annapolis, Maryland selected our wheels for his 2003 T-Bird

Before you consider purchasing these wheels, please read the following:

These wheels are hand-built just like they were in the 50's and 60's. Unfortunately, the tolerances that were employed 50 years ago are less than precision by modern standards. What can occur is that in some instances these wheels can cause minor vibrations at certain speeds. When this occurs, it is generally in a range of speeds such as 60-80 mph. It does not occur in all cases but when it does, it can be an annoyance to some owners and totally unsatisfactory to others.

If you run our wheels with less than top-quality tires, the chances of having vibrations are greater. We recommend tires such as Michelin Pilot Sports which are expensive but well worth the cost. Cutting corners on the choice of tires can increase the chances of vibrations.

These tires require inner-tubes. The wheels will leak without them. A 16 inch tube is the only size available that will fit these wheels and it must be carefully stretched to work by a knowledgeable tire installer.

These wheels require careful maintenance. If you don't dry them off properly, perhaps using an air-hose, they can rust. All wire wheels require more maintenance than a steel or aluminum wheel. It is the nature of the beast.

The verdict: In our view, these are the best looking wheels there are for these rare, late-model T-Birds. If you appreciate the amazing appearance that results, the above mentioned conditions should not deter you from purchasing them. If you are expecting to have a perfectly riding and performing wheel, you should not consider purchasing these wheels under any circumstances. Please feel free to ask questions before you purchase. They cannot be returned for any of the above reasons.
Thank you for understanding.

[BADOS]

Re: Wire Wheels

You know what? These wheels are beautiful, but I think I'll stick with what I got.

[Sandman]

Re: Wire Wheels

The manufacturer is warning you ahead of time that there is a good chance that you will feel a vibration with their wire wheels. I wonder if the Dayton's have the same problem?

I myself ,am very critical about wheel shake and vibrations. The custom wheels that I have on my Bird are true and smooth without any vibration at any speed and that makes driving a pleasure. I love the look of the wires, but who needs the problems. Also, they state that the wires rust quite easily without proper cleaning. Looks like there are a lot of negatives with the wire wheels.
Hope some members with either of the wire wheels chime in with their experiences.

Ron

[Guest]

Re: Wire Wheels

The manufacturer is warning you ahead of time that there is a good chance that you will feel a vibration with their wire wheels. I wonder if the Dayton's have the same problem?

I myself ,am very critical about wheel shake and vibrations. The custom wheels that I have on my Bird are true and smooth without any vibration at any speed and that makes driving a pleasure. I love the look of the wires, but who needs the problems. Also, they state that the wires rust quite easily without proper cleaning. Looks like there are a lot of negatives with the wire wheels.
Hope some members with either of the wire wheels chime in with their experiences.

Ron

I know I sound like a Zenith salesman, but I am not. From day 1, I went with the OEM Michelin Pilot tires on my Zeniths, and I have absolutely no vibration. I really am impressed with the quality put into these wheels, and I am a believer that the Michelin line for our retrobirds is excellent quality as well. Anyway, food for thought.

[Guest]

Re: Wire Wheels

One other note I forgot to mention, though I have referred to it in other posts - you have to use something like a leaf blower or air compressor to blow dry your wire wheels to avoid the rusting problem. I have used my trusty leaf blower with amazing results - and believe me, I would not tolerate ANY rust on my wire wheels. Ironically, it also saves time when I am detailing the overall car, because I use the leaf blower on my front grill as well. The neighbours think I am crazy, but I also have the nicest car on the street (IMHO). It's funny, but I have given a few tips to my neighbours on cleaning their cars, and even a few have invested in Zaino products (my staple).

[04birdman]

Re: Wire Wheels

the price stated @ 2600 is for the zenith wheels...any one know an approx price for the daytons ?

[doubutsu]

Re: Wire Wheels

Daytons are about $3,500.00

[BADOS]

Re: Wire Wheels

Dayton/ $3,500. for the aluminum and $2,224. the steel with triple chome, which are on sale now till the end of the month for $1,995 plus shipping. Ask for Jim. I was on the phone with him today asking prices.

[PaBlkBrd]

Re: Wire Wheels

Daytons are about $3,500.00

Is this price thru Dayton , or a dealer?

[BADOS]

Re: Wire Wheels

Is this price thru Dayton , or a dealer?

Dayton direct.

[PaBlkBrd]

Re: Wire Wheels

That's what I thought. Don't buy direct from them. They protect their dealers very well with higher prices. Get a few dealer names in your area and get quotes from them. I think you will save quite a bit. When I bought my Daytons, back in 04, Dayton quoted me around $2600. I bought them from a dealer in Tenn. for $1900.

[mailcarrier]

Re: Wire Wheels

Hobbycar wire wheels are now $2,600.00. From the looks, they just may be worth it.