My Alfa red SportWagon has the original (GTA style) 17" Multispoke wheels that are in need of refurbishing. I have just bought a set of the later 17" Multispoke GT style wheels (and tyres) that are in good condition apart some light kerbing for an absolute bargain price with the intention to fit them whilst getting the rims refurbed.
The question is; should I fit (and keep) the originals or the later rims? I would get the chosen set refurbed and probably sell the others. I see many posts of the later rims suffering impact damage but not the originals; are they more fragile or simply more of them about?
The standard 17" multispokes have a 40.5 offset so sit a little deeper inside the wheel arch compared to the GT multispokes, which have a 35 offset. These look good but sitting a little more 'proud' will explain perhaps in part the increased incidence of impact damage to these rims.
Keep the GT wheels and just look after them. Roswell will confirm all this, won't you Ross:lol:
The originals do seem more robust but also heavier, this is yet to be proved. The offset is the same for both at 40.5, so fitting will not be a problem. I'll probably go for an anthracite / titanium finish when refurbing - see gallery for effect. The originals are undamaged (after 5 years) but finish and lacquer is in need of restoring, two of the new wheels have slight damage to the rim and one has spoke damage although not bad - so quite a find for £80 inc tyres :thumbs:
I've weighed both wheels and surprising the "original" wheels weighed 42 lbs while the "new" wheels weighed 46.5 lbs. This is with tyres fitted and the originals have newer and wider tyres (225/45 17 vs 215/45 17) so the difference could be even bigger. Needless to say I'm staying with the originals :thumbs:
The offset for these sets of wheels ARE NOT THE SAME.
As I have already stated, the standard multispokes without the diamond shapes is 40.5. The GT alloys with the diamond shapes have an offset of 35. This is not a problem, just on the 156 the alloys will stand a little more proud.
If you choose to ignore advice based on fact TOX1C, I hardly think it's worth you asking questions to Forum members in the first place:tut:
I do accept GT wheels may have a offset of 35mm, but the simple fact is these wheels, that are sitting in MY garage came from a 156 and have the figures ET 40.5 cast into the alloy.
I'm thinking the same, the thing to consider is that the later wheels show more of the disc and caliper, pluses and minuses, that could mean a caliper re-paint.
In any case I have to swop the wheels over so I'll take some pics tomorrow and compare.
Do you think "Shadow Chrome" is too chavvy? Gallery01.html
Did you get them refurbished in the end?
What colour / price where from?
Thanks
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