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The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

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Old 06-17-2010, 10:56 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by Stephen
And right there is the kicker....DOT standards.....You might build a fully billet wheel for a show car, or something that sits around, maybe Sunday driven on short trips to a car show & back, but most likely driven on to a trailer, then off the trailer & parked to show. Nobody will ever make a fully billet aluminum wheel to meet DOT standards. They'd hafta built several sets, subject them to crash/stress/strength tests to certify them, yet ruin them for any future use. Then wait for approval. No gonna happen. Really wanna spend $50,000 to certify a $5000 set for DOT?
I certainly agree that its not cost effective to make a bunch of sets of wheels for destructive testing. But I've been thinking about other methods of DOT certifying. Seeing as how there are tech rules in every sport, would it make sense that DOT came up with a wheel template so as to prevent a mountain of paper work from forming for everyone and their brother having to certify a wheel. Certainly with the advances in FEA, it would almost make destructive testing obsolete.
Old 06-17-2010, 10:56 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

He obviously wont ever reveal his MFG. due to him re-selling the product.

But, his pricing is right in line with Boyds. $3,500 a set is fair market value for those (beings they are 18's).
Old 06-18-2010, 11:12 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Still Zero bids.

This is why MFG's aren't jumping at the chance to make stuff like this. People want and want rims like these to be made and people say that there will be tons of people waiting to buy them etc. etc.. But, when they finally come out, people b!tch about the price and never put their money where their mouth is.

The guy did a good job on them and I hope he sells a bunch. They would look really nice on a Firebird.

Old 06-18-2010, 11:33 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Just my .........

Maybe nobody wants to spend $3500 on custom wheels from an individual, made by an unknown source, on eBay? There is no way to know the strength/durability/material quality of them.

If the seller said the manufacturer, then he might have a better chance of selling them.

Last edited by Stephen; 06-18-2010 at 01:22 PM.
Old 06-18-2010, 01:20 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Those wheels look nice, but they are not worth $3400.
Old 06-19-2010, 11:20 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

those are badass. Great look AND its a 3 piece wheel... Priceless!
Old 06-19-2010, 11:56 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Well, let's say they came from Boyds, HRE, Fikse, or Foose just to name a few. Then would you purchase a set for that asking price beings you knew they came from a quality MFG. ?
Old 06-20-2010, 02:22 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

I don't think there will be many people here wanting to buy them at that price, maybe if they were under 2k.

Not sure they would even look good painted gold, might be to much bling lol.
Old 06-21-2010, 09:57 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

At least somebody found more information from the (supposed) owner. I haven't heard anything from him regarding my post or PM.

No need for anybody to get into a pissing match over this stuff. The entire purpose of this thread was to show a wheel similar to the GTA that has been well executed - not to see who can make wheels, how cheap thirdgen owners are, or anything else.

Now if anybody finds any info on these more than what has been posted, please share. I'm going to continue drooling over them
Old 06-21-2010, 10:04 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

The info is this:

That guy is having them MFG'd some place that he will never disclose. He started a resale company to sell these call Blacksmith Forged (or something like that) and he's re-selling them for $3,444.99 a set plus shipping. If you dont want to start from scratch to have a set made directly from a different MFG., then that's the price you'll have to pay if you want them...
Old 06-21-2010, 10:17 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Yeah Mike - I was reading over his post on turbobuick - the ebay add is the real deal. For a one-off set of prototype wheels, his price is CHEAP. I'm unsure what it would take to mount these on a GTA (and wheel spacers with your $3500 wheels is kinda lame). I'm hoping he sells these and then begins selling more - because at some point I'd like a set with the right backspacing etc.
Old 06-21-2010, 10:43 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

If I'm not mistaking, the $3,500 is HIS price... according to what I saw on his EBAY add.
Old 06-22-2010, 02:56 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

I heard Stephen bought the last set and used a dremel to remove the manufacturer info off the back of one of the spokes.
Old 06-22-2010, 03:48 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z
Well, let's say they came from Boyds, HRE, Fikse, or Foose just to name a few. Then would you purchase a set for that asking price beings you knew they came from a quality MFG. ?
No. If I was going to be spending that much on wheels I wouldnt be buying those. They look nice but not for that much money. I would much rather have these in 18s on my GTA.. 18x10 in the back, 18x8 in the front would be killer...

Last edited by BigBadGTA; 06-22-2010 at 03:52 PM.
Old 06-22-2010, 05:17 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by jmd
I heard Stephen bought the last set and used a dremel to remove the manufacturer info off the back of one of the spokes.
Not even close. I have my ROH Snypers that have been custom widened & powdercoated. Even if I was on 15" steelies with a mud tire on 1, a street tire on another & steel studded ice tires on the other 2....I still wouldn't shell out such a high price for any wheel. Not even with tires included, mounted & balanced and with free shipping. But all that is ME! Quit worrying about what *I* would do with *my* car. You go do whatever you want to to yours, OK?

Last edited by Stephen; 06-23-2010 at 08:18 AM. Reason: typos fixed
Old 06-23-2010, 03:01 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

I may just walk down the street and ask my neighbor what he would charge. I know he does custom wheels, says so on his website. I dont think the cost if 3500 is what he paid is all that far out of line though.
Old 06-23-2010, 04:05 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by 3.1EyeCandy
Yeah Mike - I was reading over his post on turbobuick - the ebay add is the real deal. For a one-off set of prototype wheels, his price is CHEAP. I'm unsure what it would take to mount these on a GTA (and wheel spacers with your $3500 wheels is kinda lame). I'm hoping he sells these and then begins selling more - because at some point I'd like a set with the right backspacing etc.
Grand Nationals use our front wheels so those "should" fit just fine.
When I sold a set of my GTA wheels 9 years ago, the buyer said they had to be front wheels, which is what I had.
Old 06-23-2010, 08:17 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Not even close. I have my ROH Snypers that have been custom widened & powdercoated. Even if I was on 15:crazy4" steelies with mud tires on 1, street tires on another & steel studded ice tires on the other 2....I still wouldn't shell out such a high price. Not even with tires included, mounted & balanced with free shipping. But all that is ME! Quit worrying about what *I* would do wit *my* car & you go do whatever you want to to yours, OK?
It's just a matter a time until he breaks down and gets a set... All the complaining and wishing that these wheels would be made and they are finally here.. He'll get these and tell everyone he paid less to save face.
Old 06-23-2010, 08:31 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z
It's just a matter a time until he breaks down and gets a set... All the complaining and wishing that these wheels would be made and they are finally here.. He'll get these and tell everyone he paid less to save face.
Wake up......Your dreaming!

Besides....Those are too skinny to go on my car. I wouldn't go down in tire size from my 315s. I'd only go up.

I find it hilarious that I find posts here like yours, that continue to try to poke "insults" at ME. Am I that important to you guys that you just can't resist posting comments about what I'd do with wheels? Give it a rest & go on with your lives. Or do you guys not have one? :roflmao:
Old 06-23-2010, 08:42 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

I find it hilarious that I find posts here like yours, that continue to try to poke "insults" at ME. Am I that important to you guys that you just can't resist posting comments about what I'd do with wheels? Give it a rest & go on with your lives. Or do you guys not have one? :roflmao:
No need to get a big head dude! I'm just givin' ya a hard time from the crap I got when I did my wheels. It's all in fun!

The 18" Crosslaces turned out nice and I like to see them on a Thirdgen Bird!
Old 06-23-2010, 09:08 AM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z
It's just a matter a time until he breaks down and gets a set... All the complaining and wishing that these wheels would be made and they are finally here.. He'll get these and tell everyone he paid less to save face.



Originally Posted by Stephen
Wake up......Your dreaming!

Besides....Those are too skinny to go on my car. I wouldn't go down in tire size from my 315s. I'd only go up.

I find it hilarious that I find posts here like yours, that continue to try to poke "insults" at ME. Am I that important to you guys that you just can't resist posting comments about what I'd do with wheels? Give it a rest & go on with your lives. Or do you guys not have one? :roflmao:
Stephen you got to lighten up and stop being so grumpy! Then you can realize when people are just poking fun with ya
Old 08-29-2010, 01:04 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by Stephen
Show me....Show me where you posted or PM'd me saying that you had contacted Boyd & that he was willing to make them. Make me eat my words.....

The closest I ever got to having them made, was "Pay up UP FRONT, for a full set, then we'll start the design work." And they wanted to sell TEN SETS! $16,000 up front, before any deign work was even started beyond "Yes, we can make them.". No....I'm not dropping $16,000 just to pen to paper/pixels on a computer screen. $1600/set isn't that bad. $16,000 just to start is......


Just like in your thread about your wheels when they were made. I made a simple post about the cost or design & people comes down on me because *I* do not like the price. Wow. I don't like it. Big deal. I can't believe so many people put so much of their effort into about my dislike for stuff. Move on people...It's not that important that I don't & have zero effect on you or your life.
I'd lay down $1600 for a set, but I'd like to know the quality is there before shelling out coin. But, $1600 is reasonable (for a quality product)!
Old 08-29-2010, 01:09 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by The Project
Here you go....google is your friend

Only $3444 for a set....what a bargain.

http://www.dragtimes.com/parts/18-GN...504734843.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...4843&viewitem=
I can't see these links, can you repost?

Last edited by wgripp; 08-29-2010 at 02:04 PM.
Old 08-29-2010, 02:03 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by madmax
I may just walk down the street and ask my neighbor what he would charge. I know he does custom wheels, says so on his website. I dont think the cost if 3500 is what he paid is all that far out of line though.
well how much does he charge ? =p
Old 08-29-2010, 05:42 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Originally Posted by wgripp
I'd lay down $1600 for a set, but I'd like to know the quality is there before shelling out coin. But, $1600 is reasonable (for a quality product)!
1600 bux will never buy you a set of 3pc wheels from anybody in anysize.

however, if these wheels could be done it a 2pc (not a really hard thing to do) the price would be muich better. For that matter, if I could get them built to any width/offset i want, i would take a set of 2pc ones.
Old 08-30-2010, 10:17 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

I havent stopped to talk to him, and I forgot anyway so... no idea. I'm sure it would be in line with what Boyd charges, he used to run the place.
Old 02-20-2012, 03:30 PM
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Re: The right way to do 18 inch GTA wheels

Tony89, what back spacing did you use for your wheels?
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