1989rocg92

Looking for some wheel ideas/suggestions, but also a project update if anyone wants to check it out (see original pics posted in "Anyone with CC1/T-tops with 5 speed TPI N10?? "). The god awful paint/body process is finally done, but I am kind of hot and cold on the wheels. I wanted to keep a very stock/clean look, but (no offense to the purists) I never really liked the stock Formula wheels. So I found a decent set of wheels off of a 1997 Bird, polished them up and got some nice Pontiac center caps to replace the "ABS" caps. Overall, I think they look ok..but been debating on Firehawk wheels or even the black GTA cross-lace wheels as alternatives. Local friends who have seen the car either really like the wheels, or immediately ask when I will be upgrading them. Not looking for anything over-the-top, want to stay 16 inch (but am loosely considering 17 inch) and in the Pontiac parts bin. I was so close to pulling the trigger on the GTA wheels recently, but figured I would ask for some suggestions/opinions here first. I included some project/wheel pics..yes, I know everything is not correct for a 1990 Formula (i.e. 91-92 spoiler, Trans Am tails, front plate holder, Silver decals on white, etc..) but I built it the way I wanted it.

Manic Z

iTrader: (1)

Can't beat 17" Ronals/Firehawks on a Formula.

LAFireboyd

iTrader: (3)

Choosing wheels is one of the most personal purchases people will ever make for their cars, so it's not something anybody can help with. I spent a couple of years looking at thousands of wheels online before choosing mine. And then you'll come up with several finalists that will require another lengthy elimination process. But if the Ronals are one of your preferences, then your timing couldn't be better, because there's a new thread right next to yours right now showing a nice set of real Ronal R15 wheels, not reproductions.
GENUINE RONAL R15 WHEELS - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

1989rocg92

Agreed..those R15 wheels look great on a Firebird..just have to consider my budget at this point. Even though I saved a ton doing everything myself (aside from alignment and wheel/tire mount and balance), I am still recovering a bit. Not to say I won't do the R15's at some point, or if I find a deal somewhere..but at a $2700 starting point in that thread, a little too rich for me. These General tires are barely broken in, so I guess I will wear these out first..The GTA wheels I was going to score on jegs were just a tad over 800 with a coupon, including shipping...and I could re-use my tires. So that particular R15 consideration would be a stretch for me (but they would look soooo nice!!). I know other outlets have the R15 replicas as well...but just going to take some time to decide I guess.

jerry_autofj

That bodywork looks top notch and I really dig your style, props to you… I’m the guy with the Ronal wheels, I also have a set of R9s if R15s are a little too much… I would let them go for 700… I think you’re like 1.5hrs from me, so not too bad of a drive, let me know… and including a pic of R15 with the yellow plastic bag in the corner, so you know I got both sets (I know it probably looks suspicious with me being a new member and soliciting a bunch of rare wheels, but I definitely prefer local pick up and can provide more pics/ time stamp if requested)

1989rocg92

Thanks for the comments on my work. Took over 3 years, a lot of late nights, busted knuckles, balancing a busy work schedule...I am sure a lot of folks on here can relate..between the engine/mechanical, interior, body/paint...everything seemed like a fight, probably because I am getting too old, lol!! Back in 2012 when I did my first paint job..I said I would never do it again, but here I am. I am just glad it's over. I really enjoy these cars though (got my first F in 1995, a 1986 Iroc), and this one is a blast to drive. While those wheels are nice...IMO those R15's are just hands-down the nicer/more fitting wheel. I appreciate you showing me what you got, but going to hold out for either the R15 type or possibly GTA type. I am also looking at some OEM-like aftermarket options. I am coming up on my busy work season soon, so if I can extend my budget a bit more and they don't get snagged in the meantime..I may be able to make a legit offer on those R15's.

rt66er

iTrader: (2)

FWIW, here's my 1990 Formula with the GTA wheels refinished to match the silver two-tone...

ughmas

For your car I would say the black GTA hands down, goes so well with the white. Or Ronals if you like them, I am also partial to the black weld s7's if you want something more modern

ughmas

Cool Combo! I have never seen anyone do silver GTA wheels. My formula is the same paint scheme and this gives me some ideas :-)

1989rocg92

Rt66er..that is one hell of a nice ride you got there!! No doubt makes a very strong case for the GTA wheels..I knew they existed, but I don't see too many with the silver finish. Perfect fit for your paint scheme. Ughmas, agree on black variation would look best for a white car. Well..when I do finally pull the trigger at some point, I will post a few pics here with the new wheels. Whichever ones they may be. Thanks for the input here!!

rt66er

iTrader: (2)

Thanks. As far as the black GTA wheels on white, here's a shot of my 87 Formula after it lost a fight with a Chrysler New Yorker (May, 1991). And, yeah, it was my fault.

1989rocg92

Poor Bird! But the wheels do look great on there. Those older Chryslers seem to have a BIG advantage in crash situations..reminds me of my first vehicle (Unfortunately was a 1987 VW Fox, 4 speed)...I lost to a 1978 Cordoba in an intersection (the lady fell asleep at the wheel in that tank, ran red light) and wiped out my front end completely. If I had entered the intersection a second or two earlier..I would have been wiped out!! Got lucky there. I am starting to lean towards the GTA wheels...my wallet likes the idea too, even though the R15's are really nice as well. Just a question concerning spacing on the GTA wheels. OER lists the offset as 0mm and 16mm (for rear). At these specs, will I require any additional spacing, or just bolt on? I recall my 1986 Iroc with the offset wheels using somewhat thin spacers on either the front or back? Don't remember exactly..going back a long way there. I know my 1988 and 1989 Irocs didn't have any. Right now I am using 2 inch spacers with the 4th Gen wheels, which I am sure will have to come off.

1989rocg92

Wheel update. Went with the 16x8 GTA wheels about a week ago. I really like the way they look. Much better than those 4th Gen bird wheels I had on there. I feel that the black just balances things out better. I'm happy

Firechicken82

Those look much better. They look really good, awesome choice. The paint looks awesome also. The car looks really clean.