Wheel colors?
- Thread starter FordNut
- Start date
V
Vince Gortner
Guest
Cool! (my favorite adjective)
Yes. Different wheels if for no other reason than to be different. It's the only thing that separates us from the mini-van driving masses.
I'm confident that many of us bought a MM just to be a little different. Sure, I know that our cars are relatively unique in the automotive world just by virtue of the fact that there aren't too many rolling out of the dealerships, but I want the cognocenti of the cool car world to look at my MM and say, "That's a cool car, and I recognize that you've done some tasteful modifications to suit your own preferences. I like what you've done with that car."
This car is pretty neat bone stock, but a simple change like throwing on a different set of wheels can really make your car stand out without having to resort to gigantic rice-boy wings and curb feelers.
I agree that the stock wheels are sharp. Unfortunately, they are mounted on just about every MM in circulation and they must go.:burnout:
Yes. Different wheels if for no other reason than to be different. It's the only thing that separates us from the mini-van driving masses.
I'm confident that many of us bought a MM just to be a little different. Sure, I know that our cars are relatively unique in the automotive world just by virtue of the fact that there aren't too many rolling out of the dealerships, but I want the cognocenti of the cool car world to look at my MM and say, "That's a cool car, and I recognize that you've done some tasteful modifications to suit your own preferences. I like what you've done with that car."
This car is pretty neat bone stock, but a simple change like throwing on a different set of wheels can really make your car stand out without having to resort to gigantic rice-boy wings and curb feelers.
I agree that the stock wheels are sharp. Unfortunately, they are mounted on just about every MM in circulation and they must go.:burnout:
jgc61sr2002
Contributing Member
I will leave my wheels stock. I think thats the way to go. As stated above there aren't to many MM's out there. I have only seen one other on the road since the were introduced. John
What...All 2,900 of them that have been sold in North America...
Don't get me wrong guys, I understand the want for other wheels (kinda)...And Sarge...those Cragars would be smokin!:beatnik:
But, I'm going to lean towards my stockers...and hopefully my new replacement I'm still working on...
2
2003Marauder
Guest
Let's see 100,000,000 cars or more divided by 4,000 MM that works out to about 0.004%
That is more than 99,996,000 vehicles that don't have the MM wheels.
Odds are you'll see more aftermarket wheels than the MM wheels.
I still have my Stock Tbird SC wheels. Never did see the point of putting Mustang wheels on a ThunderBird or Mustang wheels on a MM.
Now painting, powdercoating, etc. the Stock wheels--that's an idea to consider.
That is more than 99,996,000 vehicles that don't have the MM wheels.
Odds are you'll see more aftermarket wheels than the MM wheels.
I still have my Stock Tbird SC wheels. Never did see the point of putting Mustang wheels on a ThunderBird or Mustang wheels on a MM.
Now painting, powdercoating, etc. the Stock wheels--that's an idea to consider.
B
Billatpro
Guest
Ok so considering the "Rarity" of this car, why would you want to destroy the factroy wheels and possably de value the resale value of the car down the road? No I think I'll put those wheels away and have them safe and sound at resale time.
Just my opinion of course!
Just my opinion of course!
russ in VA
Member
Sarge,
5 on 4.5" is the same as 5 x 114.3 mm
I believe the factory wheels have 50mm positive offset (this is based on the markings on the back side of the wheel corroborated by some rough measurements I took).
Some custom wheel companies may prefer you to specify back spacing instead of offset. A brief explanation:
Backspacing and Offset are two different ways of describing the same thing. Backspacing is the old school way to describe it while offset is the more modern terminology. Backspacing is easier to measure while offset can be more useful.
Backspacing is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to the bolt face (the part of the wheel that touches the car) Some folks measure from the actual back edge of the wheel while others measure from the inside bead seat of the wheel (just to make things confusing). There will be about a 1/2 inch difference in these two measurements so be sure to find out which one they want.
Offset is the distance from the geometric center of the wheel to the bolt face. In our case the bolt face is 50mm closer to the outside of the wheel measured from center.
To calculate the backspacing of our 50mm offset wheels:
Our wheels are 8 inches wide .... this means that the bead seat is 8" wide, the total width of most wheels is 1" wider than the bead seat so that gives us 9". Therefore the center of the wheel is 4.5" in and then you have to add the 50mm offset to get backspacing. 50mm / 25.4 = 1.97"
1.97+ 4.5 = 6.47" backspacing measuring from the edge of the rim or
1.97 + 4 = 5.97" if measuring from the bead seat. (If you are actually going to order wheels, please measure yours first to verify my calculations!)
Of course, this is for a rim of the same width as stock. If you go with a wider rim you will need different backspacing to keep the tires centered in the factory location. This is where offset becomes a more useful number because you can use the same offset regardless of wheel width and still have the tire end up in the same position under the car.
Apparently I have too much free time on my hands.
Russ
5 on 4.5" is the same as 5 x 114.3 mm
I believe the factory wheels have 50mm positive offset (this is based on the markings on the back side of the wheel corroborated by some rough measurements I took).
Some custom wheel companies may prefer you to specify back spacing instead of offset. A brief explanation:
Backspacing and Offset are two different ways of describing the same thing. Backspacing is the old school way to describe it while offset is the more modern terminology. Backspacing is easier to measure while offset can be more useful.
Backspacing is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to the bolt face (the part of the wheel that touches the car) Some folks measure from the actual back edge of the wheel while others measure from the inside bead seat of the wheel (just to make things confusing). There will be about a 1/2 inch difference in these two measurements so be sure to find out which one they want.
Offset is the distance from the geometric center of the wheel to the bolt face. In our case the bolt face is 50mm closer to the outside of the wheel measured from center.
To calculate the backspacing of our 50mm offset wheels:
Our wheels are 8 inches wide .... this means that the bead seat is 8" wide, the total width of most wheels is 1" wider than the bead seat so that gives us 9". Therefore the center of the wheel is 4.5" in and then you have to add the 50mm offset to get backspacing. 50mm / 25.4 = 1.97"
1.97+ 4.5 = 6.47" backspacing measuring from the edge of the rim or
1.97 + 4 = 5.97" if measuring from the bead seat. (If you are actually going to order wheels, please measure yours first to verify my calculations!)
Of course, this is for a rim of the same width as stock. If you go with a wider rim you will need different backspacing to keep the tires centered in the factory location. This is where offset becomes a more useful number because you can use the same offset regardless of wheel width and still have the tire end up in the same position under the car.
Apparently I have too much free time on my hands.
Russ
russ in VA
Member
Oh, and Bill, yes the wheels are the same front and rear.
Macon Marauder
Voice of Cold Hard Reason
Directedby said:
At first I thought you guys were crazy. I love the stock wheels on the MM! But now...
Not ready for aftermarket, but I really like the powder coated (or whatever they're called) S55 wheels. Hmmm...
Black Terror
Contributing Member
Everything I have seen
stated that offset was 50mm. Otherwise figures seem correct.
stated that offset was 50mm. Otherwise figures seem correct.
M
Mark McQuaide
Guest
I agree with 2003Marauder, aftermarket wheels have a good chance of being less unique than the stockers.
V
Vince Gortner
Guest
Billatpro said:
Exactly. That's the nice thing about a set of aftermarket wheels. They substantially change the look of the car and make it unique, but it is totally reversible. When you are tired of that change the wheels still have some value to another enthusiast and can be easily re-sold. Your car goes back to stock with the spin of a wrench and you're all done.
I had an SCCA Miata R that was great fun because it was like a big tinkertoy set. If you go on the Miata.net website you will see a huge trade in wheels, hardtops, & exhaust systems that are all bolt on & go. No permanenent damage to the cars, so when it's time to trade in or trade up, you take all your toys off the car and sell your "stock" blank canvas to the next guy, who then adds stuff that he likes.
Thanks to everybody that resisted the urge to flame me... I just like aftermarket wheels.
jgc61sr2002
Contributing Member
After Market Wheels
If you install after market wheels it would be wise to keep the factory wheels. I personally like the factory wheels just the way they are. John
If you install after market wheels it would be wise to keep the factory wheels. I personally like the factory wheels just the way they are. John
Not Aftermarket Wheels..but different
I am doing a slightly different approach to replacing the stock MM wheels..
I just bought a set of 2003 Grand Marquis LS(E) 9 spoke alloy wheels off E-bay. Yes, they are 16 inchers but that is what I wanted.. Since they are 03 GM's there are no fitment issues (offset, etc), they will bolt right on.. The wheels are shown here: http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/vehicles/grandmarquis/ext_colors.asp
Next step is to have them powder coated in either argent, gun metal or black. One of the guys in the local SVT group had his wheels done in black powder coat and they look real good on his black Cobra.. My only concern with black is it may look a little overwhelming. I'll play around in Photoshop and see how it goes..
Then I am adding in a set of new Michelin Pilot A/S' in 225/60 ZR16. The height of this combo is 27 inches which is close enough to stock, -5%, that the computer will compensate without a chip per my dealer.. BTW this 5% drop, on the rears, will effectively give me 3.73's without turning a wrench.
Why did I go this route? My MM is my daily driver over under maintained county roads. The lack of a decent sidewall height in the stock setup contributes to a jarring ride. By doing a Negative 2, 18 to 16 inches, as discussed in the snow tire threads, I get a decent sidewall height. That sidewall height will help smooth out the ride. Plus the Pilots are much better tires than the stockers.. Tread Wear 400 AA ratings...Plus I can really rotate them for better wear..
Total cost for this conversion will be around $600 for wheels, including powder coating, and $600 for the Pilots... so for around $1200 I get to be "unique" and should improve the ride...
Meanwhile the stockers will go in to the basement. If I want to change back it's a quick changeover. Plus I can always sell the alloys on CVN on BON..
I am doing a slightly different approach to replacing the stock MM wheels..
I just bought a set of 2003 Grand Marquis LS(E) 9 spoke alloy wheels off E-bay. Yes, they are 16 inchers but that is what I wanted.. Since they are 03 GM's there are no fitment issues (offset, etc), they will bolt right on.. The wheels are shown here: http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/vehicles/grandmarquis/ext_colors.asp
Next step is to have them powder coated in either argent, gun metal or black. One of the guys in the local SVT group had his wheels done in black powder coat and they look real good on his black Cobra.. My only concern with black is it may look a little overwhelming. I'll play around in Photoshop and see how it goes..
Then I am adding in a set of new Michelin Pilot A/S' in 225/60 ZR16. The height of this combo is 27 inches which is close enough to stock, -5%, that the computer will compensate without a chip per my dealer.. BTW this 5% drop, on the rears, will effectively give me 3.73's without turning a wrench.
Why did I go this route? My MM is my daily driver over under maintained county roads. The lack of a decent sidewall height in the stock setup contributes to a jarring ride. By doing a Negative 2, 18 to 16 inches, as discussed in the snow tire threads, I get a decent sidewall height. That sidewall height will help smooth out the ride. Plus the Pilots are much better tires than the stockers.. Tread Wear 400 AA ratings...Plus I can really rotate them for better wear..
Total cost for this conversion will be around $600 for wheels, including powder coating, and $600 for the Pilots... so for around $1200 I get to be "unique" and should improve the ride...
Meanwhile the stockers will go in to the basement. If I want to change back it's a quick changeover. Plus I can always sell the alloys on CVN on BON..
RC,
That is what I like about E-bay... Even with shipping it's still less than $75.00 a wheel... Now finding some center caps for them is the next trick...According to my Parts Mgr the size changed slightly for 03, part of the wheels redesign due to offset, and the 02 and earlier ones may not fit. We are going to do a test fit of older ones when the wheels arrive to find out for sure though.. New ones are about $40.00 each at the dealer so that's not to big of deal..
If I want to really confuse folks I could leave them stock and look like a GM LS(E) from the side profile.. Then instead of being a CV or GM impersonating a MM I'll impersonate a GM..?
:shake:
That is what I like about E-bay...
Even with shipping it's still less than $75.00 a wheel... Now finding some center caps for them is the next trick...According to my Parts Mgr the size changed slightly for 03, part of the wheels redesign due to offset, and the 02 and earlier ones may not fit. We are going to do a test fit of older ones when the wheels arrive to find out for sure though.. New ones are about $40.00 each at the dealer so that's not to big of deal..If I want to really confuse folks I could leave them stock and look like a GM LS(E) from the side profile..
Then instead of being a CV or GM impersonating a MM I'll impersonate a GM..? :shake:
B
Billatpro
Guest
03Merc..
Are you sure the GM wheels and the MM wheels have the same offset in the rear? Does the GM have out board mounted shocks in the rear like the MM?
Last is the offset on the MM wheel the same in the front as in the rear? For some reason I thought they were not.
Are you sure the GM wheels and the MM wheels have the same offset in the rear? Does the GM have out board mounted shocks in the rear like the MM?
Last is the offset on the MM wheel the same in the front as in the rear? For some reason I thought they were not.
Bill,
The offset is the same front and rear on our wheels. If our tires were the same size we could rotate front to rear..
I have been told the suspension will clear fine.. That being said I am going to test fit the wheels to confirm before proceeding or spending any additional $! Since the wheels and tires are not as wide that will help as well on clearances..
The offset is the same front and rear on our wheels. If our tires were the same size we could rotate front to rear..
I have been told the suspension will clear fine.. That being said I am going to test fit the wheels to confirm before proceeding or spending any additional $! Since the wheels and tires are not as wide that will help as well on clearances..