Alloy Wheels

Just a heads up for those of you still looking.

There's quite a few sets of Volvo T5 wheels on e-bay at the mo. Also the 17" and 18" wheels from newer cars.

Also a set of four T5's with useable rubber for £100 in the North East - collection only

Beachcomber

Alloy wheels again -

I bought an 850 T5 estate to replace my 960, and fitted the T5 wheels onto my XM. Looked a million dollars. Regrettably the camera batteries were flat so no record and the T5 is now at my place in Germany. However. I'm quite pleased with my 5 spoke TSW's, especially now I've had them powder coated Ferrari Gold.

SO - T5 wheels definitely fit an XM and IMHO look the canines cajones - especially in Gold.

Beachcomber

I should have a set of wobbly webs coming soon, so I want to offload the 5 spoke TSWs that are currently on the S2. Can't decide whether the webs suit the S1 better, of it I should keep it with its weird ones with the hubcap in the middle...

And when you add the Volvo ones to the mix, its all very confusing!

Ciarán

At the risk of being controversial ---- but hey --- I don't care !!

If the strange ones with the hub cap are steel, it answers itself. No flaking lacquer. No chips out if you hit something. No instantly visible brake dust. No holding your breath at the tyre fitters. No corrosion growing onto the hub. --- I could go on. Ally wheels ---- I'd bin the lot of them --- waste of space.

Rant over !

MIke.

Keep it original! Those early alloys are a beauty when clean.
G

Ciaran,

I do a lot of continental driving at high speeds [ for an XM ].

With the stock wobbly web wheels I got through a set of front pads a year, with the TSW 5 spokes - 2 years and not yet 1/2 worn. NO QUESTION the brakes have an easier life with the TSW's - better cooling I suspect.

As far as looks , aesthetics, steel, whatever - it's ALL a matter of personal preference.

The T5's DID look good [ IMHO ], especially in Ferrari Gold stove enamel finish.

The main point I ORIGINALLY tried to raise was - that a wheel might look quite mundane on the original car - but put it on a different car and it well - looks different, if you know what I mean.

The Centaurs look quite boring on a Volvo, but on an XM come to life. T5's another good example. Ditto the five spoke Renault wheels AND I STILL LIKE THE BIG HOLE ALFA TELEDIALS - SO THERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whatever your poison, just remember to keep the wheels chassis side down,

Beachcomber

Hmmmm, I can well imagine a black XM on golden T5 wheels! Dangerously beautiful this must be!

George

ps. any chance of a photo of yours beachcomber ????
cheers

Hi Jorgy,

I regret to say that I am a complete computer dummy , but if you care to send me a contact e-mail I'll be happy to send them via yourself fo publication.

I've actually got a chance of another set of T5's and I'm sorely tempted!

However, I've just splashed out for a set of WRX wheels and tyres for my Wife's "winter wagon" - a Scooby Legacy estate, so I don't think I dare justify any more wheels at the moment.

Next time I drive out to Saxony in the XM, I'll fit a pair of the Gold T5's from my Volvo on one side of the XM so people can see what they look like.

I think the next change on the XM might be a set of Big teledials [ 5 / 6 Hole ? ] finished in Ferrari Gold !!!

Now then - Gold wheels on a Black XM - seriously sexy!!

Beachcomber

Yes please: george.i.vlachos at gmail dot com (no problem with photo size)

I'll post them on my flickr page then link them overhere.

cheers
G

Here are the photos Beachcomber has sent me. His description follows:

"...I've sent a selection , which are in the main self explanatory.

Note that there are no 'badges' in the centre of the wheels. Just haven't got round to fitting them since the wheels were stove enamelled. Pix with trailer and antique 'shop' were when I delivered the C Type rep last month.

Pic of Purple T5 with the gold wheels is outside our place in Saxony - sorry not very good pic of wheels [! ] but the only one I've got until we go back in Jan. as the Volvo lives there now...."














Thanks Beachcomber! We hope to see your future projects!

cheers
George

Thanx for that jorgy9,

I've just located a set of 5 Hole Alfa Teledials and I am currently negotiationg with the owner.
I'll pass pix on if the deal comes off
beachcomber

careful...

IT is IMPERATIVE to check the pcd is 108 and NOT 98
- the wheels need to come off a 166 and NOT A 156!!

If you do it right, Alfa wheels can fit very well on Citroens though!
These are 156's with a 98pcd:



these seem to be an option Citroen offered when new:




Happy shopping,
Andrew

Nope they're the good old 'alloys but still with hubcaps'... it could only be a Citroen!

Happy New Year

To all past, present and coming Xm users .


If the purpose is comfort, mileage and economy as well
I think the original tire sizes are unbeatable.

The original alloy wheels style "Etoile" suited my taste.

Its a set of the old variant with a lose center trim (tini hub cab).
I have added a photo with an illuminated side view of the alloys after glassblowing and repaint.
To have the picture appear "click" on the link beneath.


Best wishes


Mich@el

This post has been edited by mich@el on December 29, 2007 12:21 am