1969 Nova - wheel survey. Opinions wanted!

[69LT1Nova]

Well, long story short, I've been rolling around on some ghetto azz IROC 18's that I found on Craigslist for $200. I'm finally getting sick and tired of the curb rash... and the rear tires losing air after a couple of days... (I HATE THIS) combination of cheap chrome flaking, and some poorly done repairs.

The car as it sits now:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/PICT0707-1.jpg

There are several wheel options I like. One thing that I'm hooked on now is 18" wheels... damn, they look nice. I could see myself going to a 17" on the front and an 18" on the rear if I HAD to.

The new Rocket Racing wheels have caught my eye (and they are easy on the wallet). My personal #1 choice, Rocket Racing Booster Gray with polished lip:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/BoosterGray-1.jpg

Booster Silver (no polished lip):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/BoosterSilver-1.jpg

I was originally going to go with Foose Nitrous II's... still an option:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/FooseNitrousII-1.jpg

Vintage Wheel Works may be coming out with 18's on their V45s very soon. Here is the car with 17's to get an idea:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/VintageWheelWorksV45-1.jpg

And... if I'm crazy enough to send my credit card straight to the 7th layer of hell in one swipe... Bonspeed Clutch :yum::
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/BonspeedClutch-1.jpg

Let me know what you're thinking.

[smooth68]

Really like the old school look of the rockets in the first pic alot, but if going for the more modern look the last pic (Budnik Ice??) looks pretty nice too!!!
Powder coat the center on the last pic to see what it looks like???

[Fast1]

Go with the bonspeed's, wheels make or break a car! Sure the retro wheels look cool but I have seen thousands of cars with that style. They start looking like belly buttons.

Sorry to rant....just tired of all the American 5 spoke looking wheels

[69LT1Nova]

Go with the bonspeed's, wheels make or break a car! Sure the retro wheels look cool but I have seen thousands of cars with that style. They start looking like belly buttons.

Sorry to rant....just tired of all the American 5 spoke looking wheels

Just be thankful I didn't post a pic with Torq Thrust II's. :wtlw:

More info on the car: 70K original mile grandma car, now with a mild LT1/4L60E combo. Street driven. Full Hotchkis TVS suspension, Speed Tech control arms. The car is meant to be a backroad carver, and a ricer killer. :smoke:

[DriverzInc]

Your car is classic, and if you are not going to change the exterior much more then wheels, I would say go Vintage Wheel Works 17".

[buickfunnycar.com]

Your car is classic, and if you are not going to change the exterior much more then wheels, I would say go Vintage Wheel Works 17".

And I would agree...excellent made quality wheel with a retro-classic look.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[69LT1Nova]

Your car is classic, and if you are not going to change the exterior much more then wheels, I would say go Vintage Wheel Works 17".

Any news on VWW coming out with 18's? I know they posted on their main webpage that they were considering it. Oh, and thank God they have some backspacing options. Novas are so picky about fitting huge rubber in stock rear wheel wells.

And yes, you hit the nail straight on the head. The outside/inside of the car is going to remain bone stock (except for Recaro bucket seats, and a stereo system). The car is in awesome shape, and was sitting in a barn for the last 20 years.

[69LT1Nova]

And I would agree...excellent made quality wheel with a retro-classic look.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Are those V40s or V45s on your Camaro? Looks like the 40s to me. Thanks!

[buickfunnycar.com]

V-40 straight-spokes.
I hear from Eli that the 18" line is almost into production...contact Jon @ [email protected] to get the inside word.

[PRRC]

If you decide on the Rocket Racing Wheels or the Vintage Wheel Works we can help you in either case. I think someone mentioned a Budnik wheel. They would also look great on your car.We carry several different wheel lines to choose from. Here's the list of the wheel lines we can help you out with
Rocket Racing Wheels
Vintage Wheel Works. ( No defnite word on the 18s yet)
Budnik
Bonspeed
Rushforth
Boze
DPE
Foose
Schott
All great wheels
Thanks Tim

[69LT1Nova]

Sounds like I'm going to hold out and wait for the VWW 18's. Hopefully I can get them with a 5" BS for the rear... :)

[buickfunnycar.com]

Sounds like I'm going to hold out and wait for the VWW 18's. Hopefully I can get them with a 5" BS for the rear... :)

They'll build them anyway you want 'em...hopefully the 18" line will be out soon.

[1969CamaroRS]

Since you seem to like the 5 spoke wheels have you considered the Rushforth super spokes:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
http://www.rushforthwheels.com/view/Super%20Spoke

[69LT1Nova]

Rushforth = holy mother of God $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I make a good living, but I'm not the czar of Russia.

Plus, I'm not a fan of exposed hardware. Just my personal taste.

[rockytopper]

Personally I like the ghetto azz IROC 18's except the cheap chrome. I'd take them off your hands except the BS want work on my cutlass. I'm running oem 16" iroc wheels and I have to put the rears on the front to clear the fender.

Have you considered the Boss 338 as discussed in this thread? https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48844
I think I'll go with them if I ever upgrade to 18" if I can make there limited BS work up front.

[JayR]

Rushforth = holy mother of God $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I make a good living, but I'm not the czar of Russia.

Plus, I'm not a fan of exposed hardware. Just my personal taste.

Dude, They are competetively priced with similar 2 piece billet wheels like the Bonspeeds and we've put them on cars for a lot of budget minded guys who know you get what you pay for and like knowing their wheels will be done and on their doorstep in 4 weeks. And the exposed hardware is completely optional. A set of 18s is only $2380. Not cheap because it's a high quality product but far from rich man's territory.

Clean, simple 5 spoke with nice details and no hardware just for you
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/Fuelpic2-1.jpg

[69LT1Nova]

Personally I like the ghetto azz IROC 18's except the cheap chrome. I'd take them off your hands except the BS want work on my cutlass. I'm running oem 16" iroc wheels and I have to put the rears on the front to clear the fender.

Have you considered the Boss 338 as discussed in this thread? https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48844
I think I'll go with them if I ever upgrade to 18" if I can make there limited BS work up front.

Yes, I looked long and hard at the Boss 338's. Love them... (and you can see that I chipped in on that thread you posted) but I absolutely must have 5" worth of BS on a 8" wide rim to fit the rear on my Nova (I might be able to work with 4.75"). The Boss wheels come in 4.517" BS, which might work if I was running drum brakes on the rear, but I have SSBC disc brakes going on the rear, and that bumps things out by .125". Boss told me that they do not do custom BS. Too bad, they are at an awesome price point.

Those re-pop IROC 18's have 4.5" BS on all 4 corners, and with the stock drums they rub when the rear articulates. I've heard of other Nova owners getting away with 4.5" BS on the rear, but that was with stock suspension. I think with my Hotchkis multi-leaf springs with a 1.5" drop has killed that option.

Jay-R: I like the look of those Rushforths, but still homie... I paid $3K for my entire car (as found in a barn) to begin with. Something is wrong if your rims are almost worth more than your ride. So perhaps I shouldn't have tempted fate by posting an image of the Bonspeed Clutch rims. :wasntme: Now if you have those rims that you can let go *wink, wink* at a special price for advertising purposes *wink, wink* I would be more than glad to sport them on my ride. I'm a fan of the Rushforth quality, and yes that quality comes at a price.

I think $350-400 per rim is my absolute maximum price for wheels. I.E. - I'd like to budget $1500 or less for wheels, and that includes getting them to my doorstep. Times are tough, and I need to be smart about my money. That... and my wife would kill me... LOL!

[1969CamaroRS]

They do group buys or show sales from time to time, get anywhere from 10% to I think I have seen 20% off. If you like them and can wait, there are deals to be found.

If you can do what I did, look at as many wheels in person as you can. Then go look at the Rushforths, they were by far the best quality, hard to see that in pictures.

[PRRC]

I think $350-400 per rim is my absolute maximum price for wheels. I.E. - I'd like to budget $1500 or less for wheels, and that includes getting them to my doorstep. Times are tough, and I need to be smart about my money. That... and my wife would kill me... LOL!

How about a set of Rocket Racing Boost wheels. With a grey or hyper silver center, an 18x7 with a 4.50 B/S and an 18x8 with 4.75 B/S, your looking at 1190.00 shipped to your door.

[rockytopper]

I think $350-400 per rim is my absolute maximum price for wheels. I.E. - I'd like to budget $1500 or less for wheels, and that includes getting them to my doorstep. Times are tough, and I need to be smart about my money. That... and my wife would kill me... LOL!

How about a set of Rocket Racing Boost wheels. With a grey or hyper silver center, an 18x7 with a 4.50 B/S and an 18x8 with 4.75 B/S, your looking at 1190.00 shipped to your door.


Are they available in a 18 x 8 with 5.5 BS and zero offset or equavilant?

[69LT1Nova]

They do group buys or show sales from time to time, get anywhere from 10% to I think I have seen 20% off. If you like them and can wait, there are deals to be found.

If you can do what I did, look at as many wheels in person as you can. Then go look at the Rushforths, they were by far the best quality, hard to see that in pictures.

Now THIS is some good advice! :cheers:

PRRC - Hmmm... tempting on the Rocket Racing wheels. This weekend I'm going to have to take a wheel off, mount the disc rotor and measure it out. 4.75" might just barely work... good thing I have a Wheel Rite. Nothing sucks worse than to buy wheels that don't fit. :ripped:

[69LT1Nova]

Are they available in a 18 x 8 with 5.5 BS and zero offset or equavilant?

Nope. Pretty limited on the BS. Check out the tech spec page for what they offer: http://www.bossmotorsports.com/wheels_detail_specs.cfm?id=408

[rockytopper]

I was refering to the rocket racing wheels, I new the boss did not carry this size.

[PRRC]

Sorry, the 18x8 only come with 4.75 B/S
Are they available in a 18 x 8 with 5.5 BS and zero offset or equavilant?

[69LT1Nova]

I was refering to the rocket racing wheels, I new the boss did not carry this size.

Doh! My bad.

Again, nope. Pretty limited. Here is a list of sizing: http://www.rocketracingwheels.com/products/vintage-wheels/booster-gray.html

I've been doing just a little research... :throw:

[PRRC]

If you decide on a set of Billet Wheels we can give you a great deal on a set. Not much over your budget. or we do offer a Layaway plan that might interest you.
Tim

[buickfunnycar.com]

Doh! My bad.

Again, nope. Pretty limited. Here is a list of sizing: http://www.rocketracingwheels.com/products/vintage-wheels/booster-gray.html

I've been doing just a little research... :throw:

You'll find that most inexpensive 1-pc wheels will have very limited b/spacing availability...more of a one size fits all approach to fitment whereas a more expensive wheel can be built to your specifications.

[69LT1Nova]

You'll find that most inexpensive 1-pc wheels will have very limited b/spacing availability...more of a one size fits all approach to fitment whereas a more expensive wheel can be built to your specifications.

Yep, you're right. This makes the VWW V45s very attractive - they offer some BS options.

Isn't this fun?!? :) Gotta love cars.

[rockytopper]

You'll find that most inexpensive 1-pc wheels will have very limited b/spacing availability...more of a one size fits all approach to fitment whereas a more expensive wheel can be built to your specifications.

Well it looks like I be stuck with my Getto blasters for a while then.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/cap2-1.jpg


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/02/cap1-1.jpg

[brans72]

The Rushforth Wheel Line you can delete the hardware you do not like when you place a order with Jon @ Driverz Inc. Trust me you want something to make you drool,proud and stand out Rushforths, not to mention you design color you want both face and lip!!!!

[Boesch]

Take a look at our endless series. These wheels are for the guys with a budget in mind. 17's are $1195 and 18's are $1495. The wheels are made custom just like all of our other wheels so you can get the backspacing that you need. We can do 8 and 9.5 widths.

http://www.introwheels.com/endless_1.shtml

Let me know if you have any questions.

Here's a picture of a car running the Intro Classics

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Dustin

[WILWAXU]

Camaro SS wheels (ZR1)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/21942198983-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=198983)

[NvrDun71]

Can't go wrong w/ the VWW's from PRRC or DriverzInc. IMO. Both are Great company's to deal w/ and the VWW stuff is a top notch wheel for the money. I just picked up a set of V40's for my 71'....

[buickfunnycar.com]

can go wrong w/ the vww's from prrc or driverzinc. Imo. Both are great company's to deal w/ and the vww stuff is a top notch wheel for the money. I just picked up a set of v40's for my 71'....

x2...

[77thor]

I vote for the VWW V45's in 17in.....

[carguy502]

:naughty:I vote for VWW V60 in 17". Go for the Trans am car that never was.

[69LT1Nova]

Camaro SS wheels (ZR1)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/11/21942198983-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=198983)

That would be awesome- if it weren't for wheel adapters being needed to fit them on due to the giganto stock Camaro BS. Something about adapters that gives me the willies. Maybe it's just me...