Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

When my dad bought this car, it came with 3 of what he was told were original rims that came with the car. This is that rim:


First Question: Is this a stock rim, or a common rim on datsuns? I've seen them before in few pics. I even saw them for sale on website, but can't find that site again.

Second Question: Does anybody know the model of this rim, and where I could purchase 2 more of these if possible.

If nobody know off hand, I'll go see if there is some info on the rims that might help.

Those were not stock on a roadster. I have seen those rims on many a Z car. I have no idea who manfactured them but they are no longer available. Your best bet is to keep an eye on Ebay. Good luck.

Steve

They definately were not "stock", but I have been told that they were a "dealer option". Does anyone have any proof of that? Hmmm...TR

Darkbane,

Travis is right about the dealer option part, they were a wheel that was popular back then for the dealer's to install to dress a car up on the sale's lot. These wheels on to a lot of 240z's, I know this because my brother had a 240z with them on it . They are suppose to have chrome center caps with an A on them, they were made by a company called Appliance. I am not sure of the spelling. My Dad also bought a set of these in the late '70's for a truck I still own in a 5 lug style. I would look for a set off a 240z. They were 14x6 in size if I remember right. I hope this helps.


Crazy Backyard Builder

You can also look here too.

http://www.zparts.com/ads/wheels/wheels_fs.html

Just make sure they are 4 on 4.5 inch lug pattern. That's 4 lugs spaced 4.5 inches apart.

I had these on my 75 280z, I think the brand name was "Western"... but, I've have had a lot of gray matter flow under the bridge since then.

I think they might be called Apliance Radiator wheels. I could be wrong. Send a picture to AKH wheels, they will know who made them.

Will

Hey Thanx, Minh

They did have the wheel I was looking for, $55, not bad I guess.

Now my next question. The other three wheels that I have aren't in bad condition, but need cleaned up.
I cleaned one up, but still doesn't look that good, here's an example of one:
http://www.cgartistix.com/pictures/dats ... _large.jpg

They kind of have some sort of spots on them, like oxidation or something (I'm not sure). Is there something I can use to clean these wheels to look, hopefully as good as the ONE brand new wheel?

Thanx again Minh

Since they are not clearcoated wheels, you can get aggressive with them. In the past, I had good luck using Brillo pads followed by Mag Wheel polish. If you have really bad scuffs and scars, you can ease them with sandpaper first. If you scrub them well with Brillo pads and then buff them with a buffer, they will shine almost like chrome. The mag polish will also serve to protect them.

If you have access, you can bead blast them to get the rough oxidation off first. Some of the acid wheel cleaners will work well also.

A more expensive option is to send them out to be cleaned up. I am on too tight of a budget to afford that, so I cannot give you an idea of price.

I was told i have dealer rims too, but I do not see them on any datsun photos. I found the original owner who sent me a photo of him in the car back in 1968, with the same wheels. Therefore, I know they are as old as that, but do not know if they were for the roadster. Does anyone else have these.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/823 ... 9589DWOvUC

JohnnyRoadster
SPL311-13956

I believe that those are called Trans Am wheels. And to answer your question, yes, they could be bought from the dealers back then. There are a few different versions. Dealerships often carry aftermarket wheels to install on cars - even today.

Those are pretty sought after wheels btw. I have had a lot of folks ask me if I have any of those...

This is kinda cool. I think that is the same wheel I have on my 70. I wonder now if they were installed way back in the day.....hmmmm

Scott