15" AMC 8 slot wheel option
Printed From: TheAMCForum.com
Category: The Garage
Forum Name: Suspension, Steering, Brakes & Wheels
Forum Description: What makes it stop, turn, and smooths the ride
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=116145
Printed Date: Apr/16/2024 at 3:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 15" AMC 8 slot wheel option
Posted By: DMack
Subject: 15" AMC 8 slot wheel option
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 7:00pm
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Hi All, I've shared this a few times on the Forum, but I've read a few requests looking for a reasonable alternative to the factory 8 slot wheels.... thought I'd share what I did as a possible option.
I couldn't bring myself to purchase a set of original 15" 8 slot wheels when I saw asking prices that I personally felt were extremely high (IMO) for used, rusty, dirty and banged up wheels So I looked around for an alternative and found a wheel at "Wheel Vintiques" that fit the basic need. It's called a "20 series solid/primer wheel" It is available in 15" diameter x 5", 6", 7", 8" 10", 12, & 14" widths. It is a multi pattern/solid face wheel...so what I did was have a a set of masking decals created at a print shop that were exactly the same size as the "slots" in an AMC rally wheel. I painted the (already primed) wheel, matte black. Next I placed the decals on the wheel in the same positions as a factory wheel. I also masked the center of the wheel right up to the edge of the "bowl". Then sprayed Argent Silver paint over the surface of the entire wheel. Then finally removed the masking tape and decals and sprayed a clear satin coat over the entire wheel. The matte black areas give the "illusion" of being holes in the wheel. Add some new trim rings from e-bay and some original volcano caps and you have a complete set of NEW wheels for around $525.00-$575.00 Mine are 15" x 7" and sold for $113.00 each + $79.00 for (4) stainless trim rings and $40.00 for a set of used volcanos You really have to get up close to tell them apart from a real 8 slot. Another real advantage is you can get a 10" wheel (or wider) for the rear, that you can make look like a factory 8 slot. They only thing I wish I had found, was a set of trim rings that were just a little bit deeper. To all the purists...yes I realize its NOT the factory wheel.  ... but for you guys and gals that like the look of the 8 slots, but cant find them or you don't want to spend a ton of money for a set of used, rusty, crusty, banged up wheels.. its a reasonably priced alternative..Cheers my friends! Pictures below and link to Wheel Vintiques https://www.wheelvintiques.com/all-wheels/solid-bare-finish.html      |
Replies:
Posted By: sweatlock
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 7:08pm
| Very nice, look great on your car. |
Posted By: Sonic Silver
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 7:46pm
| Looks really nice. I remember telling you that the other day when I commented on your grill rework. Nice car! |
Posted By: garweb3
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 8:01pm
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I had to look a couple of times to tell those are not slots in your wheels. So what is a too high price for original 15 x 7 wheels. I have a set in my attic. Not perfect but not beat up just could use a new coat of paint. Just curious not sure what I'm going to do with them yet. ------------- 1974 Javelin AMX 1980 Spirit AMX 1987 Jeep Comanche Sportruck |
Posted By: ramblinrev
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 8:04pm
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Way cool! Nice work. ------------- 74 Hornet Hatchback X twins (since 1977) 62 American Convertible (still worth the $50 I spent in 1973!) AMCRC #513, AMO #384 70 AMX 360 4-speed (since 1981) |
Posted By: DMack
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 11:24pm
I have seen them sell for as low as $200 and as high as $800. I guess it just depends on what an individual is willing to pay 🤷‍♂️
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garweb3 wrote:Posted By: LakesideRamblin
Date Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 11:33pm
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Those are sweet. Working on my 73 Javelin. Thanks to you I think I will copycat that set. Thanks much! ------------- LakesideRamblin 69 Rambler 360 73 Javelin 360 "If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn't sit for a month." T. Roosevelt |
Posted By: DMack
Date Posted: Jul/08/2022 at 11:47am
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One thing I forgot to mention... The wheel comes with four small dimples that are there to hold on a smoothie hub cap (if you so desire). I removed these with a die grinder and then smoothed them out with a sanding disc. Pic below.  |
Posted By: Gench
Date Posted: Jul/08/2022 at 12:30pm
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Great idea and great looking car, love that blue. I bought a basic chrome wheel from summit for my spare tire, when it came I was thinking of getting two more for some Mickey Thompson’s. Now I’m thinking I’ll do two like this so they still match the fronts but have a 10” rim and traction tires.
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Posted By: klvn8r
Date Posted: Jul/08/2022 at 5:54pm
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Very impressive!!! Well done! On a side note.....the cost of 15" wheels. I follow this topic, and sold a set last year. I've owned about 5 sets over my 30+ years and sold one set to a friend, for "cheap" about 7 years back...$300, and they were very nice. He sold them shortly after, and made a tidy profit....I wasn't impressed. The ones I sold last year......a member was looking for a set, I said I had one, with a few fair trim rings and several good center caps. HE OFFERED up $1000, site unseen, for my wheels. I was surprised....I got them out of storage, washed and photographed, and confirmed the deal. Last I heard, he was ecstatic. Not bent, not rusty, but obviously not perfect either. I believe that sometimes, the market sets itself. If you have a nearly finished/restored really nice 71-4 car and "all you're missing..." is a set of wheels (grille, tach, spoiler, shifter, etc) I just cannot fully comprehend trying to save $200, $400, or $600, when you're "that close to done." I don't know.....I started typing this, just to give some info for "going prices".....at least what I know of.....not trying to start a war. klvn8r
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Posted By: DMack
Date Posted: Jul/08/2022 at 7:06pm
I totally agree...the reason I came up with these is because at that moment I was looking for them, I couldn't find a set that was in good enough shape & 15" for what I was willing to pay for set of steel wheels ($500.00) Being the good Scot I am, I tried to figure out a "less expensive" alternative. I even looked at taking these wheels and getting the holes water jetted to make the almost indiscernible from a factory 8 slot. $14.00 per hole x 32 holes added another $448.00 Just couldn't afford it at the time. This was strictly about supply and cost at the time.
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Posted By: amxron
Date Posted: Jul/08/2022 at 10:24pm
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The trim rings from a corvette 15x8 might just work. Ron. ------------- AMXron Fleet/Jeep Mgr. Orbit AMC/Jeep 50-1787 |
Posted By: hassyfoto
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 7:58am
Wheels look good!!! VERY NICE alternative. ------------- Murphy's Law: Any given mechanical job you decide to solve alone will imminently require a third hand, at its most critical moment |
Posted By: DMack
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 12:06pm
Thanks Ron, That's a great idea! I'll look into that and report back!
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Posted By: Gench
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 1:02pm
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I purchased my 15” rally’s for $850 and they needed trim rings, a few center caps and new red decals… I’ll have $1,200 into them? These are the trim rings I purchased from Jegs, it was recommended on Eddy Stakes website and they fit perfect. Not sure how your rim contours compare but here is the deeper 15x8 trim ring. https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/681282/10002/-1" rel="nofollow - https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/681282/10002/-1
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Posted By: Fluffy73
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 7:38pm
Those look really well done. The only problem I can see arising is that if this alternative becomes popular; the masses will probably start telling *the community* that THESE are the correct wheels and those of us who have original 8-slot Rallyes will be chastised as having incorrect or weird reproduction wheels.  ------------- I am genetically incapable of being Politically Correct. |
Posted By: WesternRed
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 8:08pm
That's a neat idea, I just got some 14" slot wheels and had them re-rimmed to 15 x 8, I have a couple of factory 15 x 7 to use up front: ------------- I've finally given up drinking for good...........now I only drink for evil. |
Posted By: sweatlock
Date Posted: Jul/09/2022 at 9:04pm
I don’t see that as a concern. The reason why people are considering going this route is because the people selling original wheels want unrealistic amounts of money for them. It may even bring the price down on original wheels since there will be less demand for them. Now if only there was an alternative to machine wheels, those are truly crazy $$$.
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Posted By: hacksaw1971
Date Posted: Mar/30/2023 at 10:57am
------------- its the little things that make the biggest difference |
Posted By: AMXRWB
Date Posted: Mar/31/2023 at 4:51am
| Nice work on the wheels.I would never pay the high prices on the 15 slot wheels.I would buy a set of vintage real TRU=Spoke wire wheels long before i paid that kind of money for a stock factory wheel.When i go to local car events not one person has ever looked if i have a 14 or 15 wheel on my car. |
Posted By: hacksaw1971
Date Posted: Mar/31/2023 at 8:19am
well i can see it if someone is doing a 100% resto. some think i paid way to much for some of the stuff for my S/C. but its what i wanted and there ain't alot of S/C only stuff out there. that being said. no way i can justify paying that to just put slicks on them. im sure someone will. market sets the price. my thinking there to much don't matter to a man that has to have them. il use my 15X8 dodge cop car wheels for now. (you won't beleave what i been offered for them)... still like to have them tho. got a AMC up here that has been waiting its turn... lol ------------- its the little things that make the biggest difference |
Posted By: sweatlock
Date Posted: Mar/31/2023 at 10:49am
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Eventually the wheels will be worth more than the car. Better put some locking lug nuts on them, or you’ll find your car up on cinder blocks one day.
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Posted By: DMack
Date Posted: Mar/31/2023 at 11:30am
Ha! Isn't that the truth! I've never thought about that...who's going to check?
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