GTV6 Wheels / Production Run?

[karynroberts]

Hi Folks - well it's a done deal - I bought my 1986 Alfa Romeo GTV6 here in Austin, Texas; at Italian Motor Service getting various things done and I should pick it up in early Feb... I'm a happy girl!

My question to the board is this -

Does anyone have pictures, historic or otherwise, of the Wheels used on the GTV6 during its production run?

I've looked at a TON of pictures of Rims/Wheels and really am just trying to decide on a set for my car. It comes with what I assume are the 'standard' wheels but I'm leaning towards the SZ18s - just beautiful rims but very expensive - so I guess I'd like to see what whells came with and/or were offered for the GTV6 and locate merchants that may have them for sale.

Thanks for any help in advance!

Cheers,
Karyn

[HeavyMetalAlfa]

Hello Kayrn and welcome to the Alfa BB !!

The first 2 pics are the stock wheels that came on production GTV6's. The first is called the "wineglass" wheel, the second came in silver or dark grey centers. I have included 2 pics of aftermarket wheels, first one I don't know the name of, second one is from Charlie DeMarco of Serpent Autosport, a great company. Not pictured are the dread 'Metric' wheel, a good one to stay away from.
Enjoy your 86, they are amazing cars that will give you much pleasure.
Glennco
HMA

[ToonRboy]

Hi Karyn,

How about some pics of your '86? I'm guessing it came with the 15"x6" "wineglass" speedlines (standard on the Milano Platinum & early Verde)? Most of the early GTV6's came with the Campagnolo's in silver, and '84 in the charcoal. I believe '85 had the Metric Speedlines - which, to me are the best looking, but since metric (365mm) almost impossible to find tires for.
Michelin TRX tires & wheel (GTV6)

If you go back in history a little bit to the Alfetta GT, a common wheel upgrade was the Ronal A1, which really fits the look of our cars (NLA - and rarer than Bigfoot droppings). The Milano's had an optional aftermarket OZ rim which looked much like the SZ18 (in 15"). You can try getting your hands on a set of 164 QV rims mentioned in this thread. Wiring and other stuff With the exchange rate as it is, I would perish the thought of SZ18's - kinda like buying Stebro exhausts right now - no deal!

Keep in mind, you can probably get any 16" rim in 5x100 up to about 25mm ET to fit with wobble bolts and a hub-centric ring (make sure rim has at least 58.6 centerbore) as in here. What Kinda Wheels Does Your Alfa Have? Post#650.
Or
Take a look at these offerings (obviously, Compomotive, IAP, Centerline, and Team Dynamics carry wheels in 5x98) Take a look at Serpent AutoSport. Serpent AutoSport

[JoeCab]

Hi Karyn,

Just my opinion, but while the SZ18 wheels are obviously beautiful, I think 18" wheels are a bit much for a GTV/6 on most American roads. Not only will an 18' tire and wheel combo have a pitifully small sidewall for absorbing bumps, but usually have a massive amount of unsprung weight which can really hurt acceleration, cornering, and braking.

I would try 16" or 17" wheels before I took the plunge with 18" wheels.

[karynroberts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeCab Hi Karyn, Just my opinion, but while the SZ18 wheels are obviously beautiful, I think 18" wheels are a bit much for a GTV/6 on most American roads. Not only will an 18' tire and wheel combo have a pitifully small sidewall for absorbing bumps, but usually have a massive amount of unsprung weight which can really hurt acceleration, cornering, and braking. I would try 16" or 17" wheels before I took the plunge with 18" wheels.

[ToonRboy]

The prices quoted aren't bad for true custom wheels (custom offset so wide wheels fit perfect). Considerably less than what's on their website (for 18" set).
I did the math.
1212GBP = 1351.77EU = $1767.78US
400GBP = $583.76US
15% VAT = $265.05US
-------------------------
Grand Total = $2616.56 (Don't forget tires. Yes, you'll need tires no matter what wheel you get, but it ain't like you'll mount Hankook's or Kumho's on these rims!)

Price I thought was extremely reasonable ($441.94ea) for these wheels. But, considering what a GTV6 is worth right now...

You car looks to be very straight and clean Karyn. What is the color code (under rear hatch)? Does it have that dark brown cloth interior? You know, I have seen a car (similar color) where the owner sent those same wheels you have out for powder-coating in a gun metal or bronze and totally transformed the look! Add some spacers to the rear to fill the wheel well & you're done!

Not to step on any vendors toes, but take a look at this wheel. From what I understand, they're very reasonable & looks like they come in 5x100, so you'll need the variation nuts and hub-centric rings to fit them. 5mm difference in offset from stock in 16x7 (but 25.4mm wider).
J-Mag - ROTA Wheels (in steel gray)

[Zunige]

FYI: The 15% VAT should not apply to products being shipped to the U.S.

Best regards,

[ToonRboy]

Doh! That's right.

Thanks for the correction Enrique. From what I understand, under the free trade agreement, there is no duty tax either.

[Griffo]

also not to be left uncoinsidered is that the larger diameter wheel, the longer the effective final drive ratio becomes, which means less zip off the line and more importantly, much less zip coming out of a turn. essentially you'll produce of very good looking stone...

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griffo also not to be left uncoinsidered is that the larger diameter wheel, the longer the effective final drive ratio becomes, which means less zip off the line and more importantly, much less zip coming out of a turn. essentially you'll produce of very good looking stone...

[Griffo]

Joecab - sorry I had misread this post (thought these were 18" wheels, so my post didn't really make the sense that I would have hoped, being kind to myself here) anyway, your comment is true enough but what about the metal/weight being moved further out and away from the center of rotation? wouldn't the "better" (and notice "better" in quotes) be 15" wheels with either 55 or 50 series tires? does anybody even make a 45 series for a 15" wheel?

[ToonRboy]

Looks like she moved her thread (quest) to the Wanted section:GTV6 Wheels - picture attached

She posted pics of her vehicle in the Alfetta/GTV6 registry. I love it when folks go around starting new posts fishing for the answer their looking for - ignoring all others who have already answered their question - just not what they wanted to hear. I imagine a nice set of Ronal A1's or Zender Milano's in 5x98 would fetch a pretty penny these days.

[karynroberts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToonRboy Looks like she moved her thread (quest) to the Wanted section:GTV6 Wheels - picture attached She posted pics of her vehicle in the Alfetta/GTV6 registry. I love it when folks go around starting new posts fishing for the answer their looking for - ignoring all others who have already answered their question - just not what they wanted to hear. I imagine a nice set of Ronal A1's or Zender Milano's in 5x98 would fetch a pretty penny these days.

[ToonRboy]

Just calling it the way I see it. HeavyMetalAlfa basically answered your first question w/pics even. I could see your taste in wheels parallels mine on these cars and tried to provide some guidance & lots of info. Sorry to antagonize, but I didn't/don't see much appreciation. Just posts started elsewhere asking basically the same thing.

Good luck on finding your wheels.

P.S.
Nice photoshop work.

[karynroberts]

I'm glad I don't call them like I see them.

End this thread please.

Karyn Roberts