Anybody know where I can buy wheels for my '79 that look like the wheels on the Mako Shark on my avatar?

 

Here is a better shot of the wheels.

IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh49/reidclif/mantaray_1.jpg[/IMG]

 

I can't seem to get the hang of inserting a photo. Here it goes again...

 

I LIKE those wheels

shmoky

 

Other than total custom, probably closest you would get would be the '82 CE wheels with some dummy spinners grafted on.

But, those aren't what the Mako Shark wheels on my Franklin Mint model look like.

 

You might want to try the midyear knock off wheels. They look pretty similar.

 

I think the wheel pictured is called a turbine wheel, not the same as early C2 knock-offs or the 82 collector wheel. I have seen them on a lot of old style vette's. Not sure where to get them. you might want to try flea-bay or google them. Let us know how you make out. Its a cool looking wheel.

I found these for you. Polish them up & add the knock-off wing center cap..

E-T Aluminum Turbine Mag Wheels, set of 4 15x7.5 Unilug item # 150193454756

 

I don't think this guy needs them anymore....

 

look at prievious thread by vettguy112233 post#28 there are a few wheels shown ,one looks very much what you are looking for. John

 

Besides the CE and mid year knock off$, the top two were popular with the maco shark kits of the day. Both are Western Wheels Turbine on right and Hurricane on left (neither in current production). American makes a knock off of the Hurricane called Vector (but only in a Dodge "Dukes of Hazzard" Charger backspace). Both are available in 8" widths on fleabay fairly reasonable. 10's on the other hand are getting harder to come by and will cost you.

Another choice, but also not often seen is the Fenton Fanjet. Someone on here has a set on a blue(?) coupe that looks You'll also see that wheel in old Motion ads.

Happy hunting /:\

[IMG][/IMG]

 

Isn't that a Manta Ray?

 

I could never tell without seeing it from 3/4 rear. GM Styling used the running prototype Mako to build the Manta Ray so the correct answer would be both. /:\

 

The "Hurricane" on upper left also goes by the name "Vector" from American Racing (I think) (or it's nearly identical).

The Western Wheel Turbine Wheel (upper right) actually comes in 7", 8.5", and 10" widths. The 7s have 3-3/4" BS. As I noted, the '82 CE wheel is actually closer to the Mako Shark wheels (in the picture) in that the spokes are straight as opposed to curved, the inserts between the spokes are different, and the centers are different.

I run the 7" Western turbine wheels with "fake" spinners and cones on my '64. Note that the turbine wheels have 30 spokes (as opposed to Corvette knock-offs/bolt-ons with 36 spokes. Also note that these fit Chevy/Ford/Chrysler due to the slotted lug holes.





As I noted, although certainly different, the 8-inch wide '82 CE wheels (with added dummy spinners, as opposed to 6"-wide midyear knock-off/bolt-on) wheels are probably as close as you will get (without going custom).

 

Yes, a Manta Ray.

 

Correct indeed. That car is the Manta Ray, which was built from the remains of the Mako Shark II. The wheels on the other shark are different.

 

From Dec. 1979 Vette magazine.

 

Nice..., but that kit is 28 years old and maybe (probably) no longer available.

My way was cheaper, easier, and all parts are still available. These parts are available though Custom Wheel Accessories in Anaheim, CA, as well as other wheel part outlets.





"Hat" (tower) is #13. Cone is #19.



Spinner is #40. Spinners come in left and right. I got two of each, but the left ones would not fit properly over the hats (from a different mfg I guess). CWA swapped out the two lefts that didn't fit (even though I totally butchered one trying to make it fit) for two more rights that do fit and gave me a couple extra emblems for if I do find a pair of lefts that will fit. I know they exist, because I my old pair of lefts fit the new hats (but are quite pitted).



Emblem is 0923.

Including new lug nuts, you can do this conversion for well under $50/wheel.

You can still pick up a set of the Western Wheel turbine wheels for $100-200/set of four. They come in 7" (for mid-years), 8.5" (for C3s), and 10" widths (for custom) and fit Chevy/Ford/Chrysler. (I paid $80 for my four and have a couple extras for drag racing and "just in case" at $20/each.)

 

So why didn't you give all the details of your "way" in your first post? Not sure how you figure your way is cheaper either. Anybody with a lathe can make the adapters from the magazine article in a few hours. Then all you have to buy is the cones and spinners. Don't need to buy lug nuts or hats like your way.

 

My way has been documented many times on the Corvette Forum. Not my fault you didn't follow the threads.

I don't see how you can say that obtaining the proper piece of aluminum, accessing a lathe, having the skills to turn it a lathe, buying the Allen screws, drilling and tapping the lathed piece to accept the screws, etc. is cheaper than spending <$10 for ready made hats that simply bolt on.

And no, you don't need new lug nuts and the old scarred ones don't even show under the cones.

 

Dang fellas!
You guys seem to take your wheels VERY seriously! You each have excellent info there's no doubt about that!
As a new member, I'm just glad I could ask either of you guys a question and know that I'll get supurb advice!
I think you guys are great and I just have stock wheels!
I have one question though, I wonder if Kid Vettes' Dad could beat up Toddalins' Dad! LOL!
Drive safe!
MK