Topic: Wheels and Tires
in Forum: C4 Car Care
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I knew before the spring I was going to have to replace the tires on my 88. In addition my wheels were looking rather poor and showing their 25 years of experience. So no better time to do them while I shopped for some tires.
So the car went on stands and the wheels were sent out to Wheel Wizards here in southern Ontario. I had heard quite a few good things about them in the past. Wheel Wizards took a very light cut across the wheels using their CNC machine. Then the wheels are sanded and polished to what you see in the photos. The tires I went with are the BFG KDW 275 40 17. I have read good reviews on these tires, but I guess it will be a few weeks yet before I can really try them out.
Before picture:
After picture:
And my new KDW's
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Huron, OH - USA
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179
Vette(s): 1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -
I'll bet you love the new feel too! Those rims (I have the same 88/89 style) really get bent out of shape over the years and the new rubber makes all the difference
....Jeff
In answer to questions:
The tires are BF Goodrich KDW 275 40 R17:
The cost of refinishing them was $150 a piece.
No they are not clear coated. Polished to a good shine. It will be up to me to keep them polished. The company that did them supplied me with some polish and wheel wax. I will use this but am always looking for a better product. Time will tell the story.
That looks better! I've spoken to http://www.wheelcollision.com/ who are always at Carlisle and they do the same thing, ie machine the face to clean them up as long as the lip doesn't get too thin, I think that's a good way to save the wheel.
It will be interesting to see how many rocks that tread picks up. I know my "Pilot Sports" love to pick up little rocks and throw them at the rockers. (had to have them refinished this fall). Of course "Sticky Mickey's", have no tread depth for rocks to jamb into, are half the price and bite twice as good. I've come to realize expensive tires can be a waste. Given the annual mileage, they are more likely to age harden before the mileage wears them out. I have a durometer which tells me new tires have a reading about 70 to 80 (Mickey's around 45). I bet your old tires were way up there. Michelin's get higher mileage because they are harder and I always found mine don't work until they have been beat on. Have yet to find a set of "Pilot Cups" to check although Ron Fellows says they are the closest to a track tire. I know guys who run Nittos and like them too. At least yours will have lots of room for the Q-tips!! 
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San Jose, CA - USA
Joined: 5/10/2012
Posts: 81
Vette(s): 1988 Corvette / Blue Pearl
Nice aggressive tread design.... & Those wheels look great 
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lanoka harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 3/22/2009
Posts: 1363
Vette(s): 1990 L-98 white/ red/black leather interior targa top auto
1975 L48 blue/black leather interior t tops auto
rims look great. mine have the clear coat wearing thin. up close you can see it. will be looking to do the same to mine.
the dynamic duo
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2246
Vette(s): 1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine.
1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.
Dang...how many trees did it take to make them thar tars?
Neat tread pattern, fer sher. Do they make any noise? Looks like they would howl pretty good.
Rims look nice, too!
Neat tread pattern, fer sher. Do they make any noise? Looks like they would howl pretty good.
Rims look nice, too!
Joel Adams 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C4 Car Care
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