What are metric wheels worth? I put mine up on ebay for $500 ($900 reserve), and got zero bids and zero inquiries. I know the 16" are more desirable in general (which is why I upgraded), but I figured a set of 4 was still worth > $500. Am I wrong? puff
The metric tire experiment is OVER, and I have ties deep into Goodyear and I doubt there's any support for them left.... Hose reels is a little harsh, maybe coffee and end table set?????
Actually, thinking about it, air hose reels down the side of the ol' garage would look quite studly.....
Actually in Europe and the UK ORIGINALITY is King. Try selling over here you may even make a profit Phil
haha! No question the metric experiment is over, but I figure some out there might need a replacement rim, or want the original wheels that came on their car. I actually had the same thought about a coffee table.... I've considered trying to commission a piece from an aspiring artist who knows how to use a blowtorch (what medium is that considered???). I would think melting the rims into each other, while leaving some of the "ferrari-ness" of the wheels could be really interesting. puff
Originality is important to most Ferrari owners here as well but no one wants metrics when 16 inchers are just as original.
Hey Brian, I have been on this site for quite some time now and been surprised by the need for the US team to want to change wheels to something that is more bling, at least IMO. Guess that I have got it wrong. What I was suggesting was that in the UK the value of a Ferrari is greater the closer it is to original so people try to keep it that way. We Brits hate to loose money !!! And if you are a Scott well, pennies count! But I guess you guys know that already. P
Your mistake is thinking that the minority here that want to cover their cars in chrome represent the majority of American Ferrari owners. I have a Ferrari shop and possibly 20% (probably less) of my clients participate here. Of that 20% possibly 10% are interested in modifiying their car in any way. I do not doubt that in other markets like LA and Florida those numbers change to a large degree but not enough to change the reality. Do the math and you will better understand the US Ferrari market. As for your wheels if someone had a damaged one you could probably sell one for pretty good money. No one is going to buy 4 to get one, hoping to sell the other 3. The cost of TRX tires being what it is most understand the economy in buying a set of 16 inch wheels and far cheaper and better tires that will improve the cars ride, performance and resale value all the while keeping it stock.
As others have recommended here the metric wheels should just be retained for originality if you decide to sell the car. Metric tires are expensive and a ***** to find. Many owners have switched over to the 16's since 255zr16s (Gatorbacks) were standard issue on the Vette and 225vr16s were used on several cars. These sizes will therefore be maintained in stock by your local tire place since they are needed for many cars that are out there. This is the primary reason so many Testarossa owners have opted to just keep the metrics in a corner of the garage and use the 16s that can be easily be replaced at the nearest Pep Boys or AutoZone...
Brian, like you say I probably have a miopic view of the 10% of the 20% but that is what I actually see over here in the UK. I am heartened to hear that I have it wrong I was going on to say that its even better to know that our English ancestors have the same values and....... But I have drunk too many ciders and I will probably embarrass myself.. Keep it original and valued.... P
Keeping up with the very good advice recieved thus far, why not - 1. Offer ONE wheel in front and rear size on different auctions just to see if an 'emergency need' arises for THAT wheel. 2. No kidding - get clever with a table, hose reel. awesome garage clock for another, you might be surprised. Heck Ferraristi will buy ANYTHING. Living proof abounds. You make TWO clocks, I'll probably buy one. Or send me two, I'll make YOU an awesome garage clock and keep the other. See? Options everywhere!
Do they have the splines? I would have thought the splines would be quite valuable even if the buyer threw the wheels away. A
Wouldn't it just have been great if some kind soul came up with a tyre to fit the rims and for sensible money? He'd've been a hero on here!!
Most older-model BMW owners dump their TRXs too. I have an '85 BMW 635CSi that uses the 240/45-415 metric tires (from an M6). A few years ago the price was about $250 each and I thought THAT was expensive. I recently checked and the going price is now $502 each. I decided it was time to get out of TRX hell. There's no telling how high the price will eventually go, if they'll even be available in the future at all. Instead of investing over $2K in outdated tire technology, I found a beautiful set of 17" BBS RS wheels (also for $2K). These wheels were actually OEM equipment on the hotrod M635 of the mid to late 1980s, so they look "correct" even on my more plebian bimmer. The world is now my oyster when it comes to selecting tires; for example, only $86 each for modern 17" Dunlops. Anybody want to buy a mint set of metric M6 wheels? ;-)
Do metric wheels have any value? I have a different view on this issue. Most people convert to 16 inch rims with out analyzing the pros and cons. 1) money is an issue, trx's are expensive 2) 16" tires are also in short supply (255). True high performance tires and not some chinese rubber. 3) are trxs out of date? Not a new set of soft trxs, they have a tread wear of 100 (from memory). 4) original to all early tr's 5) last and not least, trxs are bigger than 16" ( 16.4" trx) and are 280mm wide in the rear and 240 in front. I will pay extra to have the widest tires available. 6) size counts
My solution logic was slightly different. I wanted to have the most modern rubber available so I bought speedlines and switched to 18" rubber. I think it was about 6500 but now the tires have a higher speed rating than the car and the rims are slightlty wider ( same size as the 512 tr). Flame suit on: Look better too! FWIW. Jeff Pintler 89 348tb, 86tr
Haven’t posted for a while, but wanted to see if there was any advise on what to sell a set of Metric TR rims currently?
Just call them “an investment in originality”…..seems to work for tool kits and now luggage. Feel confident that someone would slip you $600 just so they can say they have the original wheels in a for sale ad.
