Are these rims datsun rims, they are cool

[stock-z]

They look just like the Dukes of Hazzard rims on there charger. Are these original Datsun rims or an add on?

[2ManyZs]

They are definately after market wheels. Western wheels had them (Hurricane i think they called them) and I think 2 or 3 other companies made a similar wheel. I had a set like them but they were only 14x5.5 inch. I might still have them, I can't remember if I sold them or not.

[ZmeFly]

depending on who made them you would have 14x5.5, 14x6 and 7. i was looking at that car till i noticed the hole from the batter box sticking out.

[EScanlon]

I think they are Appliance's version of Shelby's Serpent Style.

Where the Serpent had ribs going all the way to the center cap, the Appliance's don't.

[stock-z]

I had a feeling these were aftermarket. They sure do look nice on there though. I think i spent too much time watching "the good ole boy's" burning rubber on dirt Did Nissan have any other rims available for the 70 to 73 Z other than the slotted mags, as far as cool rims?

[2ManyZs]

I don't think Nissan had any other wheels for the early cars, the slots were about the only ones I know about.

BTW, I still have my set that look just like the ones in the picture. They are 14x5.5 and were made by Western Wheel. They are an exact match to the wheels in the pic.

[EScanlon]

The original FACTORY Wheel was the stamped steel wheel that most of us have removed and replaced.

Many dealers had OPTIONAL wheels that were obtained from the same manufacturer and hence these have become known as "Original" wheels, with the mistaken assumption that they were Datsun/Nissan items.

Appliance, Cragar, Shelby and Superior are but a few of the aftermarket Wheel manufacturer's, that were very popular in the 70's. Their sales reps would contact the individual automotive dealers and make arrangements so that the wheels would be offered as Dealer Options. Due to the popularity of one or two of the wheel models available, whether because of actual popularity or because the price and markup to the dealer were attractive, THESE wheels have become known as "Original" wheels.

===Side Note=====

By the way, the term "RIM", if I recall properly, is in error. Rim refers to the split ring used on older truck wheels, where the rim was pulled out, then the tire could be put on and off the wheel body without having to stretch the tire around the rim of the wheel. This term nowdays, is used to refer to wheels that are assembled, i.e. center / rim and then either bolted or welded. Please correct me if you've heard different.

"MAG" on the other hand, is used to denote a limited number of wheels offered in the early seventies which were true blue Magnesium metal (or primarily Magnesium). These were supposed to be much better due to their added tensile strength over Aluminum, and their light weight when compared to steel. Sadly, a wheel with a lot of magnesium in it can be burned up (literally). Nowdays, it's used to refer to one piece wheels with either polished or chromed finish.

===End of Side Note=====

The most popular styles were:

Appliance's Models:

Dish Mag, this is the one famous as the Slotted Mag.

Wire Mag, this one is commonly referred to as the diamond / honeycomb / wire wheel mag. Very often seen with a painted / anodized honeycomb and chrome center and outer contours.

Steel Spoke, very very common for almost ANY car. Rarely seen on Z's nowdays, but nonetheless a very inexpensive wheel hence sometimes bought after having the car for a while. This one is the typical beefy rounded spoke with the lug nut wheel area being a circle behind the spokes. 4 spoke and 5 spoke designs depending on lug nut quantity.

Unichrome: This is a very common and inexpensive option of the time. It was basically a solid steel inner with a Wire Wheel Basket to make it look like a spoked wheel.

Shelby:

Serpent, as described in the previous posts. The ribs extend from the outer contour all the way to the center cap.

Cal 500; other than the depth of the "dish" another "Slotted Mag".

Viper Wheel, this one is also known as the "Libra Mag" which must be the name for another manufacturer's version.

Diamondback, this is another rendition of the Wire Mag (diamond / honeycomb / wire wheel mag). This one differs in that there is a "step" in the outer contour.

Cragar and Superior, were but two other manufacturers that I remember from the era. Undoubtedly there are many others I don't recall or know about.

For those of you interested, much of the information was obtained from Petersen's Complete Book of Datsun copyright 1975.

[2ManyZs]

I think the Libra wheel was made by American Racing. They brought the wheel back recently as the 200S. Some versions came with polished spokes and some had a rough cast spoke.

If I'm not mistaken Nissan never offered a factory (optional)aluminum wheel on a Z-car till the 77 or 78 model year, a lot of early 240's now wear either these or the later 280zx wheels.

[Ben]

That's not 'strictly' true....

The Z432-R came with factory lightweight magnesium-alloy wheels (and perspex windows, lighter panels etc).

You could also say that any wheel that was homologated by Nissan was a factory wheel, which would probably include RS-Wantanabe's of various sizes.

But as far as the 'standard' Z-Car is concerned, it was steel wheels until the 260Z in '74.

[2ManyZs]

Those of us in the US only wish we could have ordered a Z432-R no matter what wheels came on it.

[stock-z]

Thanks all for the wealth of info you have provided me about the wheels, rims, mags and any other slang i can throw at ya!

I do appreciate your knowledge, I know alot of you have probably spent more time than I ever will researching this stuff.

2ManyZs, I'm am currently looking for a Z to buy, and then options like other wheels after, as i can afford them. I will certainly keep them in mind if you want to sell them in the near future if they are still available at that time. If you wouldn't mind emailing me a price you had in mind as well that would be cool. What is the max. size tire those will take? Can you put a 65 series tire on them or just 70 series? Or can the 65 series even fit on a 240Z, I have no idea.

EScanlon, I'll probably pick that book it sounds like it's very informative. Thanks again all, i'm sure i'll have more questions to pester you with!

Barry

[jdowen2]

Interesting reading. I have Shelby Libra wheels on mine. I also picked up a set of stock steel wheels and hubcaps for nostalgia's sake.