Are these Panasports?

[RatMonger]

Greetings all,

I picked up a set of rims recently that were supposed to be Panasports and after looking at the pictures on Panasport's site I started to wonder. The pics I can find have what looks to be the Panasport logo cast into the rim. Certianly not the same markings on the ones I have.

The main reason I am trying to identify the rims is to determine options for finish treatment. I am leaning towards fully polishing the entire face of the rim which would involve sanding down the cast centers. If they are more valuable as they are I'd be inclined to leave them alone.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Ray

'71 240 (with tired slots)

[Arne]

Any markings on the backside?

[CoastGuardZ]

I'm leaning towards - no. Here is a pic of a 15" Panasport. Notice where it actually says Panasport Racing right on the rim. I would say they are a clone... I know American Racing is making a similiar wheel, the Silverstone I think. But even then I would think that they would have their name cast in the wheel also.

[=Enigma=]

They look like clones to me. Note that the spokes are much larger and are impacted by the mounting holes. You don't see that on any of the Panasports.

[Arne]

The "JWL" logo is generally an indication of a decent quality wheel though, even if they're not Panasports.

[MikeW]

The "JWL" logo is generally an indication of a decent quality wheel ...

Here's some good information on the above:

http://www.jtuned.com/content/templates/tune.aspx?articleid=288&zoneid=16

[Jeff G 78]

They are not Panasports.

[RatMonger]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm glad I didn't pay the Panasport premium. Although the guy that sold them was saying they were. I could get a set of Pana center caps and we could keep the rest between us. :cheeky:

Anyway, as long as they balance out better than the 14" slots I'm vibrating around on now, I'll be happy.

Any suggestions on how to check the runout before wrapping the rubber?

[hls30.com]

Jack up a corner of the car. Securely tape a greese pencil to a jackstand and position it so it just touches the wheel. Spin the wheel and assuming your wheel bearings are good and installed correctly any variation in the resulting line widthe will indicate runout.

Will

[YawnTee]

Early Panasport castings DID NOT say Panasport, and are just as good! There were subtle differences in the spoke and lip design. Run them with confidence!

Danny Youngs of Fiveoneoh.net had a set for many years, and we grew to prefer the earlier Panasports to my later versions.

My 2 cents,

j!

[The Wingnut]

Those might be Rota RBs, which are pretty high quality.

[e_racer1999]

^that's a negative. this thread started before rota made the RB