Reproduction Libre style wheels

[Mike B]

I came across these reproduction Amercian Racing Equipment Libre style wheels today.

http://www.vtowheels.com/retro4.html

Looks like they will be available soon in 14" and 15" versions that will fit the 240z. The 14" x 5.5" say they are expected in Feb 2010. Apparently you have to order through one of the dealers they supply. This one http://www.acmespeedshop.com/catalog_c371275.html lists the 8 spoke (panasport style) for $180 each, so I am guessing pricing for the Libre style would be similar.

I wonder if they would consider making reproductions of the ARE LeMans wheels.

-Mike

[geezer]

There is a thread on HybridZ discussing these wheels. They are quoting a price of $190 each. That includes the center caps, lugs and valve stems. There is not very much information available yet. If you are like me, you gotta love 'em. I've already got too many sets of wheels now though and was trying to forget about these. Can't wait to see a set on a Z!

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=158010&highlight=vto+wheels

[WingZr0]

Wonder how much th cost to put something like that into production?

[geezer]

Wonder how much th cost to put something like that into production?

I was wondering about that too. $190 with caps, lugs and stems seems reasonable to me, but we don't really know enough at this point to make any kind of comparison. I don't think they will want to undermine their sales of the Libre lookalikes by producing replica ARE LeMans wheels as well. Time will tell.

[WingZr0]

Price is certainly right. Looking at their 'customer gallery' looks like they have wide range of following. Nice looking cars in there and seems like they're moving alot of product i guess. Giving a call tomorrow to see if they do a repop of a different 14x7 wheel in a 17 size to fit Arizona Z Cars Wilwood brake kit. Site don't say if those are DOT approved or labled off road use only.

Edited January 25, 2010 by WingZr0

[Arne]

I contacted the VTO about these a few weeks ago. I'm almost certain they will be made in China, which is very common for cast wheels these days. I briefly considered trying to set myself up as a dealer, but decided I don't need that headache.

[WingZr0]

I contacted the VTO about these a few weeks ago. I'm almost certain they will be made in China, which is very common for cast wheels these days. I briefly considered trying to set myself up as a dealer, but decided I don't need that headache.

Arne you always crack me up . You mean the headache of inferior Chinese parts or running the shop? Edited January 25, 2010 by WingZr0

[Arne]

Well, not all Chinese parts are inferior. A large majority of the custom rims now on the market are Chinese, including virtually 100% of the chrome plated rims. I'd be willing to bet that Konig Rewinds are Chinese, for example. Since no production versions of these VTO Libre-style have been seen in the wild yet, it's too early to judge them.

No, I'm talking the headaches of running a small business like that. The trials presented in getting the Bolder Tint deal completed have reminded me why I don't want to go into business for myself.

[WingZr0]

Yeah i hear ya man, my little small time operation is not half as that tint job you did. NGKusa was no help on that decal job i got going so i'ma ask Kats if he can help me get in touch with NGK japan.

[rjracin240]

Wish they had them in a 15X8!!!!

[Skyhook]

I like my originals.

[Goose52]

They look pretty good - espescially for folks trying for that "period" look.

I hate to say this as I've never much cared for wheels larger than 15" for a 240Z, but too bad they aren't making it in a 16". If you want some "go" with your "show," you just about have to go to 16" now - not many high performance tires left in 14" or 15". If Yokohama discontinues the AVS ES100 that I run, I'll be up the creek...