DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #175
     



From: jeff bedell <jbedell@wolfenet.com>

Subject: Re: wilkinson wheels

Date: Thu, 27 Feb 1997 06:59:23 -0700



Brian P Lerose wrote:

>

> I am interested in those Campy look alike wheels from Wilkinson.  Does

> anyone know what they cost?  If I was to buy them, would the 17x11 fit

> on the rear of a stock bodied Pantera?  What are the

> benefits/drawbacks of going with either 16x8 or 17x8 for the front?

> Do I need to adjust the suspension for this wheel swap?  What are the

> best tires for this set up?

>

> Also, what are the benefits of going to the larger rear sway bar?

> Are the bushings a different size for the different bars?  Whats the

> best material for bushings?

>

> One last question, Has anyone ever seen a small black plastic "fasten

> seatbelt" sign on an early Pantera dash, on the right side of the

> radio?  Mine has one and I was wondering if it is original.(I don't

> think it is)

>

> Thanks,

>

> Brian

Brian,

I've owned a set of the "campy-like" Wilkinson wheels for several years

now.  I've been very happy with them.

The set I have are 16x8 fronts and 17x11 rears.  Tires are Dunlop

SP8000, 245/24ZR-16 and 335/35ZR-17.

It all fits without rubbing under my stock 72 Pantera.  Wilkinson

stated to me that the 17 inch rims would not fit under the stock front

fenders.

The grip is fantastic.  However, on the track the tires do tend to

loose chunks of rubber and in the rain it can be quite a handfull (make

sure you're pointed straight before getting on the throttle).

I think the total price was around $4500 (~tires $1000, front wheels

$750 each, and rear wheels $1000 each).  The wheels were polished and

powder painted.  I'm sure I have the receipt here somewhere.

I did the unthinkable just last week.  Played a little too close to a

curb and bent a front rim.  Wilkinson quoted $200 to repair and $50 to

re-powder paint.  I've got my original 15x7s with P7s on the front now

and will probably get the wheel fixed locally.



Have fun,

Jeff Bedell

03679