I believe that at one time it signified performance, probably something hot rodders (or rich *******s) were doing to their cars. It seems Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell were influenced by them, as early Skylarks had them, as did some W-30 Oldsmobiles.
Very few post-1961 rides look appropriate with wide whites, but with the right wheels / stance / color, early Rivs can bring some swag. Borrani wires and blackwalls on a dark-color Riv would be very tough to beat, though. We Cadillac owners can always roll 4" wide whites and Daytons and get away with it....
Wow, never registered in my pea brain if I ever noticed it. Thanks for the history lesson. While I like the historical reference, I'm not sure I like the actual appearance. In my mind, sort of like the wires, it looks cool on an older car, but not convinced it's the best for a more forward design car. The wires idea has grown on me a little though. Zep's photochop is pretty nice looking and Syvian's ride is possibly about as sweet as it is ever possible to get. The Miura though, still no. I'm still kind of thinking maybe a nice simple wheel cap might be nice, maybe the smooth Studebaker ones (like on the Branch roadster) or maybe some nice Cad. cap of some sort (with no logo). However, I know I'm way off the majority opinion though.
You are correct the RW standard from early 1900's states so: -type 32 = 66 splines up to 32mm bearing -type 42 = 75 splines -type 52 = 88 splines -type 62 = 100 splines and so on with 72, 80, 90, 100, 120 20's cars had usually 72-120, like AutoUnion had type 80, but some postwar car had type 90 (136 splines) like Lancia Aurelia... this system is also shared by Dunlop wire wheels ( but only on 32-TR Spitfires- 42- Healey, Morgan,MG ect ect and 52 Jags...) I'm posting this... Spanish car with Italian dress and shoes... about that!
I'll second that opinion George! Those wheels are pure cl***! I'd sure like to see you get that ride, back into the sunshine someday, it's been cooped up too long. Ryan, that will be such a cl***y addition to that Riv, go for it. This thread is pure **** for a hot rod/sports car guy.
wow ... this is an amazing idea... anyone good with photoshop? please post it, i need a big picture for my office.
"Man shot to death in office by the three members of Lamborghini owners club. Motive unknown at this point. Film at 11."
Man Sylvian, every time I see your Riv it makes me want to go in the garage and polish something on mine, beautiful!..Brian
So rad... Black with red is probably the best Riv color combination... The red interior makes the car look like it is bleeding when you open a door... I love that. Also note the Ferrari reference with the exhaust tips. Clever. ...... This illustration almost made me stop and consider blackwalls for my car. That said, I think I want to do something like a 1/2" or 3/4" whitewall. Anyone know of a G78-15 (or something close) with a skinny whitewall?
I have a set of those... Do you want them? Edit. Yes, definitely blackwall... Maybe even Dunop Racings, or CN36 Centurato's as a second choice, and Michelin XAS' as a third choice.
I have a couple of sets of NOS ones for sale - SNAP or Super Sprint (can't remember which but I can check) complete with the red band - they're laying in the Willys Roadster....
They're not as cool as Ferrari pipes, but just google "monza exhaust tips" for something that will work at a reasonable price. Not that my opinion means ****, but blackwalls all the way...
Tempting as hell, but I've already done the exhaust and I'm pretty sold on the "you can't see my exhaust" look...
Hey bud, I am just relaying information that I have learnt over the last 40 years, so your saying it cannot stress fracture, Mmmmm interesting perhaps you would be good enough to tell Boeing of your find...
These go on my 58 wagon...Dean tires, Equus series. 3/8 whitewall. 215/70/15, and the Tru is an 8 incher. Looks kinda big and fat, but not bloated. Yeah, I know--it's a radial....but who's gonna notice, all tucked up in there on Bo-Ronnies?
Now those look bad***! The guys wanting to run MOON disc's on a non-racecar, could take a lesson from those caps. Down right sweet.
Damn Ryan, I know that conventional wisdom states that a "custom Riv" must have white walls of some sort, but since you are delving so far into rule breaking territory as it is, I would highly recomend you continue with the blackwall thought! the thin lines would work well too, but the black walls and Borranis would just scream "performance and luxury, this beast has it all".
+1 more for Black Walls. After scanning this thread I don't see a single European performance car with whitewalls and Borranis. Are you trying to give a nod to the Italian craftsmen and designers or the Detroit accesorisers? With your car being a very dark color and all the accents being shiny "chrome" I think a bright white stripe on all 4 corners would distract the eye away from the beautiful lines of the body and the intricate beauty of the wheels.
I'm not at all trying to build a theme car... and to me, taking a bunch of Euro-cues and throwing them on an American car comes dangerously close to that. Instead, I'm tipping my hat here and there in the direction of Italy, West Texas, Bellflower, etc...
Do it your way. If you don't like it do it again. If I like it I'll tell you. If I don't I'll be gentle. Either way, my opinion doesn't matter. You are the only person you need to please.
The Jalopy Journal
