560 wheels

[woody loller]

My 1986 560 SL wheels were chromed plated at some point and are now peeling chrome really bad. I know they are 15" but does anyone know the specifications of these wheels and what other mercedes wheels will fit? Thanks Woody

[Strife]

Try these people:

http://www.chromeyourwheels.com

They did mine 3 years ago, and so far, so good - HOWEVER, I won't take those wheels out in the snow even if the garage is on fire. I also keep them clean and remove the (incredible amounts of) brake dust from the inside twice a year.

They don't seem to charge much for chrome removal. BE AWARE that there are people who will swear that this damages and weakens the wheels.

Peeling happens for several reasons, one of which is salt/snow melting chemicals.

Here is a good set of fear-inducing pictures:

http://www.calchrome.com/warranty.php

Be very careful of who mounts and balances your wheels. Don't assume that a place that LOOKS professional actually is. Careless installation, mounting, and balancing can start peeling. The best shop around here looks like it is run by a bunch of goobers with 30 year old equipment. They can balance a wheel better than a 19-year old kid with a "computerized" balancer.

If you get them redone, I'd strongly advise a "Summer" set of wheels/tires and a winter set.

[rocky raccoon]

Performance Products has a business relationship with Tire Rack. Web site is perfrormanceproducts.com. This excellent resource will give you all you need to know about what fits what and also offer a good deal. I bought a set of chromed wheels WITH new tires for my 88 560SL from them and am very pleased with the product, the price and the customer service. Since I live in the Boonies I asked them to mount and balance before shipping so I wouldn't have to go to some jack leg shop to have it done. Ebay brought $260 for my old wheels with half worn tires to boot.

I suspect that new wheels through Performance Products will come awfully close to the cost of stripping and rechroming your existing wheels.

[Strife]

Either way, a darnded high component of the total cost is shipping. In my case, Adsitco and TireRack are in Indiana, which helps. PP and CICC are in California. I think tirerack gets an extrordiarily good shipping rate because of (a.) volume and (b.) You almost have to try to screw up a tire in shipping.

[woody loller]

Thanks for the info guys I'll check then out and post back on what I decided. WL

[Strife]

These, used, are unfortunately some the more expensive MB wheels of that era because everyone wants them. I was very lucky to get 7 at a good price, 5 of which were good enough to powdercoat for my '85 (2 had fairly nasty curb rash). Even a few of these would have taken some additional ($$$) repair in order to get chromed.

Most of the aftermarket wheels are made differently, they are "spin-cast" as opposed to the original MB forged wheels. There are differing opinions on whether this is as good. Supposedly, spin-casting makes the outside rim stronger while making the center slightly flexible to absorb shocks. Supposedly.

[karburn]

From the information I have, the wheels for these models are interchangeable, subject to any specific off-set variances: 126 BODY (300SE, SD, SDL; 350 SD, SDL; 420SEL; 500SEC, SEL; 560SEC, SEL) or 560SL; 1986-1989 W/15” WHEELS

I bought a set of Mille Miglia Bello wheels w/tires to run while I get my original 15-hole wheels refurbished. After that, I'm selling the Mille's.

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by karburn

From the information I have, the wheels for these models are interchangeable, subject to any specific off-set variances: 126 BODY (300SE, SD, SDL; 350 SD, SDL; 420SEL; 500SEC, SEL; 560SEC, SEL) or 560SL; 1986-1989 W/15” WHEELS

Be aware that there are TWO widths. Early version is 7", late version is 6.5".

It's marked on the back of the wheel, dia, width, et (offset).

Jim