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  • March 28, 2024, 07:12:40 AM

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Author Topic: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s  (Read 5090 times)

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Offline johnbendik

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Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« on: March 21, 2013, 06:14:07 PM »
I thought some of you might like to see what an Eagle looks like on 17" wheels.

I got my Eagle to be a capable AWD street machine, with some off-road capabilities.  So I had 3 specific goals in going to 17s:
  • Increase the contact patch
  • Keep the overall diameter the same, to avoid problems with the gear ratio and speedometer
  • Keep the wheel/tire weight as close as possible, so as to not overload my suspension and my ancient 258

I ended up with General G-Max AS-03 tires (235/55ZR-17) tires on 17x7 'Thrashstar' wheels.  The circumference is within an inch of my originals (215/70-15s), and the tire/wheel weight is 49 lbs., just 4 pounds more than my originals.  But the contact patch and the grip are much better than stock.

Although the diameter was the same, the greater width caused the front wheels to rub the fender flares when turned fully left or right.  I had to do the same mods described by another poster in this forum:
  • Relocate the fender brace a few inches forward
  • Remove the fender flares
  • Cut a triangular wedge out of the fenders at the front and back edges
  • Cut and shape the fender flares to match the new contours of the fender sheet metal

I suck at this kind of 3D shaping, so I had to do it wrong several times before I got it 'acceptably' right.  The good thing is, you can't see both sides of the car at the same time, so they don't have to match exactly...






« Last Edit: March 22, 2013, 12:46:04 PM by johnbendik »
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline mach1mustang351

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2013, 06:40:39 PM »
Nice look. It looks like it could have been a factory option.
Fleet:

1987 AMC Wagon 4.0L, 3" Body lift, AX15, NP242
1981 AMC SX4 Sport
1969 Mustang (A Mach 1 with a 351)
1973 GMC K2500
2007 Suzuki Vstrom

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2013, 07:12:04 PM »
I would say to use hitemp paint on the brake equipment. looks nice. i once had 14's with low profiles on an eagle. haha



Manitowoc WI

Offline Amc1320

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #3 on: March 21, 2013, 07:39:06 PM »
Looks great, like the look

Nice Eagle by the way
Rob c
84 Eagle Limited Wagon (driven everyday)
81 Eagle Kammback
81 Spirit (undergoing surgery)
83 Spirit (parts car giving it all to keep the rest going)
Manchester, TN

Offline eaglefreek

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2013, 08:37:02 PM »
I saw the title and instantly thought it was going to look hideous. Looks pretty darn good.
1986 AMC Eagle Wagon 4.2L/4.0L head, AW4,NP242, Chrysler 8.25" rear.
1981 AMC Eagle Wagon As Seen On TV  Lost In Transmission


 

"I know he'd be a poorer man, if he never saw an eagle fly,
Rocky mountain high"  John Denver
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Offline drock87

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2013, 10:58:57 PM »
I REALLY like this. I may have mentioned here (or not) but a look I really like is newer OEM style rims on an older car.  A great, much more modern example is an old body Escalade with new Escalade rims. While not OEM new (what would be, lol), these capture that same look. GREAT!  ***Not to mention, you have a silver sport wagon like I had  ;D
My list of my cars/toys (or toys at my disposal!)

1985 AMC Eagle Sportwagon
2017 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SL
2016 Triumph Bonneville
 1962 Cruisers Inc Mahogany Outboard

I like to to tell people my Eagle is like a Ferrari. It's quirky, tempermental, border-line exotic, and something you don't see everyday.  See? Makes perfect sense....

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Offline vangremlin

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2013, 11:15:47 PM »
Looks really nice!
1981 Kammback 258 - "Pepe"
1980 Coupe 258 - "Ginger
1972 Gremlin X 304
1978 Gremlin 4 cyl 121 - sold
1964 TBird 390 - sold

Offline johnbendik

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2013, 05:08:15 PM »
Thanks to all for your kind words, especially from those of you with many eggs.

Mudkicker, I like your idea of painting those rusted bits that are visible between the wheel 'spokes'.   Think I'll look for some hi-temp dark blue paint this weekend.

I should also mention that the wheels were pretty cheap (well under a hundred bucks each), at least they were a  few months ago.  The manufacturer is 'ShowWheels', and they come in black, silver and gold spokes.  If you google 'Thrashstar' you should find some pretty good deals on them.

John
1984 Eagle Sportwagon
258 - 6 cyl
5-speed !

Offline maximus7001

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Re: Pictures of my Eagle on 17s
« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2013, 12:17:55 AM »
Krylon BBQ paint is what I use on the drums.
1968 Javelin SST 290
1981 Concord DL sedan, vintage red metallic (now parts car)
1985 Eagle wagon, same colour as the concord (project car/daily driver)
1997 GMC Safari SLT AWD (full time 4x4) G-80 LSD

 

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