Pictures of my Eagle on 17s

[johnbendik]

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...

[mach1mustang351]

Nice look. It looks like it could have been a factory option.

[mudkicker715]

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

[Amc1320]

Looks great, like the look

Nice Eagle by the way

[eaglefreek]

I saw the title and instantly thought it was going to look hideous. Looks pretty darn good.

[drock87]

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 

[vangremlin]

Looks really nice!

[johnbendik]

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

[maximus7001]

Krylon BBQ paint is what I use on the drums.