Fitzy's GP is back!

[Fitzy]

So, now I know why nobody responded to the DUB comment. I looked it up - what a ridiculous concept. Rest assured I will NOT be fitting 20 inchers to my poor Olde Girle. I found a set of new 15 x 7 Rallye 2's in Oz, so once I measure for clearance, they'll be fitted.

Ka-ching! Just money, right?

[JUSTA6]

Sorry, Frosty dropped the snowball on that one.  

[64 kiwi boni]

8 hours ago, Fitzy said:

So, now I know why nobody responded to the DUB comment. I looked it up - what a ridiculous concept. Rest assured I will NOT be fitting 20 inchers to my poor Olde Girle. I found a set of new 15 x 7 Rallye 2's in Oz, so once I measure for clearance, they'll be fitted.

Ka-ching! Just money, right?

Hahaha, i wanted Frosty to tell you like he did me back when i asked the same question mate.. but i guess he didnt see your post 🙄

 

8 hours ago, Fitzy said:

So, now I know why nobody responded to the DUB comment. I looked it up - what a ridiculous concept. Rest assured I will NOT be fitting 20 inchers to my poor Olde Girle. I found a set of new 15 x 7 Rallye 2's in Oz, so once I measure for clearance, they'll be fitted.

Ka-ching! Just money, right?

Ka-ching! Just money, right?

you bet mate, !!!! money is just a pain in the arse! get rid of it as fast as you can!

 its over rated, causes nothing but stress and we can live with out it.... if you really think about it 

[64 kiwi boni]

So Fitzy, hows your baby coming along?????🙄 any new pictures

[Fitzy]

Hey Guys, I've been doing more overtime and will be home again shortly, so nothing has changed since the lowered springs went in. It's funny: I had the back of the car pulled apart and couldn't do anything until I got the trunk lock sorted. Once that was done, I could reassemble everything. I'm still waiting on Ames to assemble and send my substantial order that I placed in May - I'm not going to complain because the US is doing it pretty tough right now (amongst plenty of other places,) so I'll be grateful to receive ANYTHING once it's ready. Amongst the items in that order are seat covers and padding, and a fuel tank sender. I can't replace the fuel tank without the sender, so unless I go to some trouble, starting the engine and performing some maintenance on it will just have to wait. Similarly, I obviously can't even move the car without a driver's seat, so 'test' driving it is also out of bounds. I can't replace my door trims until the outside mirrors and new door locks arrive, and I can't get the car to the upholsterer and exhaust place until all the other crap turns up. I have PLENTY of electrical gremlins to sort for now, but once I have determined that there's room for my Rallye wheels, I'll order them, chuck some tyres on, fit them and will take some pics.

Once all my stuff turns up, it'll be like making a cake from a packet of mix: add all the ingredients and there you are: instant classic! Yummy.

[Frosty]

13 hours ago, Fitzy said:

Hey Guys, I've been doing more overtime and will be home again shortly, so nothing has changed since the lowered springs went in. It's funny: I had the back of the car pulled apart and couldn't do anything until I got the trunk lock sorted. Once that was done, I could reassemble everything. I'm still waiting on Ames to assemble and send my substantial order that I placed in May - I'm not going to complain because the US is doing it pretty tough right now (amongst plenty of other places,) so I'll be grateful to receive ANYTHING once it's ready. Amongst the items in that order are seat covers and padding, and a fuel tank sender. I can't replace the fuel tank without the sender, so unless I go to some trouble, starting the engine and performing some maintenance on it will just have to wait. Similarly, I obviously can't even move the car without a driver's seat, so 'test' driving it is also out of bounds. I can't replace my door trims until the outside mirrors and new door locks arrive, and I can't get the car to the upholsterer and exhaust place until all the other crap turns up. I have PLENTY of electrical gremlins to sort for now, but once I have determined that there's room for my Rallye wheels, I'll order them, chuck some tyres on, fit them and will take some pics.

Once all my stuff turns up, it'll be like making a cake from a packet of mix: add all the ingredients and there you are: instant classic! Yummy.

Typically guy. He sounds happy, doesn't he? It could be worse, he could be helping the wife with chores!

Hey, Fitzy, DUBS aren't everyone's cup of tea to be sure. I will concede that to some (although not many on this forum) it is another form of hot rodding. It just ain't my style!

[Fitzy]

Hey Frosty, I KNEW my off the cuff comment about 20" wheels would ruffle feathers. There's just something odd looking about monster size see through rims with a licorice strap attached to it. My personal thoughts on wheel selection are that car designers spend a lot of time coming up with factory designs that match - that's why factory styled wheels just look right. They pay people to get it right. Admittedly, if customising is your thing, some 'tasteful' big wheels can look really good. Plonking the biggest outlandish rims you can find onto something that was never supposed to look like that-well, you're messing with the fluidity of the car's initial design.

Happy? Damn straight I'm happy. Whilst my partner is running around the house picking up car parts that get dropped en route to the Pontiac room, I'm having a beer and thinking of new & exciting ways of spending even more money on 'the car.'  She's a lucky woman.

[Frosty]

 

Fitzy - there is such as thing as "taste" and sometimes I don't think the DUB crowd understands it. I respect it as a form of hot rodding and kustomizing but it ain't my thing at all. When I saw some guy driving a DUB'd Buick Grand National, the bad ass car of the 80s, he had gone way too far!

I can respect "plus sizing" to a point, but it better be for a wheel design that's not available in a 14" or 15" wheel for me to do it. I am not a fan of small sidewall tires period either. I don't need to show off more bling in wheels and the skinniest tires known to mankind either.

In fact what is wrong with the old school Cragar SS, Keystone E/Tss, Torq Thrust, Halibrand, and Center Line S/ST  looks? Those are classic designs in my book.

Right now there are only a handful of plus size wheels I'd even consider. The leader is the Foose Nitrous with the simulated bead lock. It shas a lot of the classic Cragar flair. Still I don't want it in an 18" or 19" either. This aren't cheap either.

[Fitzy]

Your classic 5 spoke design looks good on almost anything. Don't get me started on deep dish stuff either. I like factory offset: once again, they pay car designers to create a cohesive design that includes the wheels. Think Impala or StingRay with Rallyes - just perfect. Fortunately, all sorts of humans are created differently, and that gives us the kaleidoscope of design ideas, colour choices and engineering deviations that keep life interesting in all respects: clothes, food, structures and vehicles amongst others. But...putting 19" deep dish wire wheels on a Corolla, well, I dunno.

And to the myriad of folks who did that-I'm sorry again.

[Frosty]

Which part are you sorry for? Buying the Corolla in the first place? Or putting 19" deep dish wire wheels on a rice rocket? Or both?

[Fitzy]

I'm just being proactive and apologising in advance, no particular reason - I'm always upsetting someone!

Anyway, moving along, I had set myself up to purchase a set of 15 x 7 Rallye 2s,  but wanted to measure for clearance prior to committing. I had a look under the car and they'll fit at the back but there's bugger all clearance between the steering knuckle and inside edge of the tyre at the front. So, it looks like I'll hold off for a set of 14 x 6s. They seem to be a bit rare (especially Down Under) so I may have to procure a set of brand new ones from Ames. Here's the thing: fullsize B bodies use a 5" PCD. Someone told me this and I didn't believe them until I got home and actually measured it for myself with a pair of calipers. Yet another friggin' drama involving parts suitability for that 65 GP. It's already been a journey getting this far, so I guess it's just another instalment in the never ending saga of an owner INSISTENT on certain mods to make his hardtop look even cooler than Pontiac managed in the first place. So, like I said before: if anyone Stateside has a set of 14 x 6s they want to sell, drop me a line. I faffed around with one of those online 'wheel simulators' and screenshotted a Tempest (no GP image was available, surprise, surprise) with Rallye 1s & 2s. The Type 1s are really nice, but the Type 2s just look the biz. The simulator even allowed me to choose what lowered stance I wanted and what size wheels.

The search continues.

[64 kiwi boni]

11 hours ago, Fitzy said:

I'm just being proactive and apologising in advance, no particular reason - I'm always upsetting someone!

Anyway, moving along, I had set myself up to purchase a set of 15 x 7 Rallye 2s,  but wanted to measure for clearance prior to committing. I had a look under the car and they'll fit at the back but there's bugger all clearance between the steering knuckle and inside edge of the tyre at the front. So, it looks like I'll hold off for a set of 14 x 6s. They seem to be a bit rare (especially Down Under) so I may have to procure a set of brand new ones from Ames. Here's the thing: fullsize B bodies use a 5" PCD. Someone told me this and I didn't believe them until I got home and actually measured it for myself with a pair of calipers. Yet another friggin' drama involving parts suitability for that 65 GP. It's already been a journey getting this far, so I guess it's just another instalment in the never ending saga of an owner INSISTENT on certain mods to make his hardtop look even cooler than Pontiac managed in the first place. So, like I said before: if anyone Stateside has a set of 14 x 6s they want to sell, drop me a line. I faffed around with one of those online 'wheel simulators' and screenshotted a Tempest (no GP image was available, surprise, surprise) with Rallye 1s & 2s. The Type 1s are really nice, but the Type 2s just look the biz. The simulator even allowed me to choose what lowered stance I wanted and what size wheels.

The search continues.

Hay fitzy, there is 5 rallye 2 for sale on trade me mate 

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/car-parts-accessories/wheels-tyres/alloy-wheels/listing/2827232798?bof=XC8igfHo

Edited October 24, 2020 by 64 kiwi boni

[Fitzy]

Hi Kiwi, I had a look and they would have been perfect but I need 5" (that's 127mm) PCD. That's the size for B bodies and I don't even know if they were available to suit fullsize Ponchos in the first place. So, thanx for the heads up but I'll keep looking. 

[Frosty]

Well have to keep our eyes out. The 5x5 bolt bolt pattern Rally IIs don’t come up for sale much here either.

Pontiac used the 5x5 bolt pattern on the big RWD cars until 90. The 5x5 Rally IIs were available until at least 81, by then Pontiac started painting them the matching body color. So these should be a little more plentiful than I originally thought. What I haven’t researched is the 15x7 vs 14x6 wheel size availability in those later years.

Edited October 25, 2020 by Frosty

[Wrongway]

Man I like the ones on the top car bro! They look awesome. Kinda like what I put on my 63 GP

[Fitzy]

Yeah Wrongway - they just look like something that was 60s muscle inspired. Oh well, I'll keep looking.

I'm still not totally convinced the 15 x 7s won't fit. I need to get a regular 15" steel rim, chuck any old tyre on it and fit it and check for clearance. The wheels available to me here are a bit of a bargain-if I have to get them from the US, I might as well attach a car to them in order to make the shipping viable.

[Fitzy]

So, regarding wheels.  Finding ANYTHING in 14 x 6 is nigh impossible. Finding anything Pontiac Rallye 2 is either impossible to actually find, hideously expensive or you run the risk of buying secondhand flogged out rims. I think I'll go the Original Torq Thrust 15 x 7s IF they fit. There are plenty available, not too expensive and look just as good as a Rallye 2. Ames can't supply Rallye 2s but at least they are finally sending me MOST of my order, so I'm getting excited. Doug's headers, new exhaust and a set of wheels: I just need to be able to push it up & down the driveway then whilst trying to look cool.

Edited October 30, 2020 by Fitzy
Forgot photo

[Wrongway]

Hell yeah bud. Those will look great!

[Last Indian]

On 10/24/2020 at 3:30 AM, Fitzy said:

I'm just being proactive and apologising in advance, no particular reason - I'm always upsetting someone!

Anyway, moving along, I had set myself up to purchase a set of 15 x 7 Rallye 2s,  but wanted to measure for clearance prior to committing. I had a look under the car and they'll fit at the back but there's bugger all clearance between the steering knuckle and inside edge of the tyre at the front. So, it looks like I'll hold off for a set of 14 x 6s. They seem to be a bit rare (especially Down Under) so I may have to procure a set of brand new ones from Ames. Here's the thing: fullsize B bodies use a 5" PCD. Someone told me this and I didn't believe them until I got home and actually measured it for myself with a pair of calipers. Yet another friggin' drama involving parts suitability for that 65 GP. It's already been a journey getting this far, so I guess it's just another instalment in the never ending saga of an owner INSISTENT on certain mods to make his hardtop look even cooler than Pontiac managed in the first place. So, like I said before: if anyone Stateside has a set of 14 x 6s they want to sell, drop me a line. I faffed around with one of those online 'wheel simulators' and screenshotted a Tempest (no GP image was available, surprise, surprise) with Rallye 1s & 2s. The Type 1s are really nice, but the Type 2s just look the biz. The simulator even allowed me to choose what lowered stance I wanted and what size wheels.

The search continues.

First off, absolutely everybody has their own taste & should do what pleases them! So if what you choose pleases you when all is said and done that’s all that matters! 
There are definitely concepts within a style and I think that’s what Frosty refers to?! Then there are visually effects that can’t be argued, but can be ignored or discounted as to what their effects are. 
For example, your two images above. Both look good! Both are classic designs! Yet the Rally IIs that use a darker center make the wheel look weaker! Not as dominant as the Rally I!! Since wheels and tires are an expensive proposition JustA make sure you get what you want. Also remember with an aftermarket wheel like the American Racing wheel you can get different offsets that may allow you to go to a 15” x 7” rim.

below are pics that kind of show how slight nuances can have a subtle effect!

These are American Racing Wheels! What is unique about them is they are 18”, but they are a two piece. So with these rims they turn the center around in the rim or I’ll call it the ring. So the center sits in the larger portion of the ring which give the wheel an over all larger appearance since the center is actually 2” larger than it would be if it were a standard 18” wheel.

this was my 69 Z with 15” x 7” front and 15” x8” rears American Racing wheels that I machined to look like Hildebrandt wheels

 
these are rally 

 

these were on my wife 74 they’re 15 spoke American Racing

 

these are the stock Grand Prix wheels on my wife’s 02

These are the American Racing wheels on my 00 GP

The point is if you look at each variation they can make the wheel and tire combo look bold and muscular or subtly weaker and less pronounced. 

Edited October 30, 2020 by Last Indian

[Fitzy]

I love the depth of discussion we get into here! They are great photos and all those wheels look really good. It's clearly a passionate topic because wheels have a tendency to draw the eye. I have a problem with wildly inconsistent rims on a car that just doesn't suit. Yes, of course we can all do what we want but we can also have opinions. My opinion is that factory 'styled' wheels (think Rallyes) are designed by car designers to compliment that car. Again, I like Chev Rallyes on a 69 Stingray because I reckon they just look right. I also reckon Pontac Rallye 2s look superb on any mid 60s Poncho because they just seem to be cohesive with that bold stacked headlight front and those sharp lbody lines. Spinner full wheel covers and 3" whitewalls on a 50s Caddy also look great, but a set of stylish big inch chrome 5 spokes are also gonna suit. I'll be taking your advice to go my own way. 

Now...who wants to start a new topic on dual exhaust tips? I'll start off:  I'm  deciding between angle cut 2.5" chrome, or straight round, with a rolled tip. Kinda leaning toward straight round, with like a 1" protrusion beyond the bumper.

Or, like this photo:

[64 kiwi boni]

well for me fitzy, i have tried all sorts over the years but now i like to hide my tail pipes... just for that smooth look, 

like i did with my camaro, i popped them down behind the rear wheel facing down but finished flush with the body line.

the Hq will be the same... over the diff and facing down behind the wheel flush with the rear quarter panel.

 so when i do skids the pipes push the smoke

 the bonneville has a factory 1 pipe system, which will be changed to a twin and i am thinking along the same path, shes got such a nice rear bumper, i dont want pipes showing there at all

[Wrongway]

Those would be great Fitzy! You could pack them with candy and launch it out during the parade for the kids or launch bowling balls at the car riding your bumper! 

[64 kiwi boni]

1 hour ago, Wrongway said:

Those would be great Fitzy! You could pack them with candy and launch it out during the parade for the kids or launch bowling balls at the car riding your bumper! 

[Fitzy]

Absolute GOLD!  Doesn't it make your blood boil when some jerk is behind you and just can't go fast enough? Australia is awash with speed cameras so these days I cruise at the limit or a little beyond just to help the flow of traffic, but there's always someone (normally in a 4 x 4) who has to parade his overpriced blingy piece of junk and show everyone why he paid so much for it. Whatever, dickhead. Where can I buy bowling balls in bulk?

[Fitzy]

17 hours ago, 64 kiwi boni said:

well for me fitzy, i have tried all sorts over the years but now i like to hide my tail pipes... just for that smooth look, 

like i did with my camaro, i popped them down behind the rear wheel facing down but finished flush with the body line.

the Hq will be the same... over the diff and facing down behind the wheel flush with the rear quarter panel.

 so when i do skids the pipes push the smoke

 the bonneville has a factory 1 pipe system, which will be changed to a twin and i am thinking along the same path, shes got such a nice rear bumper, i dont want pipes showing there at all

Yeah, right. I like advertising to the world that I have 2 functioning pipes. Once upon a time, your V8 was the only engine type to earn the privilege of a twin exhaust - now, every 3 cylinder hybrid shopping trolley comes with twin pipes. My GP has a factory twin exhaust and like your Bonnie, they curl down at the end just short of the bumper. It caused me some angst but as you may recall, I cut two neat apertures for my impending new twin exhaust in the bumper. I just gotta have those pipes showing. God, I sound like such a bogan! For any Stateside members, our 'bogan' is your 'redneck,' except worse!