Here's my dilema...I need rims for my new soon-to-be-ordered 35" General Grabber MT's. I know I want them to be 15x10. My problem is which rim do I go with?

By the way, my 1996 Bronco is black.

Black Steel - No one can argue the cool look of a set of black steelies like the AR767 or RockCrawlers. Plus, they're CHEAP and easy to maintain. Price is about $45.00-$50.00.

Chrome Steel - I've been looking at the Bart or Eaton all chrome steel rims. These are super stout and look sweet! Plus, they too are easy to maintain. Price is a little higher at $85.00/each.

Aluminum - These are always agood stand by and look good too, but the Illinois winters will destroy the finish. The price is up there a bit. Cheapest is about $100.00 all the way op to $175.00+.

Polished (Chrome) Aluminum - These look good, they're light, but the Illinois winters will destroy them in one season. I've had polished aluminum in the past and they lose about 1/2 their finish in one or two winters. They become dull. Other con is that they are expensive...about $100.00 to $200.00+.

I think I'm leaning towards the chrome steelies (Bart or Eaton). I get the strength of a steel wheel plus the good looks of a polished wheel. Yes, I know steel rusts, but steel is easy to maintain. All you need to do is stay on top of them.

What's everyone's opinions? Remember, I'm trying to keep cost down. I just bought a lift and still need to buy tires too.

 

I would agree with you to go with the Chrome Steelies. They will definatley hold up better, they won't have the bad ahbitof shedding the lugnuts that aluminim rims sometime have, plus they are much cheaper. I would definatley lean toward the chrome over the black rockcrawlers. The Black rims, Black Tires, and black truck might be a little Black overkill.

Good Luck

Murph

1982 Bronco 351M
2000 F-250 SuperDuty CC V-10

 

Bart wheels are marked mostly for "racing only"..suggest you ask others before buying, esp a local good guy tire or 4x4 shop that installs lifts and sells wheels.
i wanted the bart and others that had black powder coated/r chromed wheels for my 96 Bronco, but my main guy advised that the barts are not recommended

i ended up with aluminum because of the lighter weight to help reduce the total unsprung weight of the 32's.
i too agonized over this selection for a year
my son bought the black painted ARE wheels for his black f 150 4x4...still looks good, just like the nascar special anniversary edition wheels..(which are not the same pattern as our Bronco's_

 

Well, I did it. I just called up Tyres International and ordered a set of 35x12.50 General Grabber MT's ($125/each) on Daytona 15x10 rims ($47/each). These rims are identical to the AR767's or the RockCrawler rims. Anyway, the total including mounting, balancing, center caps, valve stems, and delivery was $822.00. Not too shabby, huh?

I actually ordered the chrome steel rims (not Bart or Eaton, but actually "Wheels Vintique"), but then changed my order to the Daytonas. I'm not much of a fan of chrome. My Bronco already has chrome bumpers, mirrors, and that panel on the tailgate. Eventually, I'd like to totally black the truck out. Anyone know where I can get black bumpers like the "Nite" trucks?

Thanks for the opinions.

 

I just like Black!!!

1978 F150 SC 351 C6 $1000
Soon to be Bronc owner!!
1969 Buick LeSabre 400
1941 Farmall "A"

 

If you have chrome rims try using the Mag 1 Aluminum wheel cleaner with the acid. I have been doing this for about 10 years on a set of chrome and it takes the rust, brake dust and road grime off with out even wiping. I wet the rims with a garden hose, spray on and about 15 seconds later rinse with the hose. It's amazing how easy this works. So far these rims are just about as shiney as when they were new. I think I have a pic of them , if I do I'll post it.


Alan
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95 C350-4x4,PSD,4-Door Bronco(Huh?),49K,auto,AIC,switched glow plugs,switched TC lock-up,4.10,Banks PowerPack,straight piped,Mobile-1 gearboxes,Rotella,BFG AT's 295/75/16

 

I put these rims on it in the spring of '91 and have sprayed them with acid about every 3rd wash since. It is not a close up but still shows the shine and there is still no rust in the seams. The pickup is a '76 4x4 shortbed 390 4v with 138k and a Hillsboro flatbed. It's starting to smoke now on a cold start up but still runs good.


http://www.acsol.net/~blackwlf/ford2.JPG
http://www.acsol.net/~blackwlf/ford4.JPG


Alan