New toy.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
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When I originally got it, it was a former Deputy Sheriff unit and was still brown and tan. People would come hammering down the road and see a brown Crown Vic with a spot light and you could almost see the rubber build up on the road. I eventually painted it black since it had black bumper covers. I thought it would look more discreet but looked MORE like a police can than when it was brown.
I'll admit I didn't worry about tickets driving it. I can't find any post paint pictures. Indiana won't let you own a car or truck with a unique police paint scheme if it's a 1994 or newer car.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
It is a nice ride being 2007 with under 30K, being silver and a front plate "Grandp's Ride" it is far from a cop car
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
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I recently got rid of a 2004 Ford Expedition that looked a LOT like an unmarked police SUV.. The wheels were mismatched so I painted them black but I like to leave the center caps natural. I've done that for years as it covers up brake dust. Nobody ever cut me off very often.
Just a little paint on the wheels and clean up the body cladding with a little spray paint.
Last edited by Ol' Grouch; Mar 3, 2026 at 06:57 PM. Reason: i kant spel wurth s durn
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From: Virginia
There are several salvage yards near me. Plus a company called "Auto Wheel and Rim" that can probably get me a new one. This 1 ton is at the bottom of their product range. The yard nearest me might have parts and another one a little farther away has some really old stuff. Over in Illinois is one yard that specializes in truck parts. I'm pretty sure they's have one there.
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From: Angier, NC
Some truckers do that when the dont have the money to do the non-seen wheels.
But they want all wheels to be ALUM for weight. Less weight of the truck empty the more cargo you can haul.
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
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The tires in back are different. Yes, they are aluminum, but the front tires are brand new with about 200 miles on them. The rear tires have plenty of tread but the sidewalls are heavily weathered and cracked. I plan to make this my toy/driver. I want to do it right. Yes, it's a one ton truck, but I'm old and don't want a hot rod, much, anymore.
I just heard from the truck delivering it. It's due in tomorrow morning.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
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I'm a firm believer in Benjamin Franklins admonition to "Fart proudly". In short, if you're going to do something, do it right.
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From: Angier, NC
I take it you checked for a spare, not that I know where they would put it but maybe that is where the other ALUM where is?
Still a cool truck even with 1 missed matched shoe
Dave ----
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
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True but if the rears were good for a year or so and that front wheel was that big an eye sore it is something that could be done.
I take it you checked for a spare, not that I know where they would put it but maybe that is where the other ALUM where is?
Still a cool truck even with 1 missed matched shoe
Dave ----
I take it you checked for a spare, not that I know where they would put it but maybe that is where the other ALUM where is?
Still a cool truck even with 1 missed matched shoe
Dave ----
I always spend more time on function rather than looks. The spare is laying in the bed. I didn't look at it. The owner said he tried to get a replacement but they are no longer available. I have better sources than him so I might be able to scare one up somewhere. It's functional as it is. There are a lot of jack leg repairs I want to clean up after I get the transmission sorted out.
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From: Virginia
I don't think that the wheels have much to do with hauling weight. Aluminum or steel the wheels are on the ground and don't affect the suspension. Makes about a popcorn farts worth of difference. Three things I do need though are good tires, good brakes and comfy shoes....
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2015
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I don't believe it's a good idea to have different weights of wheels on the same axle, it's called "unsprung weight", and affects
handling to an extent. I am also a firm believer in doing it right, it save time and money down the line.
You also don't want tires up front on a massive vehicle that cannot be trusted.
handling to an extent. I am also a firm believer in doing it right, it save time and money down the line.
You also don't want tires up front on a massive vehicle that cannot be trusted.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Angier, NC
All trucks and trailers had ALUM wheels for weight. He and drivers got paid per load so the more you could haul the more money everybody made.
My first truck with Pneumatic cement trailer at the house. 2nd truck was same body style newer year, glider and larger motor
Loaded was 79,500 lb just to be safe if scaled.
Steel 10,600 gallon LP trailer with ALUM wheels
I don't believe it's a good idea to have different weights of wheels on the same axle, it's called "unsprung weight", and affects
handling to an extent. I am also a firm believer in doing it right, it save time and money down the line.
You also don't want tires up front on a massive vehicle that cannot be trusted.
handling to an extent. I am also a firm believer in doing it right, it save time and money down the line.
You also don't want tires up front on a massive vehicle that cannot be trusted.
Dave ----
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 327
Likes: 183
I don't think that the wheels have much to do with hauling weight. Aluminum or steel the wheels are on the ground and don't affect the suspension. Makes about a popcorn farts worth of difference. Three things I do need though are good tires, good brakes and comfy shoes....
I retired from logistics. They make more difference than you might think. Besides being lighter, you have rotational mass as well as braking inertia to consider. Add in 100 pounds can make a difference between legal and over weight.
The toy arrived today.
It's in better shape than I thought. The transmission is definitely shot. It will move under it's own power, barely. I need at least one wheel as it has a spare tire but not on a wheel. I'm ordering parts to fix it up. Some are mechanical to repair mechanical faults and others are to make it just a bit nicer.
Here are some more photos when I rolled it home and started going over it.
Note the front drivers side wheel.