My kingdom for Panasport C8-17! (G7-C8S)

[BenFenner]

The tires came. I've measured them and it's going to be a tight fit out back. We'll see...

I've spent the last week or two selling my old wheels and tires since I won't be needing them anymore. I wasn't even really looking to sell them right now, but I got a lot of interest.
Oh, while I was messing with that, I also swapped my front hats for more camber (an E36 trick), realized it was more camber than I wanted and swapped them back. I also raised the rear a little bit by doubling up on spring pads (another BMW trick) in preparation for the 315s.

I won't be able to do anything about getting the tires mounted for at least a week, so look for updates next weekend at the soonest.

[lamsv]

315's out back? Oh lawdy! He done did it!

Can't wait to see tires on the wheels, wheels on the car.

[BenFenner]

That must have been a VERY happy moment when you opened up those boxes!

I was, I assure you. =]

And you're only an hour south of me! You should come to the upstate for some shows, I would love to see these babies in person!

I'll see what I can work out in the future. Be warned, you're more likely to see the car at VIR or other locals tracks, versus Cars and Coffee.



I've been planning on this day for a long time, and I have wheels of similar size on the car already, so I know I'm limited in tire choices. I thought I'd found some new stock of Kumho Ecsta XS tires in the coveted 295-35-17 size (lots of S2000, Z3, Supra, 300ZX, Factory Five folks looking for an auto-x tire in this size) but I was too late and they'd sold out. I'm not too upset, since it wasn't really my ideal tire anyway.

I found out that Nitto tends to run narrow (I'm used to owning performance tires that run wide) and after seeing a picture of a Nitto NT05 in 315-35-17 on a 10.5" wide wheel I was sort of convinced they would fit out back somehow. The car can take a 315 no problem, but not necessarily with the offset I ordered.

So, a set of 255 for the front and 315 for the rear from Amazon (free prime shipping lol) and I'm in the game. They arrive Wednesday. I'll get them mounted and report back soon.

[Strawhat]

Man I remember seeing this thread when it was first posted. I have a serious admiration for your resolve to find this unicorn set of wheels. And to get them brand spanking new must be an added plus. And you're only an hour south of me! You should come to the upstate for some shows, I would love to see these babies in person!

[lamsv]

That must have been a VERY happy moment when you opened up those boxes!

[BenFenner]

The wheels came this morning and everything looks good and the specs check out (only thing I haven't confirmed is the hub bore, but I'm confident they got it right).

Bear with me while I get a bunch of over-due updates posted to other forums. I'll get around to posting pics soon-ish. It may take some time, but I always deliver.

Sit tight.

[BenFenner]

Tracking numbers are in. They are due at my place Saturday.

[P78]

those are sick

let's hope today brings better news for you

[BenFenner]

I was told yesterday that FedEx would be there yesterday morning and I'd have my tracking number that day. No tracking number yet. Hopefully I'll get it today.

[lamsv]

Yes. Those rears are glorious!

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

Gorgeous. Those rears are phenomenal.

[BenFenner]

Rajeet called me last night and told me the wheels had arrived at their shop! They will be shipped out today and I'll have a FedEx Ground tracking number for them e-mailed to me.

He also sent 17 new pictures he just took, and it is like Christmas morning!

The Panasport center caps are ugly as sin, so they will not be installed. I'll figure something else out. The front wheels have almost no step because of the offset I ordered. Hopefully once I have them on the car I'll know what kind of brake clearance I really need, and if I can go a little wider to get some shape to those outer rims.

Those rears though!

Once I have these in my hands it will be such a relief!








I also plan on making good on my promise in my first post:

I'm so desperate I'm willing to offer a $200-$500 finders fee (depending on how well they match my needs) to anyone who can get these wheel centers in my hands.

So user Rally, I'll be in contact soon.

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[BenFenner]

Nope, not preggo yet. They still have time to beat that. I'm expecting to hear something from them very soon, or I will reach out to them and get an update. I'll see if I can resist until next week.

[rice4life]

Is your waifu preggo now?

Gratz man on the wheels and getting hitched! I've been rooting for you all of this time. It's been one hell of a roller coaster ride for these wheels hahaha.

[BenFenner]

I just spoke with Rajeet on the phone for a status update.
The union strike was not customs, it was the port workers. I'm told the wheels arrived at the port, and have cleared customs. Rajeet is now just waiting for them to get through the port and shipped to Apt. 9 Wheels in Santa Fe Springs, CA. He said the striking workers were working out their issues faster than expected and the wheels should be leaving the port within a week, two at the most.

It might be time to think about tires here real soon.