New Cobra Wheels

kingbone · #1 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 04:57 PM

I currently have a beautiful silver Unique 427 which I absolutely LOVE- except for one thing. I do not like the shiny silver Compomotive bolt-on wheels. I have looked into Trigo's but have been told I would need to shorten the axle and make some other adjustments, resulting in about $5,000 worth of work. My other consideration was to get black centers for my Comps. Any suggestions? Are the Trigo's worth 5 GRAND? I will spend it if I have to- they do look awesome. Thanks.

GeorgiaSnake · #2 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 05:13 PM

King
I was disscussing this very subject with Alan Weaver today. Seems that the adaptor plates are the problem. They take up a bit of space. I think your guess of $5000 is a bit high. You might want to call Alan and get some ideas.
I have not bought wheels yet and would be interested in buying yours if you make the switch and they are the correct backset for a Unique FIA car. Drop me a note.
Randy

SCOBRAC · #3 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 05:39 PM

My compomotives are black inside, like Trigo's. They need to have the outer ring polished from age and the former owners lack of attention but can be polished out easily. You can have them for $800. + shipping That includes a set of 235/60-15 and 295/50-15 euro T/A's that would be good for a smoke show..

BevanWright · #4 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 05:55 PM

Couldnt you paint the centres black?

decooney · #5 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 07:13 PM

Kingbone,

on my last Unique 427SC Cobra, I did exactly what you are considering: converted from bolt-ons to Trigo pin-drive/hub wheels. I had bolt on PS Engineering wheels and wanted to to go Trigo pin drive wheels; with the 5-pin adapters.

Here is "possibly" the issue that Alan Weaver is alerting you to. The Unique 427SC cars have a 55" rear for the cars originally equipped with bolt-on wheels. The Trigo equipped cars have 52.5" rears. (hub to hub) In order to get your Unique to sit and look correct with the Trigos with what i call the "tucked in and squat look", you'll need to narrow the rear. Its a bit of work. I've done it, and it was worth it to me at the time. Steps: 1) shorten lower control arms 2) build shorter half-shafts 3) relocate upper shock mount plate eyehole 3/4" inward or the car will sit too high (no shock adjustment left) 4) adjust rear trailing arms to be shorter 5) could replace U-joints with spicers while you have the half-shafts out. 6) service all other bearings and shim parts while you have it all apart...

Like I said, its a lot of work. If I had to do it again, I would just send the 55" rear to Unique, pay the difference and swap them for a 52.5" rear if they'll do it.. a lot less time and effort.

When it was all said and done, my car just looked right to me at the time. It also helps to accentuate the rear fender flares more, which looks cool. Now I look back and see several cars with really nice bolt-on wheels these days (including Compomotive), and think that painting your wheels is a much easier option to consider. If you are in the state of mind that I was in at the time and just have to have the Trigos, see if Unique will make the differential exchange plus cash for you.

The only other advantage I found in doing the narrowing yourself is it gives you the chance to build some really meaty 3" tube half-shafts with Spicer ends that are capable of handling more horsepower, and are much safer too.

Good Luck.

George Snyder · #6 (**permalink**) 01-20-2003, 08:00 PM

kingbone,
http://www.imagewheels.co.uk/pages/painted.html
centers can be factory painted. I have GTD5s

coosawjack · #7 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 04:49 AM

kingbone.....

I got some nice bolt ons from Team III!! They look a lot like Halibrands at half the price.

Check them out at www.team3wheels.com

Jack

PS: Pix available if you like....email me!

dscott · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2003, 08:30 AM

scobrac, What is the offset on the wheels? I may be interested if they will fit. You can give me a call if you like, 1-888-722-6272
Don

kingbone · #9 (**permalink**) 01-22-2003, 04:58 PM

I want to thank eveyone for their input and advice. I think I am going to try black centers on my Compomotives and see what I think. If that does not cut it, I am going with the Trigo's.
Kingbone

wizard · #10 (**permalink**) 01-22-2003, 07:32 PM

KB
I have a friend with Black Centered Compomotives and I've tried for over a year to talk hime out of them . They look great and he wouldn't budge. I didn't want to shell out for a new set so I opted for the team III which should arrive next week. Can't wait Good luck - The Wiz

Rick Bagley · #11 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 03:13 PM

KB,

On the Trigo's, you have to change to Carrera Coilover Shocks if you havn't done so. There is a clearance problem when you shorten things up. My two cents worth, try a really nice paint job on the existing wheels, nothing ventured nothing gained.

chirodale · #12 (**permalink**) 01-23-2003, 08:58 PM

I've got a set of the Compomotive wheels on my Shamrock Cobra and they have black centers and I love them. I've looked at the Team III wheels and talked with the owner of the company and he's working on a spinner that covers the lug nuts and looks just like the original halibrand pin drive wheels. I can't wait to see them. Good luck on the painting.

SCOBRAC · #13 (**permalink**) 02-23-2003, 04:01 PM

Trigo's are not worth 5k.. in fact they are not worth $3300 (once you pay the tax, shipping and put on tires) I found out friday that my trigo's don't fit.. Can't send them back one you mount tires.. Turns out that with tires "used" trigo's are worth maybe $2500.. AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH

I suggest you look at PS Engineering at 310.534.4977...

Excaliber · #14 (**permalink**) 02-23-2003, 04:29 PM

One word.

PAINT!

Ernie