Painted, or chrome?

[rsk289]

My car is as close as I can get to a showroom leafspring r/p 289, with a 5-bolt motor, aluminium T10 etc. etc. and is finished in plain black with black trim. I currently have chrome wire wheels on it, but am wondering whether it might look better, or at least more ‘as originally supplied’ with painted silver wheels. Any thoughts?

[Armrer]

Have 2 sets. Chrome & silver painted. Problem solved ; D

[rsk289]

That’s pretty much where I was headed, really...
I quite like the ‘low bling’ look on a street car

[LMH]

They could come either way if optioned with chrome wheels. So as far as that goes, either way is purist safe! Personally, I think Armrers car looks better with painted wheels but it’s all personal opinion.
Larry

[peterpjb]

maybe there are more than two possibilities.

1. bling street version:
chrome wheels, chrome between bumpers

2. cool street version:
painted wheels, bumper only

3. smooth race version
FIA/KB wheels silver, chrome quick jacks, chrome rollbar

4. badass race version
FIA/KB wheels black, black quick jacks, black rollbar

my2c

[krausewich]

I know many guts will churn at this, but maybe try the plastidip approach with black to see if you like it.. it can always be removed. Painted streetcar wheels look pretty kick ass!

MK

[rsk289]

Went with the silver in the end. As the rim is less shiny, it is easier to see the inset spokes, giving the wheel a wider look. These are modern MWS (Dunlop India) wheels.

I also like painted wheels - I am in the middle of restoring an XK140 (rear wings at back of photo!) which is an SE (MC in American), i.e. with C-type head, matching numbers car. Virtually all SEs were delivered new with 54-spoke wire wheels painted body colour, which is what mine will get. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) mine was one of the very rare few that was delivered from new with chrome wires, but I don't like them on an XK so painted it will get. Thinking light grey car, dark blue leather and hood and dark blue wire wheels...

[Armrer]

Beautiful hanger, Roger. Quite the toy box ; )
Painted wires on the Cobra are understated, yet dynamite.

Well done, Sir-

J

[Alfa02]

As Armer, said, beautiful unstated 289 Slabside. Painted wires on your Black car, look's just right (Too much bing with Chromes ) Thanks Roger for posting the picture. As a another owner of a 289 Slabside, I have come to really like the look's of them (3-month ownership). I also own a Wide-body 427so Street (BRG) Cobra. The two are so different in every way, the 289 Slabside is a Happy Car, We call it the "Picnic car" where in the 427 look's like it would kill anything or anyone within striking distance Also people are more inclined to think it's a real car (A lot less Slabside cars here in the states), and yes, I touch the bumper, and say "yes, it's a real car ". Have fun with the Jag build, Cheers Tom.

[rsk289]

Thanks for the nice words, chaps - glad you like the toybox, the photo only shows about a third of it...
here's a little Jag taster from the room next door:

[xb-60]

Roger, what about starting a build thread for the XK140 on Club Cobra?
Traffic here on CC has slowed a little lately, and we need new build threads!!

Cheers,
Glen

[t walgamuth]

The painted silver looks very nice.

I am not sure what would have been on there originally but polished aluminum rim with stainless spokes looks very good to me.

For myself I would probably just go with some sort of aluminum wheel, probably a traditional five spoke american style.

I'd want the lightest wheel possible for good ride and handling.