Alpina 14 inch wheels

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bavdog

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Hello all, I own a set of 4 Alpina wheels. These wheels were purchased many years ago with the intention of being mounted to my 72 Bavaria. Just wanted to get some feedback on what these are exactly, and are they worth refinishing and mounting.

Thanks, Bavdog iphone dec 2013 145.jpg
 
Those look like the 'real deal' 14X7s that came on the CSLs back in the day. Very desirable and definitely worth refinishing. They 'd look incredible on your E3.
 
Thanks Vince, thought they had to be near first generation Alpinas since they have the BMW logo and a '73 stamp on backside. Any idea what color silver is used or is that a question for Alpina, or does it matter? I assume they are painted and not clear.

Thanks again, Bavdog
 
Opinions vary on the specific silver. Some use Polaris others Porsche Silver others something close from Wurth. I cant say that I can tell the difference.
 
bavdog said:
Thanks Vince, thought they had to be near first generation Alpinas since they have the BMW logo and a '73 stamp on backside. Any idea what color silver is used or is that a question for Alpina, or does it matter? I assume they are painted and not clear.

Thanks again, Bavdog
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I had my Alpinas painted Polaris (Satin) and they came out very nice.
 
Chrysler LA2

I've used Chrysler LA2 "Silver Cloud" on my 14" Alpinas and years ago on Abarth wheels for a Fiat Spyder with good results. Available online from several sources.
 
Thanks all for the feedback. I live in Atlanta and have heard of a wheel repair shop called Wheel Wizard. I believe they clean, straighten and powdercoat. I assume powdercoat is the way to go if the two tone can be done properly. Any thoughts on a reasonable price for restoration?...I think Wheel Wizard just about has a monopoly here in Atlanta.
Thanks, Bavdog
 
I wouldnt powder coat because they have to heat them and this causes some concern over the resulting integrity of the wheel. Also difficult to touch up. I'd have them media blast, straighten, and prime them, then DIY with the Wurth silver and clear to finish them. Then they can be touched up later when the tire shop dings them mounting tires, or other casualties of use.

bavdog said:
Thanks all for the feedback. I live in Atlanta and have heard of a wheel repair shop called Wheel Wizard. I believe they clean, straighten and powdercoat. I assume powdercoat is the way to go if the two tone can be done properly. Any thoughts on a reasonable price for restoration?...I think Wheel Wizard just about has a monopoly here in Atlanta.
Thanks, Bavdog
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
bavdog said:
Thanks all for the feedback. I live in Atlanta and have heard of a wheel repair shop called Wheel Wizard. I believe they clean, straighten and powdercoat. I assume powdercoat is the way to go if the two tone can be done properly. Any thoughts on a reasonable price for restoration?...I think Wheel Wizard just about has a monopoly here in Atlanta.
Thanks, Bavdog
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Bavdog,

i also am in atlanta ... wheel wizard does a very good job.
 
Only problem with 14X7 Alpina's is finding decent performance tires these days. The correct tire for this size is 225/60-14 and this size has disappeared unless you want a tire that is for a muscle car. I had a set of Alpina's in this size and I traded them since I couldn't find decent tires for them to go on my former E3. Tire Rack doesn't even carry a H rated tire in 195 or 205 /70-14. 14" performance tires are going the way of the dinosaur in the U.S. market. I was lucky that I found a set of old school 15" 5X120 BBS RA wheels on a local craigslist. The tire selection between 14" and 15" is night and day. If you have deep pockets, you can always check out the tires at Coker Tire.

G-Man
 
G-Man said:
Only problem with 14X7 Alpina's is finding decent performance tires these days. The correct tire for this size is 225/60-14 and this size has disappeared unless you want a tire that is for a muscle car. I had a set of Alpina's in this size and I traded them since I couldn't find decent tires for them to go on my former E3. Tire Rack doesn't even carry a H rated tire in 195 or 205 /70-14. 14" performance tires are going the way of the dinosaur in the U.S. market. I was lucky that I found a set of old school 15" 5X120 BBS RA wheels on a local craigslist. The tire selection between 14" and 15" is night and day. If you have deep pockets, you can always check out the tires at Coker Tire.

G-Man
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negative, ...have you tried vredesteins ?:roll:
 
Another thing to consider, we generally do not put "daily driver" miles on our coupes.
Even expensive tires will last years
 
The price on Michelin XWX have dropped considerably at Coker. Now...not saying cheap but has closed the gap to the Vredesteins.

I jumped to staggered 16" Alpinas given the cost of over $600 a corner for the XWXs. Now at $450?...maybe I would have done otherwise.

Great tire and still the best look IMO.
 
Stan said:
Another thing to consider, we generally do not put "daily driver" miles on our coupes.
Even expensive tires will last years
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Yes you are correct but you have to start considering the age of the rubber and breakdown that occurs. Some tire shops won't work on 7 + year old tires.

Gary
 
Back in the day I nearly went off the Causeway bridge here when a dry rotted tire blew on my '72 Mustang convertible. Totaled it and the yellow paint marks on the guard rails remained for years as a reminder. As a result I never drive on tires more than a few years old.

bmwmadman said:
Yes you are correct but you have to start considering the age of the rubber and breakdown that occurs. Some tire shops won't work on 7 + year old tires.

Gary
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I agree Steve - specially on my coupe which sits more than it gets driven. I figure whatever I buy, either the sidewalls will rott or it will get to the age limit before it wears out.
 
Age limit

bmwmadman said:
I agree Steve - specially on my coupe which sits more than it gets driven. I figure whatever I buy, either the sidewalls will rott or it will get to the age limit before it wears out.
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Hmmm, now you have me thinking...
The tires on my car are old but I don't have the heat issue common to the south.
I keep the car in the garage out of the sunlight when not in use....
I had better check those dates anyway.
 
This is a tough topic

I got a set of vintage Michelins that were 15 years old when I bought a car a few years ago. They had a couple thou miles on them and the car had been in a climate controlled, windowless garage for all that time. These tires can be purchased today for over $400 each.

I used them about 1000 spirited miles (sometimes at speeds above the ton), but finally changed them out to go to wider/stickier rubber. Once dismounted, I inspected these old tires as best as I could (inside and out), and as far as I could tell the was no dry rot anywhere and the rubber felt grippy and flexible. There was no visible cracking, but some light oxidation on the sidewalls. I don't know if they are any good or not, but if they're bad then the deterioration must be internal.

I've kept one of them mounted as a spare tire, and I believe I could drive cross country and back on it without fear of age related failure.

I think the CW 6 year rule is just a generalization, to which there can be significant exceptions.
 
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