105 GTV 2000 wheels

[Dan H]

Hi

I've just recently bought myself a '74 GTV 2000 to use as a daily driver.  The car came with a set of aftermarket mags which aren't my sort of thing but came with the original steel wheels.  The wheels need a bit of work so I'm getting them sandblasted and primed ready to paint - does anyone know what colour silver was originally used or can anyone recommend something that is pretty close?  I'm thinking that I'll probably use 2 pack - should last a bit better.

I suppose the next question is whether anyone can recommend some decent tyres?  The car isn't modified and I'm unlikely to take it onto the track (at least for the memoent!).

cheers
Dan

[Gary Pearce]

Dan, there is not any real colour code for the wheel colour silver. I needed to do a bit of experimentation before I came up with a colour that pretty much happens to match the shade used on most current mag wheels. A sort of brushed silver shade two pack with a heavy clear coat over the top. Your welcome to check mine sometime if you wish.
As for tyres if you want to stay traditional you can't beat Michelin ZX or even XAS, but more modern Yokohama 352, dunlops or Pirelli P600 are good too.

[1750GTV]

Hi Dan,
My spare wheel is a standard steel wheel and is a grey colour - it's never been used in the life of the car and I guess is an original colour.
As for tyres, I put a set of Yokohama S306 195/70 R14s on a while ago and they seem OK.
BTW, my car doesn't get driven much and never in the wet.
Regards,
Chris

[Davidm1600]

Hi Dan

Like the others I think the correct silver colour is a bit of a guessing game and perhaps, simply go with what you reckon looks good in comparison to the body colour.  Re tyre choice, different people seem to have different experience.  I tried Hankooks on my 1750 GTV, not bad in the dry but hopeless in the wet.  I then went to Pirelli P6000s and have been rapt in them. I also have Pirelli P600s on my Fiat 124 sport.  The ytres on my GTV havn't worn badly though some people have suggested otherwise. The Michelins are good as are so I have been told the Yokohamas.  It is also worth also considering tyre size.  Some people who like the steel wheels tend to go for narrower and taller ones, 165x70x14 saying that this suits the 105s characteristics.  I am not so sure I would agree but then my car is also on alloys and I prefer a firmer ride.  My setup is 195x55x14, with Koni yellows.  On steels though I wouldn't go beyond a 185x60x14. You could always talk to the tyre shop to see what they might recommend.  Cheers Dave

[pep105]

Theres a reference on the Alfa BB that recommends BMW Polaris Silver as a good wheel colour. Theres a few threads on it with some feedback.
My steel wheels were already done when I bought the car and look great. As for tyres Im running Michelin Energy XM1 in 195/60R14 and find them to be grippy and quiet - a great road tyre for daily driving

Cheers
Pep

[Thmpar]

Toyo are the go as far as the best thing available at the moment at work 90 % of our sales are toyo.
Same quality as Michelin and Pireilli but are half the price.
they are that good im putting set on my car for the misses and kids to drive,and our manager is doin the same.

[Pete Y]

I have heard plenty of unsatisfactory things about Yokohama wet performance.

The Michelin Energy XAS? thats available in a 185/14 looks excellent on a 105 with steels and has good all round performance. Michelins tend to last a while too.

[Dan H]

Thanks for the responses - I had a bit of a feeling that the silver colour might be more trial and error than a precise science!  I'll have a chat to my local tyre place to see if they have any thoughts on tyres too.  Seems like the choice has at least been narrowed down a bit.