Looking for new rims...

[Cyanide]

Would these be any good, has anyone ordered from them before.
Any input would be great, Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8074940771&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr12_ PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

[Bigdogjim]

Yes there was a thread started on these a few days ago.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=27960

[GreekGod]

If they are cast and not forged (like OEM), they are a poor substitute.

[SergntMac]

If they are cast and not forged (like OEM), they are a poor substitute. IMHO, they would be fine for use on a daily driver. However, we have recently found out that these wheels are not clearcoated by the manfacturer, so, if you buy a set, there's a necessary stop at a paint shop before you install them on the car. I don't know what this would add to costs, may become a deal breaker.

[Breadfan]

You could probably get away with not clearing them, but you'd now be polishing your aluminum wheels rather than just cleaning them.

Is there any weight difference from the manufacturing process, i.e. cast vs forged? Or are these even identical copies in terms of weight? (We may not know...)

[GreekGod]

You could probably get away with not clearing them, but you'd now be polishing your aluminum wheels rather than just cleaning them.

Is there any weight difference from the manufacturing process, i.e. cast vs forged? Or are these even identical copies in terms of weight? (We may not know...)

That is my reason for caution. Forged aluminum should be much stronger than cast, especially with equal wall thickness. Forged should also tend to bend where cast would fracture.

That being said, if the DOT approves them (likely), they will function fine for a daily driver, as Mac has said.

[natedog1284]

You could probably get away with not clearing them, but you'd now be polishing your aluminum wheels rather than just cleaning them.

Is there any weight difference from the manufacturing process, i.e. cast vs forged? Or are these even identical copies in terms of weight? (We may not know...)

Very true. I've polished mine several times already, basically every time I go through a car wash. The soap they use seems to be a bit harsher, but mother's polish seems to do very well. They seem to do fine in the rain, no spotting or the like, at least as far as I have experienced. As far as weight goes, they seem to be very similar, and yes, they are DOT approved. Hope this helps.
-Nate

[Cyanide]

Thanks for the input guys, but now that you bring up the fact of strength, are these rims going to be a problem when I add more Horse Power?

The Marauder rims are what I beleive to be the Best looking, and will really give my car the stance I am after.

[GreekGod]

Wheel strength shouldn't be a factor in added hp to an MM. Unless you are going rockcrawling or impacting curbs attempting an escape from police or drug-dealer pursuit. ;)

[HwyCruiser]

Brand New 18x8" Mercury Marauder Style Polished Wheels (Set of 4)


Description:
You are bidding on a set(4) of brand new, 18x8" Polished Mercury Marauder style replica Wheels.

These wheels are identical aftermarket replicas made to exact factory specifications.

Our replica wheel is an exact match in finish and quality and a fraction of the price. Dealer price for one of these wheels is over $600!!

Check the fitment chart below for fitments.

Any fitment questions,
call toll free 1-866-745-RIMS.

Model:
18x8" Mercury Marauder Replica Wheels (3493)

Color:
Polished Aluminum Alloy


False advertising or just plain ignorance then?... also, are these the wheels that can't be widened? (because of being cast vs. forged?)

[GreekGod]

The Marauder wheel is in the Ford Racing Parts book. It retails for $400.

It may list for a different price in the regular Ford parts "book" as Ford Racing is allowed to price differently.

[STLR FN]

....what the legality is?

Brand New Made to Factory Specs
Exceeds DOT, TUV, JWL, & VIA standards
Structure: Cast Aluminum Alloy
Size: 18x8"
Bolt Pattern: 5x4.5"
Finish: Polished
Blank center caps are included. OE center caps will fit. Lugs not included, uses original factory lugs.Any ideas of anyone care to call them on it???
<!-- END SPECS -->

[SergntMac]

I don't believe these wheels are fit for widening, I would prefer to use the OEM forged. However, cast vs. forged present no other durability issues, other than resistance to pot-hole impacts. And, in this case, the forged wheel would bend where a cast wheel will break. The end result is the same, yes? A trashed wheel? I'd rather trash a cheaper wheel.

As far as durability under power, I can't see a problem here either. IMHO, if you have enough power at hand to shread a cast wheel, your tires would prolly shread first. Effective warning sign?

I have a set of OEM forged Marauder wheels that have the factory clear coat removed, and the wheel polished. I agree with Nate, car washes use a soap much to caustic to the bare aluminum. But, a bit of elbow grease and they look fine.

Wasn't my desired outcome of this experiment, but the clear coat was going yellow anyway, and it was worth the time and effort to explore a way around this dull and off color appearance. Polished, and without any dull/aged clearcoat, the naked OEM wheels look as good as my nickle plated wheels.

[GreekGod]

If they are ok'd by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and TUV (the very strict German equivalent of the DOT), you can be sure they are good wheels.

Claiming they are made to "factory specs" while disclosing they are cast is not being deceitful. It is modern advertising. They can say the "specs" are size, balance, bolt pattern, offset, backspacing, type of material, (cast and forged can both be aluminum) et cetera. J.C. Whitney does it on every page of their catalog.

Caveat emptor.