Introducing a new wheel: The Boyd Coddington "1bad91Z" - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:31 AM

Over the last 3 months, I've been working with Boyd Coddington Jr. at Genuine Boyd Wheels to develop a 17 inch, more modern, polished, billet version of the 1991-1992 Z-28 wheel. I've had this idea in my head since I bought my '91 Z over 10 years ago. The dream finally became a reality!

We took the 5 spoke center and enlarged the spokes by one inch. Then set it in a soft-lip, deep dished hoop. Next, the valve stem got moved to the back of the wheel. The center cap is two pieces. The outer ring of the cap is ball-milled with the Boyd Coddington logo signatures. The center hex nut screws onto the wheel (holding the outer ring tight). A friend of mine works at a machine shop and I had his CNC guy ball-mill Camaro into the center of the hex nuts using a newer style font.

The rear wheels are 17x10 (11 inches overall from outer lip to outer lip) backspacing is 6.25 inches, with Nitto 555R Drag Radials (315/35/17).
The front wheels are 17x8 (9 inches overall from outer lip to outer lip) backspacing is 4.5 inches, with Nitto 555 street (245/45/17).

I think they turned out pretty nice!

It may take awhile for these to be available to the public, so be patient if you are interested in a set....

Enjoy!

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1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:32 AM

Tires...

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:33 AM

Tucked

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:35 AM

It was getting dark when I took the pics of the car, I'll have better pics soon!

Stephen · 07-15-2009, 12:42 AM

Not as exciting as I had hoped.

IMHO, but too much bling/polish. Maybe with the inset grooves painted black or something.....?

I'm just not feeling it. To me, just an enlarged stock wheel.

Sorry dude. I'm just really disappointed in it. And to think, I gave you so much grief over not showing it off.

If it had been a 18" GTA crosslace wheel, I KNOW of people that are lined up, ready to buy.

Intrepid781 · 07-15-2009, 12:43 AM

Wow those looks awesome! Great job on the design, have any guesstimate on how much a set would cost?

CharcoalBird · 07-15-2009, 12:47 AM

I don't know how I feel about them(this is the 3rd time i've edited and everytime I go back and look I have mixed feelings on them.) That's cool you got a bigger set made. Do you plan to leave it as is or paint it like the stock wheels were?

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Not as exciting as I had hoped.

IMHO, but too much bling/polish. Maybe with the inset grooves painted black or something.....?

I'm just not feeling it. To me, just an enlarged stock wheel.

Sorry dude. I'm just really disappointed in it. And to think, I gave you so much grief over not showing it off.

If it had been a 18" GTA crosslace wheel, I KNOW of people that are lined up, ready to buy.

Well, an enlarged stock look is what "I" was going for. Similar to all the people that put the larger aftermarket IROC wheels on their cars. These people including myself appreciate the stock design, but would like to run a bigger tire. Since my car isn't an IROC, it's a 1991 Z-28, I wanted my wheel to look year correct.

Cheers

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Do you plan to leave it as is or paint it like the stock wheels were?

I may paint (the center of the hex) black and leave the Camaro in silver. Still up the air about it.

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Wow those looks awesome! Great job on the design, have any guesstimate on how much a set would cost?

You'll have to call Genuine Boyds for that. I'm not sure if they have the final pricing yet.

tony_cogliandro · 07-15-2009, 02:16 AM

i like boyd - was a drag he died. liked his tv program too. all his people are now with one of his old hands - foose. but i thought his x-wife - who was the accountant on the show - owned the wheel division.
he had a talent for the show cars.
frankly a tricycle wheel would look good on your car.
but i have to agree that there is a little too much bling on it. it needs to have some of that chrome look softened. maybe a little paint, or something to dull out the shine a little.
i like the size of the rim - but i need to see more rubber filling out the wheel well. but the 315's look nice and wide.
but you have one of the finest cars i have ever seen, new wheels or not.

92RS(real slow) · 07-15-2009, 02:19 AM

hmmm looks good but I agree with stephen to flashy, and like he said we need crosslaces I would deff be In line for a set

ZONES89RS · 07-15-2009, 02:44 AM

Bout damn time. I love it, looks sick as hell. You went larger, i am going wider

longmire92RS · 07-15-2009, 03:17 AM

I will say this "I AM BESIDE MYSELF TO SEE THIS WHEEL!!"..lol

I myself called a guy in California a couple months back to talk about this design. I love the stock wheels i have, but would have loved to get it a tad bigger, wider and with a dish. LOL..i just didnt have 20 Grand sitting around to have a minnimum of 4 sets made.

I was going to go with a set of 4th Gen. 10 Spoke SS Wheels, but now i know what wheel im waiting for!! I'll most likely go with a polished lip and maybe a medium silver center with black cap. All with a 1 inch drop and im a happy camper!!

GOOD looking Z dude!! Cant wait till they are out on the market!!

Ca[maro]88 · 07-15-2009, 03:28 AM

everyone must be a little coo-coo. i love them. i ALWAYS loved the 91-92Z wheels. that looks great,and still keeps the car somewhat original. def the only guy (that i know of) that has those wheels. hence the term one-off. they look great dude, but i would def make the black in the center lines and that 'CAMARO'. i think itd be the icing on the cake.

GREAT job though

InfernalVortex · 07-15-2009, 04:36 AM

I love these.... I'll buy a set if there anywhere near affordable... but I'm doubting they are.

My only problem is Im not a huge fan of chrome. There's no way they can just have a machined aluminum finish? Like the Ronals? I love these... not only are they 17 inches and look classy, they've got a deeper dish to them which is my biggest problem with the 91-92 wheels. They just look kinda crappy that way. The deep lip really sets it off, plus they're wider than stock and that's very nice.

ellocojorge · 07-15-2009, 04:38 AM

wheel looks great, althought i would have prefered 18s, and have the wheel satin with a chrome, or polised lip, but that just me.

i agree with the guy that if someone made some 18s in gta wheels, they would sell like hot cakes, (the yearone bandit snowflake wheels are about as close as we are to that though)

Kevman · 07-15-2009, 06:58 AM

I've never been a fan of the 91/92 wheels, but those are gorgeous.

one92rs · 07-15-2009, 07:25 AM

all i want to do is go wider also. those look kick a**.

Firebat · 07-15-2009, 09:10 AM

That's awesome you got this done. Does B.C. work with making custom sizes and offsets for the customer? Just wondering because the 4th gen community might want these wheels also.

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 10:37 AM

THanks for the compliments and constructive criticism. It all comes with the territory of trying to be "different" I guess.

I specified the backspacing, dimensions, etc.... I'm sure they could make them in different backspacing, sizes, etc... Everything is possible with $$$ and patience. You'd have to ask them about that though.

I don't know about the 18's though. I think this design wouldn't look right in 18 inch.

I do agree that they need a "little" something to soften the polished billet look (they are not chrome). I think maybe using a factory center cap's black center medallion epoxied to the center of the new hex nut might do the trick..... Any photoshop guys in here?!!

89ROC-Z · 07-15-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z

Well, an enlarged stock look is what "I" was going for. Similar to all the people that put the larger aftermarket IROC wheels on their cars. These people including myself appreciate the stock design, but would like to run a bigger tire. Since my car isn't an IROC, it's a 1991 Z-28, I wanted my wheel to look year correct.

Cheers

1000%

Hence the reason i'm putting 17" IROC's on my car. And in the future i could always widen them to 9".

Those rims look SICK man! I however like them ALL polished like you have them. A black car either needs all chrome/polished Al, a black inner with polished lip, or all black. just my

I think us guys that are REALLY into our cars are all alike. No matter the $$$$$, we'll do what we want to them to make em awesome. My car has almost turned into a passion for me

greatpumpkin_68 · 07-15-2009, 11:03 AM

1bad91z, what are the chances that you will be doing an 87 style wheel? i have always thought it would be cool to do a larger size with the original style finish on them.. not all the chromed out bling bling stuff. original.. only larger. like 18's and 19's.. or 19'2 and 20's. i would bet that there would be a pretty good market for them. i know that i would be interested!

greatpumpkin_68 · 07-15-2009, 11:05 AM

very nice wheels by the way.

Sickness91Z28 · 07-15-2009, 11:14 AM

Absolutely love the idea of a 91-92 wheels in a larger diameter...I would have loved a set of those in the 19/20 combo. Anyhow, they look really good on your car.....but I think your car would look even better lowered with those wheels

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 11:16 AM

THanks!

I agree, eventually the car will get bagged....

There are already companies that make 17's, 18's, 20's IROC wheels. All you would have to do is send them to A1 Wheel and they will re-machine it to look like the factory finish. Just an idea if you are looking for larger IROC replicas...

esc · 07-15-2009, 11:19 AM

They do look nice.

A little to SHINY for my taste (says the man with black on black wheels).

I do have some concerns about the rear back spacing. You shouldn't have to take a BFH to your car to fit a 10" wide rim.

I'm also a little disapointed that the fronts are not wider. My 17x9's (275-40) in front rub less than the factory 16x8's (245-45) did. So I wonder why you didn't go wider in front?

Slave One · 07-15-2009, 11:21 AM

Man Mike, those are absolutely GORGEOUS! Well worth the wait! I too am in love with the 91-92 Z28 wheels and its nice to finally see someone take them a step further!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellocojorge

... and have the wheel satin with a chrome, or polised lip ...

Same thing I was thinking. I, personally, would prefer a stockish satin center (maybe gunmetal) with a polished lip. Just a "tad" too bright for me... but hey, I aint putting you down one bit man, different strokes for different folks

And besides, for those who dont like the current look of Mike's wheels, I'm sure if enough people showed interest in them, GBW would offer variations on the finish.

Cant wait to see these in person, IF we dont get rained out that is

BTW, Thanks for the Flowmaster and the shop recommendation Mike! Took good care of me right away and she looks GREAT!

92 Camaro · 07-15-2009, 11:40 AM

been waiting for something like this! are they selling them now and do they come in other finishes?

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 01:12 PM

Didn't go wider in the front due to wanting less weight / less rolling resistance.

I'm not sure if they will make them in different finishes. That would be a question for the MFG.

With having a black car, I wanted something that was bright. I'm pretty pleased with them!

Ca[maro]88 · 07-15-2009, 01:17 PM

hes says their not selling them off the assembly line yet.maybe never, but you could prolly talk to boyd and get some made. im sure that'd make 1bad91z a little ticked since he wont have the only 91-92z 10" wheels made anymore

1ATony · 07-15-2009, 01:21 PM

See I like when people do something like this.It looks like a wheel that GM should have made but didn't

Polished aluminum wheels always look good IMO.Nice work

Neil · 07-15-2009, 02:25 PM

Dude, those look very nice!!! I agree with 1ATony, GM should have made these back in the day. As far as breaking up the look of your wheel, I wouldn't. Of course it's totally up to you, but I imagine if you wanted it that way you would have already had it done.

My wheels are all polished with no paint and one might perceive them as having too much "bling" but that is the look I was after and obviously you as well. I like the polished look and it definitely sets off your car, good job. Can't wait to see them in person!

Now, I have a set of Eibach sport line springs for the rear if you are interested? At least they will drop the rear temporarily until you get your Air Ride setup. Just a thought.

When it comes time to polish those wheels, the Mothers Powerball works awesome! I bought one to try it out and it's super easy.

Stephen · 07-15-2009, 02:31 PM

If you wanted to test the idea of painting the grooves black, you could go buy a roll of black pinstriping.

For a black center, any vinyl shop could easily cut you a black circle to fit, or just a square piece of black vinyl, then you can hand cut them with scissors, to get them close enough for you to look & decide.

Don't like the black? No problem....Just peel the vinyl back off & your done!

1ATony · 07-15-2009, 02:36 PM

Yes the Mothers Mini Ball with the aluminium polish works well.I have Welds on my car and they cloud up at the hint of rain.lol
I haven't tried this but I've read if you hit them with a corn startch paste after the mothers polish it'll make them like a mirror.I might try this.

Back to that wheel.It's cool because it's a classic wheel for that car that won't go out of date,it'll look cool 20 yrs from now.

Ca[maro]88 · 07-15-2009, 02:37 PM

you said it was gonnna be on boyds site didnt you? is there a link to it by chance? i searched boyds site and really couldnt find it. maybe it isnt up yet..

Tony89GTA · 07-15-2009, 02:48 PM

Wow I'am definitely impressed with your choice in wheel! Just a little black in the spokes and they would look perfict.

I'am glad the wheel backspacing size worked out for you, those are some meaty tires in the back.

885speed · 07-15-2009, 05:35 PM

I LOVE IT!

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

you said it was gonnna be on boyds site didnt you? is there a link to it by chance? i searched boyds site and really couldnt find it. maybe it isnt up yet..

I rushed getting the car half-way cleaned up last night and when I took the pics, it was slightly after 8pm and getting dark quick. I'm going to take more pics in better lighting and send some better pics to Boyd. Once I get them sent, he said it would take his web guy a few days to get the pics up on the site.

InfernalVortex · 07-15-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z

THanks for the compliments and constructive criticism. It all comes with the territory of trying to be "different" I guess.

I specified the backspacing, dimensions, etc.... I'm sure they could make them in different backspacing, sizes, etc... Everything is possible with $$$ and patience. You'd have to ask them about that though.

I don't know about the 18's though. I think this design wouldn't look right in 18 inch.

I do agree that they need a "little" something to soften the polished billet look (they are not chrome). I think maybe using a factory center cap's black center medallion epoxied to the center of the new hex nut might do the trick..... Any photoshop guys in here?!!

I'd rather them just make them the same way the factory made them. Would leave a smooth (polished if they like) face to teh spokes, and the sides of the spokes would have a rough finish that would break up the bling factor a lot. But most people tend to like the super shiny chrome wheel look so it probably wouldnt sell so well. I'd like a set in hyper black or something... taht would look amazing. With a polished lip... yum.

1bad91Z · 07-15-2009, 06:13 PM

Bad lighting, but here's another pic of the car...

bitchin_buick · 07-15-2009, 07:00 PM

Love the chrome, shiny as hell rims! I got a set of cragars on my 91'bird and couldn't be happier! And to boot at least your wheels are along the lines of being stock. Nice work

No dissapointments here!

greatpumpkin_68 · 07-15-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bad91Z

THanks!

All you would have to do is send them to A1 Wheel and they will re-machine it to look like the factory finish. Just an idea if you are looking for larger IROC replicas...

that's cool.. i will keep that in mind. thanks!

draco · 07-15-2009, 08:25 PM

I love the stance. But I agree with the others, it needs something else. I was thinking the center cap on those style wheels had a black inlay? I'm sure that would help a ton!

jensen73110 · 07-15-2009, 08:30 PM

I dislike factory wheels, so I don't like these either. But, I don't have to like them. As long as you're happy.

On the other hand, the car kicks @$$.

Orr89RocZ · 07-15-2009, 08:41 PM

I think 18's would have been just as nice and still work with the design but that looks very nice.

Do like the stock design in a larger size, the only thing I would change is paint the grooves in the wheel spokes Black like Irocz wheels. Give it abit more break up and work with the center cap

Other than that, awesome.... really look nice on that car. I'm not a huge fan of the polished billet type wheels (gunmetal on my car haha) but those do look nice for 91-92 Z's

Stephen · 07-15-2009, 09:08 PM

You were asking for a Photoshop of your car before, right?

Rockyd · 07-15-2009, 09:28 PM

hey i have the chromed iroc reps and i was a little nervous about being to flashy but i love what you have done i would love to have a set maybein 18s like my irocs though

btw more pics please

InfernalVortex · 07-15-2009, 11:39 PM

Everyone saying to paint the lines... the stock 91-92 wheels didnt have hte lines painted (unless it was along with the other parts to match the body color) and they looked fine. I think what's missing is the stock 91-92 wheels had rough, unfinished metal in those grooves taht looked visibly different from the face of the spokes. It goes a long way towards breaking up the lines. You dont need to paint them, just make sure they dont polish in the grooves.

1bad91Z · 07-16-2009, 12:39 AM

IMO, the wheels look better in person than in the pics, the flash made them look a bit brighter than what they look like in person. But, they are polished billet aluminum wheels which are bright to begin with and that is the look I was going for. I'm going to try a find an extra factory center cap to hack up (hopefully not my originals) in order to pry off the center black medallion, then double-sided tape it to the new wheel's center hex nut to see what it looks like. I'll post pics when I find a spare factory center cap.

Stephen - thanks for the photoshop work. I think the 17 inch "bear" wheels look better on my car than the crosslace wheels would look.

I do have a "Camaro" and I personally think the Crosslace wheels look better on Firebirds. But thanks for the suggestion.