questions about Rivieras

Will98D · 08-27-2002, 05:01 AM

I picked up 4 Rivieras yesterday; no nicks, curb rash or scratches at all. I assume they're for VWs, as they are 15 x 4.5 (~3.8" backspace) and I guess the size most 914 owners use is 15 x 5.5? Other markings on the back are a Patent Nr and "MEETS SEMA SPECS P-1". Anyhow (1) shouldn't they work OK with my Michelin 165-15 street tires, and (2) what different color combinations are there out there? Please post pics. Right now, the 5 pads, the center and the outer ring are all bright polished, and the rest is a dull grey aluminum.

JWest · 08-27-2002, 05:14 AM

They should be fine with 165s.

I have seen "as cast" like yours, black, and gold.

I have also seen the whole center (including the raised pads on the spokes) painted black with a polished rim - looks like a late model fuchs or cookie until you get close.

1bad914 · 08-27-2002, 06:07 AM

I had a set on my 1972 VW Karmann Ghia. They were fully polished, inside and out. Look at the link in my signature and you can see some pictures of them. I have a couple of upclose pics if you are interested.

Randy Davidson

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I think the ones in the pic in "914 wheels 101" are black-and-aluminum, which is one of the more common color schemes I've seen for Rivs. The "paddles" are raw metal colored, as are part of the center. The recessed areas are black.

Most 914 owners prefer 5.5x15 wheels, particularly with 914 offset (4-5") because you can fit wider tires on them under stock fenders. Chances are you'll be stuck with 165s on those wheels unless you flare the car...

--DD

toman · toman's Garage

hmmm, now I'm curious. I have these wheels with 195s on them, and they fit just perfectly under my rear fenders. Which size/ offset are these? Also, I've been thinking about fully polishing them. Anybody have some more detaled pics of some like this? I think they would look really cool!

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

There are a number of different Rivieras.

A novel thought--you could actually measure yours... Subtract a bit under 1/2" from the rim width that you can measure easily (because the lips of the rim are usually near 1/4") and that should tell you the rim width. Measure from the inner edge of the wheel (the part closest to the centerline of the car) to the wheel mounting plane to get your backspacing.

I'm betting your wheels are 5.5 x 15 with 4.5" backspacing...

--DD