Rims for original Grand Prix GTP/Turbo?

Question

I have a 1995 Grand Prix special Edition. It has crazy wheels on it (+25mm offset) they are aluminum and leak like heck! I want replacements. 4BU body style coupe.

They are a 5X115mm bolt pattern (no, I don't consider 4.5 the same). Does anyone know of anywhere to get rims that meet these specs? Aside from looking stupid and inset, with regular GM rims on, the brake calipers go right through the rim spokes.

I have tried TireRack, and other sites, I'm looking for either an offset adapter (somewhere that machines custom ones) or some similar rims, plain old spacers won't work either, my studs aren't long enough and even if they were it wouldn't be overly safe to have that amount of stress on them.

Used rims on E-bay etc, isn't the best option since many of them have the same oxidation problems, losing air as well. I have considered reconditioning the rims, but have been quoted $600. Mine are the gold laced ones with the silver outside edge.

Answer 1

If the problem of loosing air is coming from the bead area of the rims, I suggest cleaning the bead area and using a bead of clear !00% silicone paste (sold in caulking tubes) around the bead area and mount the tire before the silicone dries. This remedy worked real well on steel rims when I had my shop.

Also check with www.gmpartsdirect.com

Answer 2

A problem that sometimes plagues alloy wheels is porosity leaks. When an alloy wheel is cast, microscopic pores and voids may be left in the metal that allows air to slowly leak out of the tire. High pressure casting techniques have reduced, but not entirely eliminated, this problem. So some alloy wheels are painted or coated on the inside to help seal the metal. If you’ve experienced this kind of problem, and your wheels are not coated or painted inside, they might need it.
Company we used for exchanging reconditioned factory wheels was--http://www.transwheel.com/
They do really excellent work and may have some suggestions on what to do for leaking wheels...could be bad valve stems or schraeder valves, bead seal leaking or porous rims.