Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
#1
Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
I originally had no intention of getting rid of the factory 16s, they were in great shape however they needed some new tires and after looking, I wasn’t really happy with the tire choices. The Hawk’s wheels were an easy choice, it looks great when taking a classic good looking wheel as the cross lace wheels were and updating them to a “modern” size. It really updates the car while keeping the original vibe, it’s amazing how big a 17” wheel looks on these cars. I ordered the wheels directly from Hawk’s website, at under 900$ for a set, I considered that a good deal for a brand new set of wheels, especially given these are somewhat of a low volume item in regard to production. They actually still feel pretty light, not something common with a lot of aftermarket reproductions. We initially had an issue with the first set, the shades didn’t exactly match, some lighter, some darker and one of the wheels had chipping on the coating. I emailed Bruce directly and he got it taken care of, refunding me the cost of shipping them back and covering the shipping on the new set. You can’t ask for more, I don’t expect Hawk’s to take out each wheel, inspect them, make sure they match and repackage, etc. I feel it was the manufacturer QC to blame, and Hawks unfortunately got caught in the middle. But they took care of it none the less and stood behind the products they offer.
The measure of any company’s character isn’t when things are going right, it’s when things go wrong and how they handle it. Bruce and the folks at Hawks did everything to make right. I felt this was worth mentioning rather than omitting as many would as a testament to their commitment to customer service.
Before, factory springs with the 16" wheels.
On to the after pictures, the car has Koni’s with Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs. They were just installed, so I don’t believe they have completely settled out.
The measure of any company’s character isn’t when things are going right, it’s when things go wrong and how they handle it. Bruce and the folks at Hawks did everything to make right. I felt this was worth mentioning rather than omitting as many would as a testament to their commitment to customer service.
Before, factory springs with the 16" wheels.
On to the after pictures, the car has Koni’s with Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs. They were just installed, so I don’t believe they have completely settled out.
Last edited by Neil350; 06-09-2017 at 02:31 AM.
#2
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Car: 91 Firebird
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
Wow, the gold really pops against that red.
I gotta start saving up some money for a set for my 'bird.
I gotta start saving up some money for a set for my 'bird.
#4
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Car: '87 FIREGOOSE!!!!
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
That car right there (color) is what got me falling in love with GTA's back in the day. I looked for months for one that color, none were for sale at the time. The Eibachs and 17's in GTA wheels look amazing, car really sets off.
#5
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
What was really weird is, the first F-body I looked at in '00, was another 89 L98 GTA in this EXACT color and interior combination. We passed because it had to many miles at the time and I ended up getting the 93 in my signature. So it was kind of weird almost 17 years later, the third gen I get is the same combo as that car was.
#7
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
Judging from outset it would appear they are more of a yellowish gold than factory. But at the same time, the factory wheels are almost 30 years old. So it's some what difficult to tell, they do appear to be a lighter shade than factory.
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#8
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Car: 1987 Trans am GTA
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
they do look really good, and I don't think the flame red should have any other color rim under it. hopefully next year after a new paint job I will be getting a new hawks set.
#9
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
What kind of tires did you end up going with? 275 all the way around?
#11
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
When I told some folks I bought a GTA the first thing they said was, the one with the gold wheels? I like the original gold wheels, remind me of old school BBS wheels from the 80s. The entire car does kind of have an 80s drug dealer vibe to it.
#12
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Car: 92 Formula 350
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
Your car looks great! I really need to get the black version of those for my car.
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
How much drop is that ? Could you pass along the part numbers ?
Ok found the spring numbers. My question is what am I getting into ?
Springs and alignment ? What else ?
Changing panhard bar in rear ?
If its just the springs Im ok with that but much more on my low mileage ride Ill pass.
Please explain what you did after the wheels and springs ?
Ok found the spring numbers. My question is what am I getting into ?
Springs and alignment ? What else ?
Changing panhard bar in rear ?
If its just the springs Im ok with that but much more on my low mileage ride Ill pass.
Please explain what you did after the wheels and springs ?
Last edited by Jetmeck; 07-03-2017 at 05:29 PM.
#16
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
How much drop is that ? Could you pass along the part numbers ?
Ok found the spring numbers. My question is what am I getting into ?
Springs and alignment ? What else ?
Changing panhard bar in rear ?
If its just the springs Im ok with that but much more on my low mileage ride Ill pass.
Please explain what you did after the wheels and springs ?
Ok found the spring numbers. My question is what am I getting into ?
Springs and alignment ? What else ?
Changing panhard bar in rear ?
If its just the springs Im ok with that but much more on my low mileage ride Ill pass.
Please explain what you did after the wheels and springs ?
They're doorman black lug nuts, they sell them at O'Reileys. I had all the caps but this looks a little cleaner IMO.
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Car: 88 Firebird Formula
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
WOW! That looks really good!! Are you having any rubbing issues up front with those tire sizes?
I'm definitely going to be buying a set in black!!!
I'm definitely going to be buying a set in black!!!
#19
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
No rubbing with those tire sizes. I have the black Hawks 17" GTA wheels on my 92 TA vert with BFG comp sport 2's 275/40/17's on all four corners with Tokico HP's all around. Using the Hawks supplied spacers up front and the factory spacers in the rear.
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Car: 88 Firebird Formula
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
Good to hear no rubbing issues for you either! lol at the bronco
#26
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
Those Hawks wheels do look nice. What I like most is they are all deep dish like the factory front wheels. My GTA has brand new period correct tires so when it comes time to put new tires I may go this route with the 17" Hawks wheels.
#27
Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
I didn't see it on the Hawks website but does anyone know if they can sell and ship a complete wheel and tire package? Tires mounted and balanced? This way I can put them on myself and not go to a tire shop?
#28
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
You may have to call them to buy a mounted tire package. But don't forget they have strict and limited calling hours :rollseyes:
#29
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Car: 1989 TTA
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#32
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Re: Hawk's 17" GTA wheels on
GOOD LORD... that Flame Red GTA and Turbo TA look so freakin' INCREDIBLE with those wheels! My first F-Body was a 1988 hardtop Flame Red GTA with Beechwood interior. I would love to get another one exactly like it one of these days when I get more garage space. I put 17s on my '91 GTA last year and I love them.