I spoke with the fleet manager at the dealership where I ordered my '05 yesterday, as I wanted to get my VIN # and build date. I ordered the car in May, but haven't bothered to get this info until now. My car is being built the week of Sept 20th and should arrive in mid Oct.

Anyways back to the topic. I asked her if she knew any more info about the 18" wheels, and when they will be available. She told me they will be available in Jan or Feb. Granted, I don't know the validity of this statement, and am not trying to start any false rumors, but I just wanted to pass it on for anyone interested. If true, I would certainly pass on the '05 that I ordered and wait four or so months to purchase an '05.

 

The only reliable information that I have gotten from dealerships is the HP of a 2004 mustang. Other than that, I can't trust them any further than I can throw them.

 

I really don't think the 18's will be available (I wish they were, but are not)

If 18's were available they would put them as options in the order guide with "late availablility" or "available 01/05" or something to that effect.

I honestly don't think we will see them before '06, unless it is on a surprise S/E

 

A buddy of mine works at a manufacturing plant near my house. He showed me a pick of a chrome rim they are making and he heard it was for the Mustang. I think it is. Looks just like the 18" rim. He didn't know when they would be available but I asked him to find out if he could get me a set....I guess I'll have to wait and see. Who knows, I might get my hands on those rims before the dealer even gets me a VIN #

 

It might well be possible that 18s will be available in Jan or Feb because AAI shuts down for a week or two on christmas, and plants usually use this time to make changes, in this case it might be possible that the machines that can't handle 18s will be replaced

 

adrenalin, your friend should have no problem finding out when they plan to ship the rims to Ford.

It would be great if you could follow up and find out for us

 

17 or 18's whatever, you have to roll something other then stockers to be truly 'custom' in the mustang gang Why would you spend money to aftermarket on stock wheels later?

 

:scratch: Kev, run that by me again?

 

not another 18" wheel debate :bang:

Dano, what kevin means, is if the fanblades cost the same as aftermarket, would you spend the money on them?

I personally see kevin's point, if the fanblades will cost the same as a set of other wheels which will let me stand out, I would rather get the aftermarkets.

 

Yah, good luck with that. Aftermarkets will cost more than the stock 18's. Probably 1.5 times as much. Similar situation with tires.

 

Beleive me, I have been bugging Mickey Thompson, American Racing & Cragar -my wheel suppliers for info... does anyone know the exact bolt pattern measurement? 5xX.X? and what backspacing is safe?

 

:scratch: Kev, run that by me again? [/b][/quote]
people talking about adding the stock 18" wheels later. I only wanted 18's for the tires, I'd dump the wheels. Standard mfg alloy wheels are very cheap quality.

 

I asked and was told 18's won't be available till 2006.

 

See Dan's sig!

 

5x114mm = 5x4.5"
45mm offset...

... And according to tirerack.com one of the wheel sets they sell can fit 285s in the back (11")... but I haven't seen anything about backspacing yet.

 

people talking about adding the stock 18" wheels later. I only wanted 18's for the tires, I'd dump the wheels. Standard mfg alloy wheels are very cheap quality. [/b][/quote]
I would assume they aren't $300/piece quality but are they really that cheap? How so?

 

See Dan's sig! [/b][/quote]
A wise man once told me that.....

 

I believe it. Thanks for asking.

 

I agree with Kevinb120. If you are getting a GT with 17's and are wanting to buy Factory 18's later, why not get some sweet looking aftermarket 18's right after your car is delivered? The factory 18's will probably be the same price as nice aftermarket wheels. For a few bucks more a rim you can get some sweet custom wheels to make you stand out from the other new GT's. Boyd Coddington baby, that's all I need to say.

 

Thank you
I'll get pricing on Tuesday for some RWD 18s