Potentially controversial W123 cosmetic mod

[3DB]

What are your thoughts? This is just one trial wheel (the spare) leaned up against the car to get an idea of the look.

[T-Modell]

I'd do it properly ...

2015-08-17 - 5689 - Peru - auto tour to Picso_1024x681.JPG

Honestly? It looks awful. Just my opinion.
Thomas

[3DB]

Thanks, Thomas. I do appreciate your opinion. I'm always open to robust criticism.

[Ivanerrol]

Do you wanting to put that wheel and tyre size combo on or are you just going to paint the original wheels?

[CraigB]

Ir is it the white lettering 'stock car' look from the tyres? Not my thing regardless but so far you have a response from a 53yo and 2 others i have a feeling are not what you would call young (from their depth of experience! - see how i turned that into a compliment!) - ask your mates etc. or just give it a go - all reversible. I think i have seen coatings you can get to easily change rim colour in car accessory shops. Good luck regardless. I love the original look so i am not the best to answer.

[3DB]

The red one in the photos is the original 14" spare with a 195 / 65 tyre on it. It just looks bigger as I leaned it up against the wheels on the car just to get a feel for it.
`
I guess there is a fine line between creating a unique look and complete bastardisation and perhaps the American hot rod /muscle car look and German saloon should never be merged. I also put the photo on Instagram (admittedly different demographic on average) and the response was overwhelmingly positive - even from the Europeans.

Craig - as you say, all totally reversible. If I don't get white lettered tyres, all I really need to do is put the hubcaps back on and no one would know the difference. Which is an argument for whitewall tyres over white lettering.

Thanks for the thoughts.

[pastelgrey300D]

Why not? As you say it's easy to change back.

Reminds me of this 280CE I saw at my local wreckers a few years ago, not my cup of tea (I don't like that bonnet scoop at all) but to each his own.

rat2801.JPG

rat2802.JPG

[3DB]

That CE is an interesting specimen. I'm not sure about the red side trim and bonnet scoop. One other idea I've toyed with is removing the side trim altogether and filling the holes, but repainting isn't on my agenda unless I went for the total matt black finish too...will see how I go once I've done the rust repair. Food for thought though. Minimal, baby steps to start with. One (IMO) well-executed rat rod W114 shown on this forum was impressive though:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=18912&p=135119&hili ... od#p135119