Comparing Chrome Magnum 500 Brands

[Fireflite56]

I'm looking to purchase a set of the reproduction chrome Magnum 500s in the 15x7" size and with the correct profiles - yes, I know neither the 15" diameter or 7" width are original to any Mopar and would have been a Ford option originally, but I want to fill up the wheel well a little more while retaining the correct look of the optional original 14" chrome Magnum 500.

My specific question to those that might know or have experience (please no guesses - I can do that myself) is whether the ones listed on the Ford-specific websites are the exact same as the ones listed for Mopars on other websites, such as Summit, Coker, or classic industries? Has anyone bought off the Ford websites? There's a fairly substantial cost difference at about $200/rim vs around $250-300/rim. All of the listed specs (diameter - 15", width - 7", center hole diameter - 2 1/8", bolt pattern - 5x4.5", back spacing - 4.25") and the profiles in the images seem to match. Am I missing any differences or are there any significant quality differences or are the ones labeled "Mopar" simply more expensive? I searched to see if anyone had posted about this on any forums before and came up empty. If there's a good reason to buy the Mopar-labeled rims, I will, but I don't want to spend more if they're the same exact thing or equivalent, which is what they appear to be.

Just a note regarding actual manufacturers - Summit & Coker offer Mopar-labeled ones as "Wheel Vintique". Summit & Classic Industries offer some listed as "OER brand". The Ford ones are all labeled as being their own company's brand. Doubtful the Ford guys have that many different manufacturers and it would not surprise me to find out all of them are being made by Wheel Vintique, but I am unable to verify that.

Here's some options to compare:
Ford option A (best deal found), $920 package - includes 4 rims, 4 center caps, 20 lug nuts, and free shipping: Magnum 500 Wheel Kit 5 Lug 1964 1/2 - 1973

Ford option B - single rim only, $208/rim - https://www.cjponyparts.com/magnum-500-wheel-15-x7-mustang/p/W12-V/

"Mopar" "OER-authorized" via Classic Industries, $254/rim - https://www.classicindustries.com/p...0hTVFUblQ7KnN-YdyaYaAuR3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

"Mopar" Wheel Vintique via Summit, $303/rim - Wheel Vintiques 54-5712044A Wheel Vintiques 54 Series Magnum 500 Chrome Wheels | Summit Racing

 

[Big_John]

FWIW, Wheel Vintique is Coker Tire. Even have the same address. I'm not sure if they are making wheels or not. OER says "OER authorized" so that tells me they aren't making them. CJ Pony makes a reference to "the manufacturer...." in their Q & A section, so that tells me they aren't making them either.

Chances are they are made by the same place... Not necessarily Wheel Vintiques, but I would bet they all come out of the same factory in China.

Get the best deal and go with them.

 

[volksworld]

depending what you are putting them on the ones that come with lugs will probably all be right hand thread ....I think there are "correct style" lugs out there with a dimple on the top (PG performance?) if you care about that....Ford center caps probably have a different decal so check what they look like compared to the Mopar ones...the decals are available if you need them

 

[CBODY67]

The first Magnum 500 repros I saw, years ago, were from Wheel Vintiques. At that time, I strongly suspect THEY are the manufacturer (or have them made for them). This was in the later 1980s. Seems like every '68-'70 Charger and B-body that was at Mopar Nats in the later 1980s had those 15x7s on them. At that time, seems like Wheel Vintiques was selling a set for $600.00 at Mopar Nats? But that was back then, before they got popular.

Classic Industries is a re-seller. They claim to deal in "better" parts, which I perceive is why they can justify their generally higher prices. Jeg's and Summit will be the higher-volume sellers. In the Summit sales locations, they usually have one of every type of wheel on a big wall for lookie-touchie-feelie potential buyer interaction.

With all of the more recent parts company consolidations, be sure to check the Wheel Vintiques website for contact information. Coker has always had Wheel Vintiques as a companion to their tires, as I recall, but Wheel Vintiques contact information was "California".

This time of the year, price shopping should be very operative.

 

[Big_John]

With all of the more recent parts company consolidations, be sure to check the Wheel Vintiques website for contact information. Coker has always had Wheel Vintiques as a companion to their tires, as I recall, but Wheel Vintiques contact information was "California".

Same street address for Coker in Tennessee but another address in California. I can't bring up their website, but got did get their addresses.

"Contact Us p 800.959.2100 f 423.756.5607 Wheel Vintiques 1317 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 Wheel Vintiques® 14955 Don Julian Rd, City of Industry, CA 91746"

Coker Tire: Contact Us

Wheel Vintiques California location property type is listed as "Warehouse", so I'll bet that's where they warehouse the wheels they bring in from China and Mexico.

 

[MoPar~Man]

Any idea who made these? (16 x 7)

Magnum Wheel Kit (16x7) Set

Our customers rave about our Magnum 500 wheels! Our Magnum 500 wheels are the best on the market, not a lower priced inferior product. Our wheels are correctly centered and welded completely around all surfaces. We use the correct shade of semi-gloss black paint and triple chrome plate them to...

www.macsautoparts.com

 

[6PKRTSE]

If using a Mopar center cap on the Ford Magnum 500 wheel .I had open up the I.D. od the center hub area of the wheel about an 1/8" larger on each wheel to get the Mopar caps to fit on.