I have a line on a set of black basketweave "Saleen" rims. He states they are 4 lug and are black wich a polished lip. He doesn't know what year they came off of and doesn't know the size. There are no center caps either. What is the best way to verify they are real?
Thanks,
Thom
Hi Thom,
Keep in mind there is no science involved with the manufacturers/ brand of wheels and the year of the vehicle.
As long as they have the correct backspacing for a Mustang/Capri you'll be set (which I'm sure you know). Have the seller take a tape to the wheels so that he knows what he's offering. Photos too.
Not mentioned, but ARE also produced a 4-lug, flat mesh wheel, similar to the known 5-lug.
You can tell the basics from Gary's photos, the Hayashis and the Rikens have a raised pattern mesh that carries to the lug area, while the Enkeis and AREs have a flat pattern that end before the lug holes.
Center caps might be tough to find, so remember that when talking price.
If you're looking to turn the wheels over quickly for profit, 16s would be better than 15s and you'll have interest from owners of standard Mustangs.
I was schooled a little differently than Gary, but from what I understood... Enkies were the optional '85 16-inch wheels, with various '86s being equipped with those and Rikens. Beats me. I also space out at times. (Bummer).
Photos are your friend and if your can grab some part or engineering numbers from the back of the wheels, we can send those off to the collectors who either know or have spares of the wheels hanging around.
A better image of the Riken.