1998 ML320 Project
 

This is my 1998 ML320

So far I have removed the running boards and the rear tire carrier and I've bought some 17' AMG Replica wheels for winter. This spring I am hoping to find a decent set of 2008 ML63 AMG 20' wheels for the summer.

This is what it looked like when I first purchased the truck:

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...IMGP9730-1.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...e/IMGP9719.jpg

Removed tire carrier:

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...IMGP9732-1.jpg

Painted and filled holes left from tire carrier:

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...e/DSC_0458.jpg


This is what it looks like right now in winter mode:

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...e/DSC_0459.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...e/DSC_0456.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...e/DSC_0454.jpg

Future plans are:

ML55 hood
20' ML63 AMG wheels
Lowered with H&R springs and torsion bar



Enjoy

Kinda liked it with that spare tire..never seen that before

Are you sure ML63 wheels will fit on W163? I was lookin at the 07-08 rims but can't find anyone to confirm compatibility.

I am not entirely sure, however the offset looks like it will work with the measurements I have made. When I try a set on I will reply back to let you know whether or not they work.

I have had the hardest time finding a pair of 08 ML63 AMG wheels for the truck so I opted for something else. In my search I came across a cheap set of 22's which I just purchased yesterday.

The plan for the wheels is to plasti-dip the centers gloss black or gunmetal grey leaving the lip chrome. One of the wheels has some clear coat peeling around the center cap which is why I want to plasti-dip them. They aren't really my style of rim but the price was right and I need summer tires.

What colour should I go with?

They are 22x8.5 with a +25 offset and 305/40/22 tires.

Here are some pictures:

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...s87f90e48.jpeg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...s02fbe3fc.jpeg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...s2fe5a3ef.jpeg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...sfd8f2fa6.jpeg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...psee5d1947.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4a3070aa.jpg

Nice truck you have...

Is your rear spare carrier for sale?

Very nice! Thank you for posting the pics. I also love the spare carrier cage and nerf bars, but your truck looks great without them too. My '01 had big wheels on it when I bought it. I have since opted for OEM stock wheels. Keep us posted, looks fantastic!

Just a note------
The ML's that came with the spare tire carrier also came with heavier rear springs to compensate for the extra weight hanging off the back.

84balze, did you notice a difference in ride height and handling after you removed the tire carrier?
Your 98 ML looks very nice, without the 22's. I'm not a fan of super big rims.
Mike

I didnt notice a difference in handling when I removed the rear tire carrier..

On another note, I plasti dipped the wheels last week and finally got some photos of them mounted. I think they look much better than they did.

I bought the gloss wheels kit from dipyourcar.com and the prep kit.

I used Brake Dust Pro to clean the wheels. They wheels came out like new after using this stuff. I highly recommend it.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...psb93628ef.jpg

You just spray the BDP on and let it sit for about 2 minutes and rinse it off: http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2175e8d9.jpg

Like new:
http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps627a16bb.jpg

First coat and all masked off:
http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps658de114.jpg

My ghetto paint set up:
http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps48503a78.jpg
It was a super windy day so it had lots of air circulation.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...psd7b676c0.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa3d40c33.jpg

I washed the truck today and as soon as I finished it started raining... Worst timing.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps106130f8.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps2311ba08.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4c997e5a.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...psc1dd595c.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps7e578480.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps0e234160.jpg

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps66af0e38.jpg

Enjoy.

Love the Plasti Dip. Very nicely done. Did my Saab wheels and trim with it... Held up forever.