84blaze

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:





Removed tire carrier:



Painted and filled holes left from tire carrier:




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







Future plans are:

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



Enjoy

DrewHa

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

DrewHa

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.

84blaze

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.

84blaze

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:

jamalbuyong

Nice truck you have...

psnevets

Is your rear spare carrier for sale?

Pistonring8

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!

Mike's ML

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

84blaze

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.



You just spray the BDP on and let it sit for about 2 minutes and rinse it off:

Like new:


First coat and all masked off:


My ghetto paint set up:

It was a super windy day so it had lots of air circulation.





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















Enjoy.

Pistonring8

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