Can I ask some stupid questions re: rims?
 

First, I did try a search for all of these. Usually its hard to find answers to the really basic stuff because it doesn't get discussed very much. I've never bought rims before - this is first time I've considered changing from stock.

First, is there any reason why I can't keep my tires (they have very few miles on them) if I get new rims? Obviously the new rims would have to be the same size as the old ones, but other than that is there any reason they can't be stripped off and installed on the new rims?

Second, do most places that sell rims take the stock ones in trade? I have the stock alloys on my 8 (in very good shape) and I don't know what I'd do with them if I replaced them. I don't have anywhere to store them, and selling them myself seems like a huge PITA. If I get different mazda rims at the dealer, will they take my old ones? Am I going to get royally ripped off if I do this?

Finally, I thought I saw mention of factory black rims for the 8, but then I couldn't find anything about this anywhere. Is there such a thing?

thanks for humoring me.

there is nothing wrong with re-using your tires on new rims.

you cannot trade in rims...they will either be free wheels to someone working there or become scrap metal. best bet is to keep them or sell them on the forum. you will sell them pretty quickly.

no black wheels. someone must've painted the stock wheels black. unless you are talking about the mazdaspeed gunmetal wheels.

I plan on keeping my stock tires as well...just make sure that the rims are the same size or pretty close to stock...not too sure about trading the stock rims ...some stores may go for it, others may not...never heard about the black rims...good luck!!!

You can remount your tires if the new rims are the same dia..and close to the same width as stock. If you go a lot wider then you will need new tires. The 225's will fit on an 8.5...but no widerthan that.

Some places will trade...but you won't usually get much. There are lots of people wanting the stock rims...esp for other models...3's and 6's?? You should be able to sell them easily.

Unless you have lots of cash...the dealership is probably the last place you want to buy wheels :D:

I've never seen black factory rims anywhere...you could powder coat or paint yours for about $100 a wheel......and then not have to worry about selling them.....

Thanks for the quick replies. I have thought about powder coating my wheels - it seems like a good solution, but I'm worried about chipping down the road. I also lack the any sort of tools or a garage, so I would have to find a powder-coating shop that willing to pull the wheels, pull the tires, coat 'em, and put everything back to together. Or else I'll have to pay someone to pull my wheels and tires and then pay them to store the car. How do most people deal with this?

One other questions - what do you think my stock rims are worth?

Look around the for sale forum...lots of sets have sold on there.....depends on how fast you want to get rid of them and where you live. It's nice to find soneone local to buy them if you can...saves a lot of the hastles with selling them...ie getting paid :D:

If you live in the snowbelt, use the stock rims for winter tires.

the black factory rims could be the powdercoat, or it could actually be the 'black chrome' option...i think everything else has been covered. if i may ask, what wheels are you buying?