Which Wheels Look Better: Full-Face Steel or Ecco Cast Aluminum?

Which wheels look better?


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I finally found a set of five! I overpaid a little bit at $100 for the set but they came with some 215-75-15 that I can use on a trailer if not the Jeep. They supposedly came off a California Jeep so no bad rust but not exactly as nice as I would like.

Hard to believe how many people buy new sets of rims but only buy four and have a mismatched oem spare.

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I don't mind the steel wheels, I had them on one of my XJs. I don't like the later style center caps though, they look cheap. I prefer the earlier style center caps:

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In all of your steel wheel dealings, did you get any of the old style caps? If so, I'd be happy to trade you my new style for them. All 5 are in good shape.
No I haven't. I was specifically avoiding that style wheel that had those. Another consideration is that they are older and therefore worse shape usually. I'm wondering if there is maybe a slight difference in color too because I noticed there are two different part numbers for refurbished steelies with a year break at 03+. I think the flatter cap style started in 02 though so that may be an error. If anyone can confirm for me, I think the older style cap wheel might be a tiny shade darker silver?
 
No I haven't. I was specifically avoiding that style wheel that had those. Another consideration is that they are older and therefore worse shape usually. I'm wondering if there is maybe a slight difference in color too because I noticed there are two different part numbers for refurbished steelies with a year break at 03+. I think the flatter cap style started in 02 though so that may be an error. If anyone can confirm for me, I think the older style cap wheel might be a tiny shade darker silver?

I can't give any insight into the color, but my TJ is an '02 with the newer style wheel and flat cap. There is definitely a difference in the wheels themselves; the older wheel has a larger indentation in the center of each spoke, whereas the newer wheel has a slimmer line shaped indention. My wheels have the smaller indention.

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I can't give any insight into the color, but my TJ is an '02 with the newer style wheel and flat cap. There is definitely a difference in the wheels themselves; the older wheel has a larger indentation in the center of each spoke, whereas the newer wheel has a slimmer line shaped indention. My wheels have the smaller indention.

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Never realized that about the indentations before but I see what you mean
I sort of like the old style indentations better
 
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I cleaned up some of the wheels today. Interesting that they are painted all black and then just metallic silver on the fronts and whatever overspray goes through the spokes. "M+S"

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I can't give any insight into the color, but my TJ is an '02 with the newer style wheel and flat cap. There is definitely a difference in the wheels themselves; the older wheel has a larger indentation in the center of each spoke, whereas the newer wheel has a slimmer line shaped indention. My wheels have the smaller indention.

View attachment 326189
I like the older style center cap — BUT - my JEEP is the newer 05 and I really only use them in the Winter when I remove the Old School CHROME SKINS - The chrome full caps cover the Flat NOT SO GREAT LOOKING center. I really did not know the difference of the rims - Thanks for that!! and the info of the center caps.. I am NOW looking for the older caps in my area.. Thanks again.
 
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I like the older style center cap — BUT - my JEEP is the newer 05 and I really only use them in the Winter when I remove the Old School CHROME SKINS - The chrome full caps cover the Flat NOT SO GREAT LOOKING center. I really did not know the difference of the rims - Thanks for that!! and the info of the center caps.. I am NOW looking for the older caps in my area.. Thanks again.
You're welcome. I think the old style caps look much better too. Classic.
 
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Fullfilled a minor goal of mine today - got a set of vintage GS-A tires. I know most won't appreciate that but they are 20 years old and no dry rot or anything. Going for that stock OEM look! Came with a set of four eccos. Paid $80 for the four wheels and tires and picked up a spare tire from another guy for $20. Going to either get another single ecoo for that spare or use one I already have. Might put them on steels too, not sure. Approaching 50 Jeep wheels at this time so I have a lot of choices and I've slowly turned into a hoarder.

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