16" Galaxies or more recent 17" 5 spokes with spacers

[Skyedriver]

Looking at a set of Galaxies for sale (pricey) but wondering about a set of 17" OEM 5 spokes and suffering the need for spacers which might end up less expensive and better tyre choice.
Do like the look of the Galaxies.....
Don't want to reduce ride height at all.
open to the floor for your thoughts...

[aardvarkash10]

I'm pretty sure all Galaxy alloys were 17"

They are sex on a stick...

Spacers do get you the opportunity to enter into any wheel you feel like, and probably cheaper overall.

[rogerthechorister]

Galaxies are 16 inch, and you cannot get 302s inside them. But the OEM jumbos with chinabay drilled and grooved discs work very well - back to back I find the chinabays work and last better than the very expensive Black Diamonds.

[Steve940estate]

I decide against trying to get a set of Galaxys or the more rare one I can't remember the name of now ! My thinking that on an everyday car the chances of being able to find a spare if one got damaged were slim. I bought 16" steel wheels and 25mm spacers so have the option of gong into a dealers and picking up a brand new wheel if needed.
An added bonus is that big brakes fit under the steel wheels OK.

The rare ones are Polaris which are 17".

[ThePurplePanther]

Sorry for the hijack - steve can i ask where you got your steelies from? I'm after some as winter wheels.

Ta

(Sorry OP)

[rogerthechorister]

There is a set of Galaxies on ebay right now. The seller wants £600!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Skyedriver]

That's the one's i'm viewing. Just had extra photos, IMHO they need a refinish but he's open to offers.

Think I'll hold off.

Hadn't considered going to 302 brakes TBH

Thanks

Tony H

[Steve940estate]

It depends on what you want. I just wanted better tyres as the 205/55x16's I got are more common and a bit cheaper, I fitted wheel trims on mine off a V70 so it looks like a standard car. I even had someone come up and tell me I ought to buy some alloys for it which made me smile.

The ones I have are 7x16 and off a Citroen Van. I bought a set of 4 off ebay for not a huge amount but they are quite cheap new from the dealers.

[Forrest]

The advantage of the 16” Galaxies and much rarer 17” Polaris alloys are that as original Volvo OEM equipment you could take the view that they are not a modification and hence no need to declare them as such unless you specifically want them covered by your insurance.

I’ve never tried spacers but I expect using them and non-OEM alloys would hike your premium for road use.

I did once pay £10 for a Galaxy wheel, but in fairness it did need an extensive refurb including a minor weld which pushed the total cost into more mainstream territory.

[MiniNinjaRob]

When I put my 17” steel wheels on (and other mods) I told the insurance company and my premium went up from £135 a year to £170. Not bad really to ensure you are correctly covered.