Slots. Turbines. Spokes. Cragars and Super Tricks…and yes, there is a difference. For most enthusiasts, the factory rolling stock is usually one of the first things to be modified. In years past, it was the first thing…you’d skip on ordering the factory style wheels and just get steel units that would be replaced by something straight from the aftermarket. Not much has changed in over fifty years, except styles and sizes. Usually the wheels are the first thing to be ditched, and the style reflects the taste of the individual. So today, we want to know what wheels speak to you the most.
I grew up in gearhead families…nothing was left stock. The 1975 Oldsmobile Omega that my mother daily-drove usually wore a set of “Gambler” wheels, though occasionally it would sport a set of uni-lug Cragar S/S wheels. My stepfather was a big fan of “Auto Drag” style wheels, and ran them on many vehicles, including a lifted Ramcharger, a screamer of a 1969 Chevelle, and a 1971 Chevrolet pickup, among others. The first set of wheels I purchased was a set of 15×8 Auto Drags for my 1979 Caprice, and I’ve only bought three other sets since: a set of Lincoln turbine wheels with reamed hub centers for a Chrysler, some cheap Unique buckshot-style trailer wheels that I ran on a Diplomat, a Mirada and the Imperial, and the set of American Racing AR701 Novas that are currently on Project Raven.
There’s hundreds, if not thousands of options to choose from. Convo Pros, chrome reverse, Moon caps, every form of Rally wheel ever made…we want to know what you think looks the best overall!
traditional-Torque thrusts new-Rocket Ingnitors
My 1st choice for almost anything ’72 and older would be Crager SS. After that the sky is the limit as long as it is not 20 inch wheels with very little rubber. I still think this is a very ugly and dangerous look.
The JA Pearce Magna wheel.
This is a classic British wheel from the 1960s that has just resurfaced and is being built to order. It was originally magnesium and available in knock on and bolt on form. Unfortunately as yet it isn’t available in over 15 inch diameters which is a shame as a set of 17 inch Magnas on an early Ford Mustang would look so sweet. Check this fine wheel out on the internet as it is a true lost clasic that has been reborn.
I\’ve always had a soft spot for Cragar SS and Centerline.
My favorite of all time the the American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels. Though I have never owned a set, recently bought a set of Boss 338 18″ wheels which are similar to them.
American Racing 200 S. After I saw them on the 55 in Two Lane Blacktop, they were it for me! We also had a local guy that had a set on an orange SD-455 Trans Am when I was a kid that left an impression on me as well. I like them so well I have them on 7 of my cars!
Cragar SS on 70s and back . Centerline autodrag on late 70s and up. Torque thrust as well.
Bob Glidden Drag Stars ! Couldn’t afford them when they came out but if I can find a set of big and littles they will be on my truck !
I’ve always loved the look of the Weld Pro Stars. I put a knock off set from Pacer on my 71 c-10 dd.
BBS wheels that have been copied by everyone. They were factory from Trans Ams to 911s.
Minilite and the classic BBS split rims.
The wheel REALLY needs to match the specific car. For something from the ’50s and older, something like steelies with smoothie hubcaps generally works well.
Muscle car era? The Torque – Thrust or Cragar S/S’s aren’t bad, but they are so common I’d go with a different, but still period correct, choice: Minilites. You don’t expect to see one on a Dodge Charger, but when you do, they don’t look out of place.
After that? BBS wheels with their U-shaped spokes are a good fit.
But many cars have some sort of specific wheel that’s just right for that particular car. The above ones are safe bets that will typically look good with most cars from a particular era. By the same token, good wheels paired with a car from the wrong era often look jarring. The Diplomat on Cragar S/S’s, for example, doesn’t look right… although putting that one on BBS wheels would still be rather odd, just not quite as strange. Maybe Center Line Auto Drags for that one.
Keystone Klassics
The wheels need to work with the car’s lines. A perfect example of this is the 16″ IROC wheel. Looks great on that body style, horrible on anything rounded.
That siad, I agree with the post above: 17″ MiniLites look great on the 1971 GTX.
Cragar SS’s or aluminum slotted mags!!! Had set of slots on my 71 Cuda back in the day.
The 5 slot indy is the absolute best looking wheel ever developed. I don\’t care if its Ansen, U.S. or Appliance or any other knock off brand. It just doesn\’t get any better.
My Favorite was always Keystone Classics