How can I pick the right wire wheels for my car?
Of course, the easy answer is to replace the wheels and tires with the wheels and tires sizes that the vehicle came equipped with when new. That information was originally posted on the identification tag usually found on the door or glove box. However, if that’s what you wanted, you probably wouldn’t be looking here. We can help you chose the correct wheels and tires for your car, but there are some things we would need to know:
1. What is the Year, Make and Model of the vehicle?
2. What modifications have been made to the vehicle?
3. What modifications, if any, are you planning for to the vehicle? For instance, does the vehicle have or will it have disc brakes?
4. If it’s a Hot Rod, are you running fenders?
5. Are you running, or do you plan on running Fender Skirts?
6. Is the Vehicle a primary vehicle driven frequently on the highway?
7. Are you considering White Wall tires?
8. How would you classify your style for the Vehicle: Lowrider, Resto Rod, Classic, Custom, Hot Rod, Bomb, etc.?
Where can I find wire wheels for my car?
1. Truespoke® currently manufactures Wire Wheels for most Rear Wheel Drive Domestic cars and light trucks built after 1940 and before 1996. There are exceptions, and we can custom build wheels for some other applications. Please feel free to check with us.
2. Wire Wheels are no longer stocked by local dealers. While you can find wire wheels on sites such as eBay and Craig’s List, you must beware and understand what you are purchasing. You are welcome to call us if you have questions about a particular set of wheels, even if they are from another vendor.
3. There are many fake Truespoke® wire wheels on the market. More than half the time when people call us with issues on wire wheels, the wheels in question are not Truespoke® wire wheels.
Is stainless steel better than chrome steel for wire wheels?
1. Stainless Steel sounds like an attractive option for wire wheels. Stainless Steel does not rust. It is also somewhat stronger; in fact, we recommend Stainless Spokes for heavy vehicles like limousines.
2. Wheel maintenance does not change with stainless steel spokes because the rim and centers are still chrome plated steel and the wheel must be maintained normally.
3. Stainless is not as bright as chrome. It typically has a slightly yellow tint as opposed to chromes’ slightly blue tint.
Will wire wheels fit front wheel drive cars?
1. The architecture of wire wheels does not lend itself to Front Wheel Drive vehicles. Front wheel drive cars are subject to torque steer unless the center of the wheel is on the thrust line, this cannot be done with a wire wheel, and still maintain the strength required to stop, turn and drive a vehicle. Torque steer is the tendency for the car to turn to the right or to the left when torque is applied to the wheels, like when you press on the gas pedal.
2. Steel disc wheels and alloy wheels can be configured to put the center of the wheel over the steering pivot point. The spokes on wire wheels have to be straight, so they cannot bend to put the thrust line where it needs to be. Torque Steer is not just annoying, it is dangerous. For these reasons, we do not make or recommend wire wheels for Front Wheel Drive vehicles.
Will wire wheels work when you have disc brakes?
1. For the most part, yes. Some very large calipers can require special attention, such as 1964 thru 1982 Corvettes and 1965 through 1967 Thunderbirds.
2. Except for a very few instances mentioned previously, our wire wheels will fit original equipment disc brakes. Most of the aftermarket brake manufacturers can supply diagrams. If you send us copies of those diagrams, or you may fill out the Measuring guide on our web site:
With a minimum of measurements, we will be able to confirm a proper fitment for your brakes and fender clearance.
3. Many times, Truespoke® can supply proper disc brake kits for most domestic vehicles.
How do I take care of wire wheels?
1. Wire wheels are usually chrome plated steel. Chrome is a very hard and resilient material. Chrome will not rust and it will, if properly maintained, protect the steel from rusting. If not properly maintained, moisture can penetrate the chrome and cause the steel underneath the chrome to rust. As the steel rusts, it lifts the chrome off the steel, which allows more moisture to reach the steel, and more rust will accumulate. It is very important that chrome wire wheels be keep as dry as practical.
2. There are several ways to clean wire wheels, we sell a product called “Mist & Shine”. We have found it works very well and is easy to use. Almost anything that you would use to wash your dishes will work as an effective cleaner. The main thing is that the wheel should be thoroughly dried after it has gotten wet. A leaf blower or air hose works pretty well.
3. After drying, it the vehicle is going be stored for any length of time, we suggest a liberal coating of WD-40. If the vehicle is kept in a garage or structure where other vehicles are being operated, the wheels and tires should be covered with cotton beach towels. Vehicle exhausts, especially at start up, produce corrosive gases that when left for periods of time can cause rusting. A cotton towel will absorb the moisture that causes rust.
4. For regular care of wheels being used more often, we have found Pledge Furniture polish, applied after the wheels have been dried, to be an effective product. It’s relatively easy to use, and it doesn’t have to be wiped off after application. It dries clear and is available at local supermarkets and Walmart stores.
If you should have any other questions or comments, we invite you to contact us at:
https://www.truespoke.com/contact-us
