Wire wheels vs Billet
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Wire wheels vs Billet
Posted: January 28 2008 10:47 AM
 
Anthony Tullock (aka '40MercCoupe) [ View ] [ tullocka@comcast.net ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
Greeneville, Tennessee
 
Hello again all,

I am looking for some information on wheel performance. I am hoping to put some new wheels on my coupe after the paint is done. I hear that some wire sheels have some issues with leaking air. If you have any experience or preference on manufactures, please let me know. I like the looks of wires but want something reliable as this will be a driver. I thank you in advance for any advice.
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by Willys33  -  01/28/2008 12:14 PM
Of course this is a personal choice thing BUT let me give you my input. Wire may look good but function follows form in this case. Wire can be hard to clean and just in case you get on it hard or hit a curb there is a good chance you will need to call a rollback. Billet again looks good but can requre lots of shine to keep them looking good. Some of the designs will also allow flex and maybe rubbing on greese fittings in a turn. Steel is easy to maintain, strong but limited in the looks department. Boils down to what look do you want and are you willing to accept the shortcommings of that wheel to get it. No help am I!
Get off the trailer and drive [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Alamogordo, New Mexico
 
Posted by blade58  -  01/28/2008 01:39 PM
Dayton Wire Wheels is probably the oldest wire wheel Manuf. the Lowriders abused them and held up in hopping competions as long as the did not have rubber band tires on them, as long as there quality is still the same it"s your best bet ,Willys33 is right about short commings on some wheel designs
blade58 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] apopka, Florida Charter Member since January 2008
 
Posted by Italianguy63  -  01/28/2008 08:33 PM
Use inner-tubes if you are concerned. Make sure the part where the wires come into the hub (the heads) have the rubber band around the inside of the rim. Other than that-- it just depends on what you like.
Speed is about how fast do you want to spend! [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Bartow, Florida
 
Posted by primed34  -  01/28/2008 09:22 PM
I bought a set of Tru Spokes in 1975. Ruined one set of inner tubes before I learned to wrap the the spoke nipples. Cast iron bitch to keep clean and balanced. I still got them, but I don't use them except for rollers. I would recomend something else unless you think cleaning wheels with Windex and Q tips sounds like fun.
primed34 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Paris, (unknown state)
 
Posted by '40MercCoupe  -  01/28/2008 09:41 PM
Thanks guys. It is starting to sound like Torque Thrust II's may be a better option for me. Thanks again. As far as progress on the paint goes.. I did go with the shaved door handles. The old frenched square tail light boxes are gone and large elipticals have been placed. The liscence plate has been frenched into the trunk and some dent work has been done on the drivers side. The cowl vent will be welded shortly. I hope to get some pictures soon. I am helping, which means messing up, my brother-in-law while he is doing the bodywork. Like I said before, it depends on how much I mess up things as to when it gets done.
'40MercCoupe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Greeneville, Tennessee
 
Posted by AlMOH  -  01/29/2008 10:48 PM
I have a set of Kellsey Hayes on my 36. The builder use RTV162 silicone sealer because the spokes in the rim will leak. The RTV attracts moisture causing rust and the wheels leak. Dayton wire only warrants their wheels three years for leaks. They will only repair their own wheels. Coker recommends tubes for all their wire wheels. Sealing compounds are by trial and error. I was told to try POR 15. It ran down all the powder coated spokes on my wheeels - what a mess! I ended up using tubes from Coker.
AlMOH [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Strongsville, Ohio
 
Posted by EZRodder  -  01/30/2008 07:43 AM
Why don't you go with good reliable steel wheels and some nice wire wheel covers. I like the look of wires too, but maintenance could be a problem on a "driver". Wheel covers don't leak and clean up nice the dishwasher!
EZRodder [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Bernville, Pennsylvannia
 
Posted by DaveHughes  -  01/30/2008 08:23 AM
If you decide to go with the torq thrusts, and you are not real big on polishing you might consider the chrome plated version, They look good and are a load easier to keep nice. I have the polished one on my car and they are no picnic to clean. Good luck
DaveHughes [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] seaman, Ohio
 
Posted by '40MercCoupe  -  01/30/2008 01:22 PM
Thanks all,
I am not against standard polishing and maintanance, but I would much rather hang out at the cruise in's and shows instead of having a toothbrush between wire rims. I believe I will go with some form of a "mag." My coupe is unusual in that it is a Mercury and I was just hoping to keep something out of the ordinary in wheels too. I am also a bit biased as I am "still a young pup" according to my street rod buddies (36 y.o) but do not like the rubber band size tire look. As a side note, and showing my ignorance.... Is a 5x4.5 bolt pattern Chevy or Ford?
'40MercCoupe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Greeneville, Tennessee
 
Posted by dixie  -  01/30/2008 04:16 PM
chevy -but if you go with a {mag} get one that will fit both {multi pattern 10 holes} then if you want to sell later its easier
jim grace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dade city, Florida Charter Member since January 2006
 
Posted by '40MercCoupe  -  01/30/2008 05:18 PM
Thanx Jim.
'40MercCoupe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Greeneville, Tennessee
 
Posted by primed34  -  01/30/2008 05:33 PM
5 x 4.5 is Ford. Chevy is 5 x 4.75.
primed34 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Paris, (unknown state)
 
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