GM style Steel Wheel Alternatives in 18s (US wheel?)

[PTbuick]

Hi all,

Back during peak Pandemic I finally got to realize my dream and "finish" the first iteration of my pro-touring skylark. At the time, I wanted to spend up on what I can afford and figure out the rest later. In its current state the car has:

Ridetech Stage II Coilover kit
Baer 13" front brakes, 12" rear with a remaster cylinder
low compression 462" Buick Big Block, th350 trans, 2.56 10 bolt BOP 8.5 posi
Forgestar F14s
18x9 front with BFG Rivals 275/35/18
18x11 rear with BFG Rivals 315/35/18

While I like the car, I haven't driven it much and flirted with the idea of selling it. I recently got a second wind on it and want to change a few things up. For starters, it will be getting an M20 4 speed and I have a built 3.42 posi w/ 30 spline axles on order. I am going to be doing another hood for it (stage 2 buick scoop) and going for more of a day 2, sleeper ish look. I really want to run dog dish buick hubcaps and have sourcing alternatives. While a Forgeline OE1 would be the dream, its just not in the budget with my first kid on the way. US wheel seems to be the most affordable option that should allow me to run the 10 1/4" hup caps.

my question(s):
Does anyone have experience running a US wheel? I'm looking at the "smoothie" series 510, or rat rod series 65
https://www.uswheel.com/wheel/12211/us-wheel-smoothie-series-510-extended-sizing/?finishID=3880

Are there alternative GM 5x4.75 offerings in at least an 18x10? I want to reuse my current tires... I know stuffing a 315 is not ideal on a 10" wheel. I posted on the Facebook PT page and got a few good suggestions but nothing that fit the bill.

Thanks for the help!207980

[68Formula]

18" Steel wheels especially in those widths are going to be extremely heavy. You'll feel it in the way the car handles and steers, plus it'll have an impact on acceleration.

Best bet is to find something that simulates a steel wheel, but made in aluminum. These are a bit pricy:

https://forgeline.com/latest-news/oe1-and-oe2-forged-aluminum-steelie-look-wheels-now-available-directly-from-forgeline.html
https://www.us-mags.com/products/wheels/supreme-classics

But maybe contact these guys: https://weldcraftwheels.com/ and get feedback if they can widen these to the correct width and offset.
https://www.visionwheel.com/wheel/4714/55-rally-aluminum/?finishID=101
https://www.holley.com/products/wheels/wheels/vintage/rev_wheels_107/parts/107S-8906100
https://www.cragarwheel.com/wheels/product-detail/series-380s-rally-2/

[TheJDMan]

Not to discourage you from making changes but your car looks "kick ass" as it is! On a slightly different note, I would highly recommend that you consider an over drive transmission such as the Tremec TKX or even a T56 Magnum. This will allow you to run a much lower rear end gear in the neighborhood of 3.89 and still have a comfortable hiway cruising experience. Just Sayin.

[PTbuick]

18" Steel wheels especially in those widths are going to be extremely heavy. You'll feel it in the way the car handles and steers, plus it'll have an impact on acceleration.

Best bet is to find something that simulates a steel wheel, but made in aluminum. These are a bit pricy:

https://forgeline.com/latest-news/oe1-and-oe2-forged-aluminum-steelie-look-wheels-now-available-directly-from-forgeline.html
https://www.us-mags.com/products/wheels/supreme-classics

But maybe contact these guys: https://weldcraftwheels.com/ and get feedback if they can widen these to the correct width and offset.
https://www.visionwheel.com/wheel/4714/55-rally-aluminum/?finishID=101
https://www.holley.com/products/wheels/wheels/vintage/rev_wheels_107/parts/107S-8906100
https://www.cragarwheel.com/wheels/product-detail/series-380s-rally-2/

The lower 3 are all good suggestions, but I'm worried they wont accept my hubcaps. I could have adapters made, I suppose. Thanks for the help!

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Not to discourage you from making changes but your car looks "kick ass" as it is! On a slightly different note, I would highly recommend that you consider an over drive transmission such as the Tremec TKX or even a T56 Magnum. This will allow you to run a much lower rear end gear in the neighborhood of 3.89 and still have a comfortable hiway cruising experience. Just Sayin.


Yep - agreed, but budget won't allow. I have an almost complete 4 speed setup specific to the buick a-body which is not easily gathered. You chevy guys have it to easy lol. One day when i do the big motor with my aluminum heads currently on the shelf, we will go TKX... but until then budget is top of mind.

I don't hate the current look, just don't love it and want to change up the identity of the car.

[csouth]

Hit up Detroit Steel Wheel https://detroitsteelwheel.com/d-town-smoothies/. The widest the make is 18x9, but you could have them sent to Weld Craft and widened. Since both are in Metro Detroit you could save some money on shipping.

[mikewoods]

Coy's make an aluminum smoothie called the C-33. you can get it Cast or Forged. Not sure on hub cap compatibility though. I'm actually looking to do the same with my 69 lemans, so let me know what you find out.

https://www.coyswheel.com/coys-wheels-forged-or-cast

[PTbuick]

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Hit up Detroit Steel Wheel https://detroitsteelwheel.com/d-town-smoothies/. The widest the make is 18x9, but you could have them sent to Weld Craft and widened. Since both are in Metro Detroit you could save some money on shipping.

thanks Chris. I considered the Detroit steel wheels as well. I know they have a great reputation

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Coy's make an aluminum smoothie called the C-33. you can get it Cast or Forged. Not sure on hub cap compatibility though. I'm actually looking to do the same with my 69 lemans, so let me know what you find out.

https://www.coyswheel.com/coys-wheels-forged-or-cast

Hey Mike, The coys wheel seems like a great option. I am going to get my car out of storage next week and get the back spacing measured. There is a Buick guy who makes dog dish adapters for aluminum drag racing wheels so I’m sure he can do something for these. I agree.. it looks like the caps they sell for the c-33 are 7”, where our hubcaps are 10 1/8”. Thanks for posting!