thoroughly disgusted

[dgumoe]

i dont know about you guys but the cost of wheels is absolutely ridiculous. i bought my 15 in cragars 5 years ago for 600 dollars. now the only set i can get for around that price are a set of z06 knockoffs that wont even fit my car without severe modification or spacers (which i personally refuse to use) where do these wheel manufacturers get off charging as much as they do so wheels? and on top of it, i can't seem to find one set of 17" rims that will look decent on my el camino ( save for tt2's) dont get me wrong there are lots of nice wheels out there, but none that i think would look "right" on my car. everywhere i look, the only wheels that are of a decent look are 4000 dollars minimum for a set.

[MrQuick]

84 Elco, yeah your right, I still like 17" Iroc on those. Theres alot of wheel dealers in you area (state). Have someone photo chop for you.

[USAZR1]

i dont know about you guys but the cost of wheels is absolutely ridiculous. i bought my 15 in cragars 5 years ago for 600 dollars. now the only set i can get for around that price are a set of z06 knockoffs that wont even fit my car without severe modification or spacers (which i personally refuse to use) where do these wheel manufacturers get off charging as much as they do so wheels? and on top of it, i can't seem to find one set of 17" rims that will look decent on my el camino ( save for tt2's) dont get me wrong there are lots of nice wheels out there, but none that i think would look "right" on my car. everywhere i look, the only wheels that are of a decent look are 4000 dollars minimum for a set.

It seems like 90% of the Chevelles/El Caminos out there either have Cragar SS, TT II,or GM Rally wheels. You really need to get out of that mindset and quit following the herd. There are dozens of wheels that would look great on your Elky. Just open your mind and look around. :)
Not following the herd will really make your car stand out in a crowd.
Dare to be different.
Can't help you with the cost of wheels but everything costs more these days. Unfortunately,it's the price of progress.

[CarlC]

Vintage Wheel Works 17" V45. For the money, they are one of the best 17" rims available.

[zbugger]

What ever you do, don't let me choose the wheels for you. You'll want to kill me.

[79T/Aman]

I feel the same way it would be nice if the wheel designers would get off the bling bling band wagon and stop watching rap videos and shows like "pimp my ride" and start making functional good looking wheels, just my .02!

[RatMalibu]

I feel your pain......every type of wheel I like that I looked at in the sizes I want were in the 6-900 each range......I didn't want the TT2's even though I like them because everyone has them now.....I happened across one hellova deal on the CL-205's that I have and figured that they aren't nearly as common as the regular TT2's and I think they look better on my car with the grey anyway.......I've got alot less in the wheels and tires than the cost of any of the other sets of wheels I though was attractive.........still would like some bad to the bone forged ones but on my meager income the 205's will do just fine :)

[ss dave]

I bought a set of 40th anniversary Cragar SS wheels for my 69 SS Camaro. They are triple chrome, aluminum wheels. 17" with a more modern look. The 610 series. I have another set of wheels, Cragar 610 knockoffs with a light gray spoke, Chevy flag center caps, 17" aluminum. I bought those from a CA. dealer for $450. a set. Look good and are cheaper than most. I liked the look and price but will probably stay with the chrome. There are deals out there if you are flexible and persistant. In fact I'm thinking about parting with the gray spoke wheels, contact me if interested. They have never seen the pavement.

[DeepBlue68]

i dont know about you guys but the cost of wheels is absolutely ridiculous. dont get me wrong there are lots of nice wheels out there, but none that i think would look "right" on my car. everywhere i look, the only wheels that are of a decent look are 4000 dollars minimum for a set.

Man, I feel your pain. I have another thread going about this same subject in this forum ("Forgeline Alternative"). I have found several wheels that I really really like, but they are anywhere form $2500 to $4k a set, which is not only ridiculous, but more importantly, not possible on my budget. I'm in love with several of the Forgeline, CCW, and HRE wheels, but they're all insanely expensive.

I really like the look of the Torq Thrust 2's, but after spending more time browsing/reading/etc, it does seem like everyone has them. I mean, look at PHR this month (June issue) - 2 of the 3 feature cars have them. And, I'm really starting to like more modern looking wheels a lot more anyway. I don't know what I'm gonna do. I need to start a company making knockoff wheels of modern forged wheels in the $250 - $350 range...I'd be rich haha.

[ss dave]

DeepBlue, i know what you mean about everyone having TT2's. That is why I like my Cragars. Have yet to see another car with the 610's.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I felt your pain too up until last year. New wheels are soooo expensive. The best thing to keep in mind is you really get what you pay for. I waited many years for a great deal on wheels and I was lucky to finally get a used pair for what I thought was the deal of the century for me. Just look around for used wheels that you want. I could never ever afford brand new wheels.

[dgumoe]

what really stinks about the wheel situation is i dont even WANT to get rid of the 15" set ive got now, its going to be necessitated by the use of big rotors, which i wont compromise on. what do you guys think of the american racing hopster? i thought it looked like a decent wheel for the money.

[Rick Dorion]

Actually, Carl - the best deal is 16" VWW's from those who migrated to the 17's. :)

[CAMAROBOY69]

Wheels are one of the hardest decisions on your car just like the paint if you havent picked it yet. The wheels make or break the car..period.
I think the American Racing Hopster is very very nice and quite similar to the Budnik Famosa's that I am currently running.
Here is a pic of them for other members.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[skeevay]

I was in the same boat with the wheel situation. Forced to buy new wheels because of rotor sizes. Like the posts above...Wheels are outrageously expensive!! I searched for many months and thought the AR Hopsters looked like what I was after. After seeing them in person though, they just didnt do it for me. I really like the Budnik Famosa and Billet Specialties Vintecs (look the same) but they were not in my budget. Like Adam said, the wheels make or break the car, so after more contemplating and more stress, :hammer: I finally broke the bank and ordered some Colorado Custom Paradox. :fingersx: http://www.coloradocustom.com/WheelDetails.aspx?WheelID=63&DivCat=6

[vanzuuk1]

I am gonna buy rims from et wheels at 300 a rim.they look like torq thrusts with the black center but they come in 4.5 backspace. Expensive but they will "make" my car.

[RobM]

look into intro wheels they cost about the same as TT2's but are available with custom back spacing and seem to be better quality...plus costomer service is really good here are the ones i got..... http://www.introwheels.com/images/pg_w_exposed/exposed_500/pentia_5_500.jpg

[Restomod]

Hit ebay man!!! A LOT of ricer cars have the same lug pattern (convert to MM's) as Fords and Chevys. I just search 18" wheel 5x114.3 and I got my 18" ADR's for $450.00 to the door! 3 used but VERY nice and one new Dunlop 9000's (285/225) for less than $500.00. That price is hard to beat............................

[Bigblue73]

Look into the "Hot Wheels" brand of wheels from Discount Tire Direct. www.discounttiredirect.com (http://www.discounttiredirect.com)

Made by KMC Wheel Company, The sixty-eight is a nice looking wheel that is available in 16, 17 and 18 inches. They are very inexpensive, so cheap I had to question the quality. I bought the wheels and these wheels are excellent for a cast wheel. Set of 4 17x8 and 17x9 for my Challenger. $600.00 with lugs.

Take a look. These are a nice alternative to the TT2's that everyone has.

Rims are being mounted today, Pictures this afternoon.

[CarlC]

Actually, Carl - the best deal is 16" VWW's from those who migrated to the 17's. :)

You're right Rick. The guy that bought mine got a good deal for his Corvair. Unfortunately, he decieded to put one wheel in the front "trunk" and shut the lid too tight on the tire. He could not get the lid re-opened, and there's no way to easily get into the trunk. His "deal" may have been really expensive.

[Travis B]

look into intro wheels they cost about the same as TT2's but are available with custom back spacing and seem to be better quality...plus costomer service is really good here are the ones i got..... http://www.introwheels.com/images/pg_w_exposed/exposed_500/pentia_5_500.jpg


The pentia's are nice but I'm pretty sure they are more than americans but then again I was pricing 18's and 20's they are about $1800! What size did you order!
I ended up with Boyd magnetos for my daily driver and billet specialties gt40 for the chevelle!