Which wheels do you think looks best?

[jtkirk00]

Using the Newstalgia wheel viewing tool, I put together a few images of what various wheels could look like on my '63 Impala. I couldn't get the color exactly right, but it's Black Cherry. I've included a picture of the car as it sits now. Keep in mind that the car has an old school feel to it but I wouldn't be opposed to modernizing it a bit. Also, ride quality is important to me. Which combo do you like best and why?

Current Car on 15" American Racing TTs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/1963Impala7-1.jpg

Rocket Racing Booster Chrome 20" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels1-1.jpg

Rocket Racing Booster Chrome 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels2-1.jpg

Rocket Racing Booster Gray 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels3-1.jpg

American Racing Hopster 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels4-1.jpg

Rushforth SuperSpoke 19" rear / 19" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels5-1.jpg

Schott American 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Wheels6-1.jpg

[DriverzInc]

I think the Americana's look best! And in all polished, will fit your car to a "T"!

18's are an easy fit, and tire sizing is a slam dunk as well. Still plenty of sidewall there. We would run an 18x8 front, and can go as wide as 18x10 on the back, although the 18x9 is an easier fit, especially if the exhaust is run inboard of the wheel well, like so many Impalas are. 245/40/18 and 275/40/18.

[jtkirk00]

Jon - I know! I am coming to the same realization. And as you know from our conversations, they are much more expensive than what we've been discussing. Might have to save up!!

Also, I am leaning against the staggered look now. Seems more appropriate for a race-inspired build than an old-school cruiser. But do I do 18s, 19s or 20s? Ahhhh!!!!!

[DriverzInc]

Do the 18's. I edited my original post to explain why. And, as you already know from our conversations, I'll work with you on pricing, and don't forget its only a 50% deposit to get the wheel order started, with the balance due when Schott finishes them up, so you have some in-between time to save up if you wanted to get the order in.

:)

[jtkirk00]

Thanks Jon! I do believe the exhaust currently interferes with wheel width, but running new exhaust is also on my list of near-term to-do's. I want to run the exhaust out in front of the rear wheel instead of behind it. The wider wheel well opening exposes about 10" of exhaust piping and it drives me crazy! I don't want to see no stinkin' exhaust pipes!

[64impala]

using the newstalgia wheel viewing tool, i put together a few images of what various wheels could look like on my '63 impala. I couldn't get the color exactly right, but it's black cherry. I've included a picture of the car as it sits now. Keep in mind that the car has an old school feel to it but i wouldn't be opposed to modernizing it a bit. Also, ride quality is important to me. Which combo do you like best and why?

Current car on 15" american racing tts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 20" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster gray 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

american racing hopster 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rushforth superspoke 19" rear / 19" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

schott american 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

i have mb old school 18x8, 20x9 4.5 bs with gunmetal centers. 275/35 rear, 245/40 front. You cant beat the price. 18's are 175, and 20's are 200. Thats what i would go with. They look amazing with the body lines on the impala. You can buy them from discount tire because they will beat anyones price. I have pics on here under 64impala so you can get an idea what they look like. Good luck

[mc84_zz4]

My vote goes for the Schott in 18. On a dark-colored car, the polished finish looks real clean, it also complements the trim on a classic, and will stop people in their tracks.
Schott makes the nicest wheels in that design that I have seen, and covered lugs done the way that Schott does it is amazingly well executed. Billet Specialties SLG 60 is another stunning wheel IMO.

If you like that design, but want to fit a different budget, similar designs are:
Intro - Pentia http://www.introwheels.com/index.php/component/content/article/2/21-pentia.html
Billet Specialties - SLG60 http://www.billetspecialties.com/item.asp?cid=16&scid=29&pid=854
Billet Specialties - Street Star http://www.billetspecialties.com/item.asp?cid=16&scid=132&pid=722
Budnik - Fontana http://www.budnik.com/roadwheelitem.asp?scid=53&pid=524&pg=2
Eagle Alloys - Series 225 http://aewheel.com/eagle_alloy_wheels.cfm?id=442
Pro-Wheels - Jet 5 http://www.prowheels.net/
Centerline - Retro http://centerlinewheels.com/wheels_detail.php?mw_id=35&sw_id=461 (check out their overstock, great deals)
http://centerlinewheels.com/wheel_deals_detail.php?id=12426&type=bolt&data=5-4.75

But as you can see, I 'barely' considered a design like that....lol
BTW Schott also offers an Americana eXl with exposed lugs, not sure if the price is any lower...
http://schottwheels.com/exl_detail.cfm?id=2

I ended up buying the Centerline Retro, but I wish I had budget for the Billet Specialties SLG60, or Schott... :nopity:
BTW Pro-Wheel is the manufacturer behind Centerline's Billet wheels, and both are available w/custom backspaces every 1/4"

[muthstryker]

Schott, That is all.

[JRouche]

Umm, I think the wheels/tires you have on it look better than any of the pics.

I know thats because the pics you grabbed only come with the tire size shown right? Or are you able to pick the tire size also when you make the picture? If you are and thats the tire size you want then well, you know my choice.

I like the Rocket Racing Booster Gray. The color works really well with your car color. It combines the old 60s look with a modern wheel and a very nice 60s car.

Second pik for me would be the Rushforth SuperSpoke.

All the others look too plain or the spoke is too wide without any contour (again, too plain) JR

Maybe these?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/63imp1-1.jpg

[rustomatic]

Fat steelies (trim rings or not), anywhere between 15 and 17, would be my knuckle-dragging choice. Either the standard GM style or Bart's stock-car style (black is beautiful, and keeps eyes off you in bad neighborhoods, not that you would be in one) would look killer, especially with 60-series tires, for that weekend stock-car thing. I do realize, of course, that my opinions lead more toward primer-paint tastes... NASCAR used to be all about the bigger cars...

[jtkirk00]

Thanks all, and especially Dave (wow!), for your input. I am a very minimal person and I like clean designs. Many of the wheels that Dave provided links for had multiple steps of lip (not sure if that's the technical term). For me, the wheel becomes too cluttered design-wise. Also, the thing really appealing to me about the Schott right now is the hidden lug nuts. That looks slick to me.

I'm leaning against Rushforths because they look more race inspired and my car definitely is not race oriented. It reminds me of seeing a car with a 6 cylinder that is tubbed with a hood scoop. The two just don't go together! And no, the ones I've seen were not turbos! :doh:

I wish the Schott's were much cheaper but unless there's another wheel with similar styling and just as minimal, then I think that's the winner.

[64impala]

using the newstalgia wheel viewing tool, i put together a few images of what various wheels could look like on my '63 impala. I couldn't get the color exactly right, but it's black cherry. I've included a picture of the car as it sits now. Keep in mind that the car has an old school feel to it but i wouldn't be opposed to modernizing it a bit. Also, ride quality is important to me. Which combo do you like best and why?

Current car on 15" american racing tts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 20" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster gray 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

american racing hopster 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rushforth superspoke 19" rear / 19" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

schott american 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

here is what im runnin. Mb "old school" wheels

[64impala]

using the newstalgia wheel viewing tool, i put together a few images of what various wheels could look like on my '63 impala. I couldn't get the color exactly right, but it's black cherry. I've included a picture of the car as it sits now. Keep in mind that the car has an old school feel to it but i wouldn't be opposed to modernizing it a bit. Also, ride quality is important to me. Which combo do you like best and why?

Current car on 15" american racing tts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 20" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster chrome 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rocket racing booster gray 18" rear / 18" front:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

american racing hopster 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

rushforth superspoke 19" rear / 19" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

schott american 18" rear / 18" front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

mb old school wheels. 18x8 front 20x9 rear

[jtkirk00]

Yeah, I saw that earlier. Unfortunately it's hard to get a feel for them without tires and on a disassembled body. :)

[JayR]

I agree that our Super Spokes may not be the perfect design for a big cruiser like an Impala which is one of the main reasons I designed the Concept and the Fuel. Not exactly traditional 5 spokes but not out of place on a 50 year old bodystyle.

Concepts
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN0097-1.jpg

Fuels
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMG_1342JPG-1.jpg

[Greasy63]

RUSHFORTH's all the way!!!!!:cool:

[Blitz]

I say Booster grey or Rushforth brushed.

[64impala]

Yeah, I saw that earlier. Unfortunately it's hard to get a feel for them without tires and on a disassembled body. :)

The pictures dont do it any justice. you would need to see it. But i understand where u are coming from. Just giving him an idea

[64impala]

Yeah, I saw that earlier. Unfortunately it's hard to get a feel for them without tires and on a disassembled body. :)

plus it beat those cheezy wheel simulator pics! ;)

[67rally]

I think the 20's fill out the wheel well nicely, but there just isn't enough sidewall there for me.

***Edit***

After going back and looking at the photos, it appears that the Schott setup has more sidewall than the Rocket Racing in the 18". Do you remember what the profile was of each of those setups. I like both of those wheels. If you can afford the Schott's go with those. If not, the Rocket Racing are about half the price. If Jon can hook you up with a deal, all the better.

[jtkirk00]

64Impala - Yes, wheels mounted on a car with no fenders, no paint, no tires and on jacks in a cramped garage, is better than the cheesy simulator pics. :) Seriously though, I am glad you're so excited about your wheels.

67rally - I totally agree with you. I like the big size of the 20s, but I don't like the low profile tires. And especially on my Impala... it's hard to go with low profile tires and make the car look more ghetto/hoopty than muscle car. That's the one nice thing about the current 15" wheels and 70 profile tires... it looks more muscle than ghetto.

The Schott's are so clean looking that I might need to be patient and save up for them over the Rockets. And also be super nice to Jon and catch him in a friendly mood! :)

[jy211]

here's 2 shots of my buddy's old 63' on 20's

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/38/fred2n.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/fredc.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[jtkirk00]

Jeff - That's super helpful. It confirms for me that I don't want to go with 20s. It's just not the right look for me personally.

[nekkidhillbilly]

hoopsters or tt2s

[Blitz]

Ghetto/Hoopty...interesting.

[muthstryker]

Stick with 18s all around.

[DriverzInc]

and also be super nice to jon and catch him in a friendly mood! :)

lol, :)

[64impala]

64impala - yes, wheels mounted on a car with no fenders, no paint, no tires and on jacks in a cramped garage, is better than the cheesy simulator pics. :) seriously though, i am glad you're so excited about your wheels.

67rally - i totally agree with you. I like the big size of the 20s, but i don't like the low profile tires. And especially on my impala... It's hard to go with low profile tires and make the car look more ghetto/hoopty than muscle car. That's the one nice thing about the current 15" wheels and 70 profile tires... It looks more muscle than ghetto.

The schott's are so clean looking that i might need to be patient and save up for them over the rockets. And also be super nice to jon and catch him in a friendly mood! :)
i was just trying to be helpfull. I hope your not trying to be a smart a#$.

[64impala]

Jtkirkoo- thanks for the insult on my garage. Im in the military and live in on base housing so thats all we get is a one car garage......ya jerk!

[jtkirk00]

64impala - No offense was intended. I was merely trying to convey why I felt the pictures of the wheels on your car weren't helpful to me. The "cheesy" (your word, not mine) simulator pics were better because I could see a car that approximates my color, from the side, lowered like my car is, etc.

Your garage is cramped, as you know. That is neither a good thing or a bad thing. It is simply a fact. I applaud your service for our country and I applaud your restoration efforts in a one car garage. I know it's not easy and it is to be admired.

Again, I apologize for any perceived insult. It was not my intent.

Now, can we get back to sharing Impala love? :)

[64impala]

64impala - no offense was intended. I was merely trying to convey why i felt the pictures of the wheels on your car weren't helpful to me. The "cheesy" (your word, not mine) simulator pics were better because i could see a car that approximates my color, from the side, lowered like my car is, etc.

Your garage is cramped, as you know. That is neither a good thing or a bad thing. It is simply a fact. I applaud your service for our country and i applaud your restoration efforts in a one car garage. I know it's not easy and it is to be admired.

Again, i apologize for any perceived insult. It was not my intent.

Now, can we get back to sharing impala love? :)

absolutley!

[64impala]

With tires. 275/35/20 advan sport b1's

[jtkirk00]

That's cool! What color are you thinking about painting the car?

[64impala]

That's cool! What color are you thinking about painting the car?

gunmetal or silver...

[jtkirk00]

Which would look perfect with those wheels. I think that's why I struggle so much with mine... chrome is an obvious choice given all the chrome on the car, but brushed/gunmetal wheels could look good too given the dark color of my car. I'm struggling!

[Tony_SS]

I'm running the 17" MB old school wheels like above too... they are super nice for the money.

[64impala]

i'm running the 17" mb old school wheels like above too... They are super nice for the money.

you are absolutly right!!

[64impala]

Which would look perfect with those wheels. I think that's why I struggle so much with mine... chrome is an obvious choice given all the chrome on the car, but brushed/gunmetal wheels could look good too given the dark color of my car. I'm struggling!

Ya.....thats a tuff one. thats why i went with wheels first and build the car around them.