WheelProfessor.com

Since this is the last of a series of TECH Stuff added to the advertisement for the TQ, SLT and RT5 wheels, I decided to take the opportunity to put in a plug for the wheels and the company that offers them. They are great wheels. They are manufactured to the highest quality standards, tested to meet the SAE J2530 Aftermarket Wheel specification, and designed to offer the best sizes, fitments and styling for Hot Rods, Customs and Muscle Cars. I’m a bit partial because I designed and created them. I retired in January of 2007. (more…)

The original equipment wheels that the factory puts on cars and trucks are designed and tested for use on a specific vehicle.  The wheels that the aftermarket offers are designed and tested to fit a wide range of vehicles.  The range of those vehicles is determined primarily by the load rating or weight of the vehicles.  Both OEM and Aftermarket wheels are designed and tested to a standard and to a maximum load carrying capacity. In TECH Stuff 3, wheel standards, testing procedures, marking requirements and load ratings were discussed.  Using a wheel that was designed, tested and manufactured for a different vehicle carries some risks.  Modifying a wheel to fit a different vehicle than originally intended, carries even larger risks. (more…)

Choosing the wheels you want to run on your Rod involves a few things to think about.  Style, finish and size are the main considerations, but before you make those choices, there are a few things to mull over. (more…)

Using Nitrogen to inflate tires instead of plain old air or oxygen is not a new phenomenon, but it sure is getting some attention lately.  I did some research on the subject and decided I was missing the boat.  I’m one of the 85% of Americans that don’t regularly check the inflation pressure in my tires (I wonder who took that survey).  Based on my research, I should be using Nitrogen.  I learned that Nitrogen is all around us and we take in Nitrogen in every breath of air we breathe in. (more…)

Plus Sizing is a fairly recent trend (I think it started in the late 80’s or early 90’s). Well when I say recent, I mean compared to the 50’s and 60’s when I was getting into cars and making them street cool. The basic idea of Plus Sizing is to replace the stock wheel size with a larger diameter wheel and still maintain the same original tire and wheel combination diameter. Back in the early days, up to and including the 70’s, the only thing that happened when you put larger diameter tires on your rod, was the speedometer read slower than you were actually going. That only worked when you said ”but Dad, the speedometer said I was only going 50”. (more…)

There are several different types of finishes available for Aftermarket Wheels.  Most wheel companies offer a warranty on the finish.  In most cases, painted wheels have a 1 year warranty.  Most chrome wheels have a 2 year warranty, and in some cases a 3 year warranty.  Polished aluminum wheels are only warranteed until you take them out of the box.  In any event, the buyer has the responsibility to properly maintain the wheels.  There are a lot of folks out there that pay a lot of money for custom wheels then only clean them when they send the car through the car wash once in awhile.  It takes time and elbow grease to keep custom wheels clean and to protect the finish.  I’ve seen chrome wheels that customers wanted to return because they were pitted or rusting so bad that they look like the car was parked on the bottom of Lake Michigan for the winter.  If you don’t maintain your wheels, don’t expect the manufacturer to take them back and give you a new set. (more…)

There are a lot of theories floating around about the use of wheel adapters and spacers and their safety.  Here are a few facts and thoughts that will help you make your decision whether to use them or not. (more…)

There are several types of construction that are used to make wheels for the aftermarket. The type of construction does not necessarily mean that one type is better than the other. Some types of construction allow for more elaborate styling or finishing, others reduce weight, while others are for the purpose of duplicating the original equipment wheels. In any case, the strength and safety aspects of the wheel are based on the design and manufacturing quality built in by the manufacturer. Remember, as discussed in TECH Stuff #3, all the wheels sold should be tested to a recognized specification or standard by the manufacturer to assure that they are safe and reliable regardless of what type construction they are. (more…)

Here are a few facts about wheel fasteners you should know before you bolt up your wheels on your ride. (more…)

Have you ever wondered if the aftermarket wheels you are putting on your rod or family car are safe? When you and/or your family take off on a trip to the local store or across the country are you confident your wheels will not fail? Here are a few things you should know. (more…)