I know of some American-made wheels, but you guys don't want to hear about them because they're made from a specific aluminum machining process that must not be mentioned here. Hmmmm, what's worse, traditional-looking Chinese parts, or American-made billet? (Oh noes, I said it!)
Isn't it hell that you have to hunt to find a product make in the USA? In the tool and die industry US made tools are few and far between. But the only way to keep the small amount of US manufactures [no mater what the product] is to support them. I only use US built components in the machines that I build, simply because I think its the rite thing to do. P.S. Id love to have the contract to make those little gold oval stickers that say made in China, Id be rich beyond my wildest dreams cuz they are every ware!
I have to add that I just dealt with Pat at Real Rodders Wheels and he was a straight shooter and great to deal with. Gus
A couple of years ago, the company that I worked for at the time passed out lapel pins of the company logo over an AMERICAN flag to celebrate an anniversary. I never removed it from the bag that had "Made in China" printed on it.....There should be a law against that. At present time, there are hundreds of US manufacturers that have the capability to make components and tons of capacity. With Chinese subsidies on the decline an freight continually on the rise, the time has come to again demand components made in the USA for your hot rod.
Thank you! I want to get this thread back on track - it is NOT a "Fu*k China!" thread - it is a thread inquiring to finding out what current wheels are available that are MADE IN THE USA! I don't care if they are steelies, traditional mag-style wheels, or billet - I want to know definitively what wheels are actually made in the USA or Canada. There are 35 replies and half are pertinent to the topic. Wheels only - there is the above quoted thread if some of you guys want to go OT and rant about other Chinese shit. Talk your politics over there - I want wheel info!
Another vote for Real Rodders Wheels. I bought a set from Pat, When you call you talk to him. First class wheels proudly made in the USA. 888 298-4212
What boogeracng says - I picked up a pair of Real Rodders Wheels16 x 8 Dragmaster 'trick' wheels from JimA yesterday because they are no longer producing the 'trick' wheels - and I think have only produced two sets of these. This is a shallow back spaced wheel with a deep dish, which gives the front side look of a 16 x10 but you can actually get the wheel inside a stock 1940 or 1941 Willys rear fender, without having to drop the rear suspension and deflate the tires, while trying not to bend the fender as you force a 10" deep dish wheel into position and scratch the hell out of the inside of the wheel in the process. They will replace the 'Chinabrands' on the Willys, which seem to mar real easy too as the alloy is really soft. Lug nut dropped when I was trying to mount them, and took a divot out of the rim. 'Hecho in China' seems to mean soft alloys that do not polish like good ol' 'Made in USA'. There is a great deal of difference - even if it looks similar - trust me on this.
Real Rodders Wheels actually advertise in their add that they are made in the USA. If I remember right Dayton Wire Wheel still makes theirs in the USA. I have been looking at Radirs, can anyone confirm 100% where they are made? As someone else mentioned there is always billet. I am guessing most steel wheels made through the '60's are made in the states. I am constantly e mailing companies asking them where stuff is made, I will actually be in the market for a set of wheels soon so I am glad this thread came up. For anyone that wants to help out our economy, buy from a HAMBer
So far, it looks like we have these sources of US-made wheels available to us, based on the replies from folks: www.rallyamerica.com (wheelkid) www.radir.com www.realrodderwheels.com www.earlywheel.com (not 100% confirmed yet) www.thewheelsmith.net www.vintagewheelworks.com (not 100% confirmed yet) www.bonspeed.com www.daytonwirewheel.com www.stocktonwheel.com
That sucks torque thrust II made in China, I bought a set that fits Ford, and Plymouth 9 years ago. I wanted a set for my Nova but not after seeing this post.
Yes, Early Wheel Company wheels are all made here in the U.S. with american made parts. I also own the tooling to make nice stainless hubcaps. I build all the wheels personaly with custom back space etc. right out of my hot rd shop...It is now confirmed.. Jason. www.earlywheel.com 805-772-7997
If I seen two rims that looked almost the same and had to pay $50 more for a American or Canadian built product, opposed to a over sea's product I would/have/always will continue to support are north American businesses/people
www.radir.com and www.realrodderwheels.com are bad links. Radir's site is www.radirwheels.com I couldn't find the actual address for realrodderwheels.com, maybe patrick66 can fix that one.
Some down to earth Americans making wheels in OC. http://www.schottwheels.com This one got some heritage design style. Can easily get bead blasted for that cast look. Mike
http://www.realrodderswheels.com/ Real Rodders Wheels link http://zenithwirewheels.net/wheels Made in So-Cal
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