Tip! What Steve did share with me is the not only are the original Hot Wheels worth money but he makes most of his money off of his modified cars, hence the title of this article. Steve said he has been modifying these cars for a few years now.
The quickest way to ruin the wheels on your car is to let brake dust gather unimpeded. Sure, you can clean the dust off on a daily basis, but who has the time? What if you ruin them by using an abrasive cleaner? However, if you don’t do something about the problem, your wheels’ finish will most certainly corrode and deteriorate. This is not something you want to see: your pricey AMG 129s eating dust! Fortunately, in this world of ever improving technology a permanent and cost effective solution will take care of the problem for less than $100.
Brake dust shields [also known as wheel dust shields] can successfully protect your wheels from dust. Made of high strength aluminum alloy, brake dust shields fit securely between the hub and wheel just like an inside hubcap; the turbo-venting design of the shield enhances brake cooling.
Tip! Any street driven car can take advantage of aftermarket custom wheels by increased gas mileage as well as better performance. All due to the reduced weight of custom alloy wheels.
Properly installed brake shields are a great idea for the following reasons:
They will keep your wheels shiny and like new; protects them from damaging brake dust.
Are easy for you to install; no special tools are necessary.
Are made of a one piece no-maintenance aluminum alloy.
Come in a variety of sizes that fit virtually all cars, trucks, and SUVs equipped with factory wheels.
Will not impact your new car warranty.
Brake dust shields are sold in pairs and are custom made for your wheels. In most cases you can order and receive two pairs and have them shipped to your home for under $100. When you consider that your AMG 129s cost $863 each, the investment is well worth it; almost like having wheel insurance without reoccurring annual charges!
Currently, there is only one manufacturer of wheel dust shields, Kleen Wheels. Some cars come factory equipped with these shields as the importance of protecting pricey wheels is not lost on some car manufacturers, particularly those marketing high end car lines.
Tip! You are sure to have seen the hundreds and hundreds of stores that specialize in dealing with custom and personalized wheels. These would be an excellent spot to start the search for the SUV rims of your dreams.
A tip: When ordering brake dust shields you are ordering them for the wheel not the car. Shields will be different if your wheels are factory delivered or after market installed. Make sure you are clear on this when placing your order as you could learn that the shields you ordered do not match your wheels.
Yeah, AMG 129s are totally cool. Without the brake dust, that is!
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff, an online supplier of high quality and well priced automobile parts.
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August 8th, 2008
Tip! If the stores local to your area are not satisfactory, then you could always try to search on the internet. Besides loads of information regarding SUV wheels, you will find images of all kinds of rims and wheels which are designed specifically for the SUVs made today.
Alloy wheels can make a big difference in a car or motorcycle, with improved handling and a beautiful appearance. Because of this, enthusiasts have been upgrading to larger wheels for years, replacing basic steel wheels and hubcaps to set a vehicle apart from others and to provide a smoother ride.
The staging area at the repair facility.To capitalize on this trend, manufacturers have begun to change their styling to appeal to consumer demand for larger and flashier wheels, equipping even everyday vehicles like SUVs, compact cars, vans and motorcycles with larger-diameter alloy wheels.
While they look great, alloy wheels present a problem. Wheels from European manufacturers like Volvo, as well as 2- and 3-piece wheels, like BBS, tend to be soft and are more easily damaged. When they are damaged – bent or curbed, among other potential issues – do you need to completely replace them?
Replacing your wheels – through a dealer or local performance wheel shop – can cost hundreds of dollars and take days, depending on the severity of the damage.
Repair vs. Replace
Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Because replacing a factory wheel can range from $350 to $2,000 per wheel (for some Porsche wheels), those who didn’t want to invest in wheel replacement from a dealer began asking about having them “bent” back out – and the wheel rim repair industry was born.
Tip! 4- There are a great many companies that specialize in wheels; they would be an excellent choice as a starting point when beginning your search. These stores will allow you to see the actual wheel, to get a feel of how it will look when mounted on your SUV.
So long as safety isn’t an issue (that is, when a wheel can be repaired by a professional technician without jeopardizing the lives of the passengers relying on the wheel to do its job), then alloy wheel repair is an excellent choice for economy and cosmetic restoration. But when a wheel has been damaged severely, Metro Wheels will not compromise your safety: if there’s any question, we’ll err on the side of not repairing what could lead to serious injury.
Our Team of Experts
Metro Wheel’s repair facilityOne of the better-known alloy wheel repair businesses in the country is Metro Wheels, Inc. in Marietta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta. Metro has one of the largest wheel repair facilities and wheel networking capacity in the country, with the expert team to repair alloy wheels quickly and safely.
At Metro Wheels, we teamed up with the sharpest engineers to design a state-of-the-art wheel repair facility. Our repair processes assure 95-100% wheel accuracy at completion.
Tip! There are over 100 wheel manufactures, some of the more well know name brand wheels include: Enkei, American Racing, American Eagle, Cragar, Boyd Coddington, Giovanni, Centerline, Foose, Momo, Lexani, Weld, and Dayton wire rims and wheels. Even P.
Wheel repair in many areas has been saturated with many companies claiming that they can fix any wheel. But the truth is that many of them are “fly by the night” companies with a sledgehammer and a torch. This is not the proper way to fix any wheel. Some can make the wheel unsafe by not properly applying consistent pressures in a specific way with an exact heat. They stress crack the wheel beyond safety standards and call it a repaired wheel. But you could be jeopardizing your safety and that of your family by using someone without proper experience.
Because we have been in business for over 15 years, our experience in alloy wheel repairs exceeds most shops’. Our aluminum wheel repair specialists can repair most wheels that have been curbed, scraped up, cracked or chemically damaged, providing excellence in both structural and cosmetic repairs; and our professional, certified welders are second to none.
Checking the wheelMetro Wheels uses its own engineered equipment and guaranteed processes to return damaged, scraped and, in most cases, cracked wheels back to their original factory specifications. Because your safety is our highest priority, we will not repair any alloy wheel that cannot be safely ridden on after repair.
Metro Wheels’ Repair Process
The repair process is straightforward. First, we mount the wheel accurately on a vehicle simulator. With the proper heat, consistent hydraulic pressure and light vibrations under pressure, the alloy wheel will move – without cracking – back to its original condition. If there is a crack that can’t be seen by the naked eye (under chrome or paint), it will instantly pop out; our certified welders will then fill and repair the crack. After the wheel has cooled, it will retain its original strength. Heat, consistent pressure and vibration are key to an excellent wheel repair.
detailing areaWhen a wheel is delivered to Metro Wheels, it is either dropped off by the owner, shipped in or picked up in the metro Atlanta area from our wholesale customers. We generate a work order for each individual wheel detailing the customer’s information and any special instructions. Each wheel is assigned a unique work order number that is engraved on the inside of the rim, so that Metro can track its history precisely. This number also makes it much easier to track the wheel throughout the repair process.
Tip! As proud owner of a Honda vehicle, you can also choose to customize your Honda wheels so as to give your car that certain touch of individuality, personality and distinctiveness. Wheels come in various designs and styles like a split-spoke mesh design with a polished stainless steel lip, bolts to give your Honda wheels the look of a two-piece wheel, Mag wheels, steel wheels, cast aluminum wheels, billet aluminum wheels, painted, bare, clear-coated, polished, chromed, and more.
Once identified, each wheel is washed thoroughly to remove all brake dust, because the dust could be hiding additional scratches, gouges or cracks. Metro uses a pressure washer system with a diluted acid-based cleaning compound that will not damage a wheel’s existing finish.
wheel washerThis is particularly important because brake dust removal is essential to determining the level of damage to a wheel. But it must be done correctly, because wheels with a polished or anodized finish can be damaged if the wrong washing compound is used. For instance, a two-piece wheel with a bright lip that is not chromed is typically an anodized finish, a chemical treatment that is very hard to see. If the wrong cleaner or acid is used on such a finish, the wheel surface will be streaked; however, this anodized finish can be stripped off and any scratches buffed out.
Tip! After metal, it’s time for the best part, choosing which style you want. Style in wheels is a very personal thing.
Once thoroughly cleaned, one of our expert technicians performs a complete inspection of the wheel for radial and lateral runout.
Radial runout is vertical, and Metro measures to see just how much the wheel is out of round with a micrometer gauge that measures to 1/1,000 of an inch. If a wheel has 5/1,000 of an inch radial runout, you could put a dial indicator on the wheel and then spin the wheel. The distance the wheel traveled up and down while spinning would be 5/1,000 of an inch both in the high and low position – or swing.
Lateral runout, on the other hand, is how much the damaged wheel will wobble from side to side. On some larger diameter wheels subjected to a hard pothole hit or curb, the wheel will be bent and, if hit hard enough, it will bend and twist the spokes. Most lateral runout can be corrected with pressure on the back of the wheel. But when the lateral runout cannot be corrected, the wheel is not repairable.
Tip! Features: Fifth wheels vary greatly in features depending on the size and the price. The most basic models will have a small kitchen area with a sink, a refrigerator and a small cook top.
Lateral runout is the hardest type of repair to accomplish. It also happens to be the most deceptive, because while a wheel may look like it has only minor rim damage, it can actually be fairly significant and not easily seen to the naked eye unless the wheel is spinning. This is especially common on newer front-wheel-drive cars, where much of the force is cantilevered to the back.
The next point of inspection is for alloy defects such as curb rashes and cracks. Metro recommends that the tires be removed for this inspection because most damage cannot be seen otherwise.
Cracks can be Serious Business
Cracks are of particular importance, because they are the single most common type of damage that can leave a wheel beyond repair. When a wheel bends near the base of a spoke, haze marks in the finish can sometimes be seen and indicate cracks. Because repairing a wheel is not always best in a particular situation, it is important that the wheel is thoroughly examined.
Tip! Typical accessories found on dually pick up trucks are grille guards, nerf bars, headache racks, bed rails, mud flaps and large custom wheels. Turn your Chevy, Ford or Dodge dually diesel into a beast with custom wheels from Alcoa.
# We value your safety above everything else and, for that reason, Metro Wheels considers a wheel to be irreparable if cracks appear: Near the base of a spoke # Near the lug area # On the inner lip of the wheel away from the spokes. (But if a crack is smaller in size, this type of damage is usually salvageable.)
Cracks are particularly common on chrome-plated wheels, where the chroming process tends to render the wheel more brittle than a standard-finish wheel. Sometimes, if a chrome wheel is bent severely, the chrome has to be removed because there can be cracks underneath the chrome. In the case of a cracked chrome wheel, Metro will grind the chrome out and re-weld it.
Tip! Competition oriented car enthusiasts buy custom wheels for the performance benefits. Custom aluminum alloy wheels are much lighter and stronger than ordinarily steel wheels and they look great also.
Finally, we inspect for finish defects, searching out poor paint finish or additional scuffs and scratches.
Once fully inspected, all information is added to the wheel’s work order. Metro then confirms the cost of the work with the customer and remarks on other items that might be involved, such as valve stem types, tire mounting and any other details. Once approved by the customer, work begins.
Color and Finishes the Way You Want
paint boothIf the wheel needs refinishing, it is first stripped using an acrylic medium similar to sand. This medium is superior to steel shot or metal oxide, which are more commonly used. Though they remove the finish more quickly and are cheaper, they also rough up the surface and tear away some of the metal. This is particularly destructive when you want to retain any original cast markings that the manufacturer has displayed.
Tip! General Motors has over the years given us some really great looking Camaro’s and Chevelle’s, and now we can add equally great classic custom Rally wheels from American Racing for that old school look.
The wheel is placed in a blast cabinet with circulating plastic beads, removing the finish without removing metal. But we do not do this in every situation, because old paint is always the best primer base. We will sometimes fill in the existing finish, prep the surface and cover it with new paint.
The next step in the process is straightening the wheel. This removes the majority of the damage as well as any side-to-side wobble.
After straightening, our welders rebuild the outer lip and repair any scrapes or cracks. Metro uses a Tig welding process which matches the base alloy with the weld alloy. The weld is then ground down or relathed and renders the wheel back to its original condition.
Metro typically returns the wheel to 1-10/1,000 of an inch, where factory tolerances are typically 15/1,000 of an inch radial runout. (For comparison, approximately 25/1,000 of an inch can be detected by the human eye.)
Once the wheel is true, it is time to refinish, re-machine or re-polish the wheel. Metro uses a computer color-matching system to match the factory paint finish. If the color is not on file, our painters can match by eye, or deliver a custom finish that is white, anthracite or matched to the owner’s specifications.
Tip! 2- SUV wheels are available in many metal choices; chrome, brushed aluminum, stainless steal are all very popular choices for after market wheels. All of these examples of wheels have been made to be easy to take care of and to last when they are taken care of.
paint mixing areaMetro backs its wheel finishes with a limited lifetime warranty provided by the paint manufacturer. We assure that the wheel will be free of material defect. While this warranty does not cover previous repair wheel scraping or damage to the finish due to the use of improper cleaning chemicals or customer error, it does cover discoloration, fading or peeling for no reason.
If the wheel has a machined finish, it is put on a lathe. Metro has a wide array of CNC programs for most factory and many custom wheels. If we don’t have it in stock, our programmers can write the program needed to perform the exact cut.
Tip! Part of my research consisted of trying to contact some webmasters focusing on Hot Wheels. I spoke with the owner of www.
Upon completion, each wheel is subjected to a final quality check. It is examined for runout and the finish is checked for dirt or dust in the paint, unevenness or orange peel. If everything checks out, the wheel is ready for tire mounting or delivery.
Mounting Your Repaired Wheels
bridgeportUpon request, Metro can mount your repaired tires. This is important because we can mount low profile tires without damaging the wheel. Some wheels are harder to install than others and it is not uncommon for wheel mounting facilities to damage a wheel during tire installation. There have been many times when we have sent out a wheel that looks great, but was re-damaged by an inexperienced tire tech.
Metro wheels can also repair your motorcycle wheel using the same process but on different machines. We accept motorcycle wheels without the tire mounted, and containing the barring. Generally, wire wheels do not repair as easily as alloy wheels. Metro will make some basic repairs to wire wheels but we ask that, if the wheel is substantially damaged, owners try to replace it instead – for your own safety.
Tip! Construction: The basic fifth wheels are made with a steel and wood frame with corrugated aluminum siding. As you get more expensive you begin to see fiberglass frames and better insulation.
In addition to repairing alloy wheels, Metro Wheels can replace wheels from our stock of more than 50,000 parts and even exchange wheels using our Core Exchange Program and wide network of sources.
With our available capabilities, Metro Wheels can also customize a set of wheels, or repair rare or out of production wheels. Polishing and chroming are two popular options, and we can provide just about any shade or color of painted finish.
Metro Wheels developed this intensive repair process through more than 15 years in the business. We are meticulous in providing alloy wheel repair that meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards – and you can rely on that.
Tip! Rims is also another name of these wheels. They are these round metal rings that hold tires around them.
Learn more about alloy wheel repair at Metro Wheels.
August 4th, 2008
Tip! If the stores local to your area are not satisfactory, then you could always try to search on the internet. Besides loads of information regarding SUV wheels, you will find images of all kinds of rims and wheels which are designed specifically for the SUVs made today.
Anywhere you seem to look nowadays, there are customized cars and trucks and those pieces of jewelry holding the tires in place are custom rims. Usually dipped in chrome, sometimes in gold. These flashy wheels are probably where “Bling, Bling” originated. With NBA all stars such as Maurice Taylor, Lindsey Hunters and of course Shaquille O’Neal spending thousands to customize the Lincoln Navigators and Cadillac Escalade SUV truck it only seems natural that their fans would follow in the tracks and they have.
The power of celebrities
Not only have NBA stars taken to customizing their vehicles, but Hip Hop superstars like Nelly, Master P and P Diddy have taken to the bling bling world of aftermarket wheels. The hip hop mogul seems to have gone beyond customizing his rides with chrome rims, he now has teamed up with Weld wheels to produce his own line of custom, precision-forged aluminum rims. Weld wheels and P Diddy have a new line car and truck wheels specifically for sports trucks, luxury SUV’s and high-end American- and German-made autos that are called “Sean John Wheels”. Sean John dubs retail between $700 and $3,000 for each wheel.
Tip! You can save hundreds of dollars just by taking some time to compare the discount car rim deals you can find online. Many online automotive merchants offer your wheels balanced and shipping all for free.
Will all the publicity from celebrities chrome wheels have taken off in sales as in the last 10 years. With the money to be made in custom rims, more and more companies are springing up offering even more styles of wheels to choose from. Some of the most popular names include Foose wheels, Lexani, Giovanni and American Racing wheels to name only a handful of over 100 manufacturers. With so many manufacturers they try to push the envelope with their wheels designs adding beautiful shapes to their wheels. One company really took it to the next level by introducing spinning rims to the aftermarket world.
Spinning wheels
Latrell Sprewell is the pioneer of spinning wheel or “Spinners” as they have become know as. The rims spin because they use a high speed bearing. The specially sealed bearings are what creates the movement even after the vehicle has stopped moving. As cool as they sound, the price tag might make you look else where. A single Spinner can set you back up to $5,000. Even with the expensive cost these wheels are flying off of car accessory store shelves. And other wheel manufacturers have infiltrated the spinning wheel market. Names such as Dubspin, Oasis, Ultra Hot, Spintek, Spinpro, Davin and Excess all offer their own styles of chrome spinning wheels, ready to be installed on luxury SUV trucks.
Tip! The best time to start is right at the beginning – when you apply a good coating of polish on either side of the wheels before you have them fitted to your car. This will prevent the dirt and dust from the road ‘keying’ to the surface and causing permanent damage and dulling.
How to save money when shopping for your aftermarket rims
If you don’t want to spend a months wages on one chrome wheel but you still want that cool custom look what do you do? An alternative to the $5,000 spinner chrome wheel price tag is Spinweel spinners, which will run you about $300. Spinweel Spinners are add-ons to your custom chrome rims, they are designed to adapt to the wheels on your vehicle. Another way to find cheap prices for you budget minded car addicts is using the internet. You can save hundreds of dollars just by taking some time to compare the discount deals you can find online. Many online automotive merchants offer you wheels balanced and shipping all for free. Something to consider if you want the cool look without the expensive payment.
Richard Gazzo is a successful writer offering advice on where to buy cheap rims, custom weels including custom rims, chrome wheels, wire wheels, car rims, alloy wheels and more.
Tip! Will all the publicity from celebrities chrome wheels have taken off in sales as in the last 10 years. With the money to be made in custom rims, more and more companies are springing up offering even more styles of wheels to choose from.
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August 1st, 2008
Tip! The most popular of the color matched custom wheels are wheels that are painted or powdered coated to match the color of a vehicle. In this case the entire wheel is painted or powdered coated.
As cars became more advanced, auto users likewise continuously increased their consciousness on how their cars should look and perform. There’s simply no particular vehicle that can suffice all of a users’ ever-changing needs and wants; thus, one does a lot of things to improve his car and make it more enjoyable to drive and ride. One of the things auto users frequently do to improve their vehicle’s looks and performance is to change the wheels of the car.
The wheel or the rim particularly refers to the metal ring on which the tire is attached but it also refers to both the rim and the tire as a whole. The wheels are among the most essential parts in the car since they are the ones that make your vehicle move. They “interact” with the road and thus greatly affect your car’s handling and ride quality.
Tip! After you have set your budget, you can start thinking about which type of metal you want. SUV wheels come in various metals, like chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Replacing the wheels is easier now and your choices are much greater as well. Stores like Auto Parts Corner provide great variety of OEM-quality auto parts including Ford wheels, GMC wheels, Mazda wheels, and BMW wheels. What’s more exciting is that you can purchase these products online. Aside from getting excellent choices, you get to save time, money and your efforts as well in purchasing replacement wheels for your car. You can expect amazing Auto Parts Wholesale deals from stores like this as well since more and more auto parts stores online are offering different kinds of replacement and aftermarket parts for almost all makes and models at great discount prices.
Purchasing replacement wheels and other auto parts may be a lot easier now however you still have to be wise and meticulous enough in selecting the sources of the parts you’re going to install on your vehicle. Thousands of stores online may be offering the same deals on numerous kinds of Ford parts, BMW parts, Chevrolet parts, Toyota parts and other most sought after replacement automotive parts but you can never be so sure of their products’ quality. It’s better to get auto parts from trusted sources like Auto Parts Corner.
Tip! The Cost: The most basic fifth wheels start at well below $40,000 and might be perfect for those weekends out hunting or fishing with the guys. The more luxurious models can range anywhere up to nearly $100,000.
Likewise, you must be particular about the dimensions of the wheels you are purchasing. You must be very careful in choosing the right replacement wheels for your car so as not to compromise safety and your riding comfort. Although you want to enhance your car’s appearance, the way the wheel looks should not be your basis in choosing it over a more durable and high quality wheel.
Here are some auto terms related to auto wheels. Understanding these can be of great help in making the right choices on the kind of wheels you need to purchase in lieu of the original equipment.
Wheel Diameter. This refers to diameter of the metal ring, on which the bead of the tire rests. This is usually indicated on the wheels itself in inches. If you don’t find it on the wheel, know the size of the tires mounted on it. To achieve more athletic look, wheels with larger diameter matched with low profile tires are usually used as replacement for the stock wheels. Wheel width. This is the distance between the vertical edges of the rim where the tire bead seats. Ideally, the wheel width must be the same as the width of the tread of the tire (circumference of the outside surface of the tire).Wheel balancing. This procedure is done with the wheels off the car. This ensures that the weight of the wheels is distributed evenly around the axle.Wheel offset. This refers to the distance between the mounting surface of the wheel to the car (particularly the attachment surface of the disc at the wheel hub) and the center of the rim. This is crucial to the proper positioning of the tires.
Tip! Construction: The basic fifth wheels are made with a steel and wood frame with corrugated aluminum siding. As you get more expensive you begin to see fiberglass frames and better insulation.
Tracy is a 29 year old researcher and writer from Dallas, Texas with extensive experience in writing auto-related articles and covering automotive related events. She is currently a contributing writer for a leading automotive e-zine.
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July 28th, 2008