After -Market Rim Recommendations??

[Challenger-II]

Merry Christmas Everyone!!



My X-mas gift this year is a new set of rims to replace my '99 stock chrome steel rims. I would like some recommendations for a rim that doesn't require a weekend a month to keep clean. I'm afraid of anything that needs to be polished regularly. My stock chrome steel is great..... just wash it or spray some cleaner on them and you are done. The aftermarket chrome steel rims I have looked at are inexpensive but I have been told that they do not hold up like the stock ones?? They tend to rust? Can anyone comment on this? What rims are you guys happy with?



Thanks!

 

[dezeldog]

Wheels

I'm happy with my Alcoas. They're clear coated so no maintance





Jim

 

[tractorface]

Are you going to sell the OEM rims? I am in the market for at least one but will buy a whole set if need be.

Thanks

 

[Ncostello]

You simply can't go wrong with Alcoa Wheels. They are highly polished and the metal has a special treatment that keeps them shiny. The company explains that it is not a clear coat over polished aluminum as this can yellow, crack and peel over time. Rather it is a chemical process that "absorbs" into the aluminum and keeps them looking new. I think its their new highly secret process that has a patent. Mild soap and water is all thats needed to clean them.



Our fire engine has a new set of them and they have been in service for almost two years. Never been polished, just washed with soapy water. Still look like a mirror. And they do get very dirty at times.



EDIT: Im not 100% sure if all sizes of wheel are treated this way, but I cant see them only doing certain sizes. Ours are 22. 5" wheels. I'd bet the smaller sizes are given the same protection. Maybe their ads will tell about it.

 

[Hummin Cummins]

I agree with Alcoa

If you go chromed steel, STAY AWAY FROM AMERICAN RACING.

I bought a set on mine and returned 2 of them under warranty. The chrome was actually cracking and peeling. After a big hassle with the dealer. The shop fought for me, but the dealer said "you're stupid for buying chrome in the first place". Now thats the way to sell a product baby



I had Alcoa "monster rims" 16x14's chrome steel on a truck and they held up great. In hindsight I'd go aluminum.



Chris

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I'm happy with 16x7" Alcoas from www.southwestwheel.com for the looks, strength, weight capacity, and lighter weight than stock (20 vs. 34 lb each).

 

[Cooker]

My vote is for Alcoa also.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

I like them wheels, great price and look. But i'm not sure if they would fit my 1st Gen. Don't they have a 16x8 ?? And is the offset and backspacing right for a 1st gen??





Steve

 

[Challenger-II]

Thanks everyone for your advice... .

I would probably go with the Alcoa's but it doesn't seem like they have a 16x8 rim??? Can't fit bigger tires on a 7" wheel, that is why I am moving away from my stock 6. 5" ones. How about the M/T Challenger II?? They look nice but what kind of maintenance do they require?

 

[sberrio]

Wheel Care?

First of all I've heard things about the Challenger II. Mainly quality issues, such as cracking, warping etc.

Second: On my previous 2 dodges(1 an 86 W100 the other a 93 W250 Cummins) I had some American Racing Steel Chrome Directionals. Every winter I would spray them with WD-40, and the finish lasted the life of the truck.

Right now I have AR Baja 16x8 polished alloy rims (no clearcoat). I wanted MT Challengers, but it was a convenience issue. So far no probs.



Does anyone know a quick way to clean or protect the non clearcoat alloys? Do you think the WD-40 would stain the rim? Also, since it is winter, I don't have a whole lot of time to clean the rims. Hopefully somone knows a friendly spray-on/ spray-off cleaner.



THANKS,

simon