Trends on Rims

Chrome plating, often referred to simply as chrome wheels , is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The chromed layer is not only decorative, but can provide ease in cleaning. Most wheels today are cast aluminum wheels. Aluminum is a very active metal and is difficult to plate for electrochemical reasons. Before the chromium is applied the first step of the chrome process is to apply nickel to the surface. The nickel is the material that actually gives the wheel its color. The chromium simply protects the nickel from tarnishing. Because aluminum is so difficult to plate, manufactures only warrant chrome wheels against plating for one to two years. They are not warranted against pitting. Therefore manufacturers have been looking for a better way to get the look of chrome on an aluminum wheel with better results for a long lasting finish. PVD chrome wheels were the answer.  Below is a description of the PVD process which some manufactur...

Through the years I've had many questions about putting custom wheels on classic Ford Mustangs. Most of the questions involve fitment on year models from 1964 1/2 to 1973. Confusion seems to revolve around the fact that in those years Ford used two different bolt patterns, and had a re-design of the Mustang in 1967. First let's consider the two bolt patterns Ford used during those years. There were two. A 4/4.5 bolt pattern was used for 6 cylinder models, and a 5/4.5 bolt pattern was used on 8 cylinder models. Unfortunately if you have a 6 cylinder with the original hubs and drums then there are few choices in custom wheels that are made to fit. To get a really nice looking custom wheel you’ll probably have to go with a custom made application. Companies like Billet Specialties build quite a few styles with full cover caps that can be drilled for the 4/4.5 bolt pattern and will look great. Some 6 cylinder Mustang owners choose to change out the hubs and drums to the ...