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Ram Trucks: Custom Wheel Offsets

     The Dodge Ram 1500 is a poplular truck and one of the most popular questions we get are about fitment.  Questions like: "Will the custom truck rims fit like the stock wheels?" or "How much will the wheels stick out past the fenders?". This article will outline and show how certain size wheels and offsets fit on a 2011-2017 Ram 1500 truck. The factory OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) wheels for the Dodge Ram 1500 will have a wheel offset between +15mm and +25mm depending on which trim package and wheel option you have. These wheels will tuck under the fender with room to spare. If you want your new wheels to fit like the stock wheels then you will want to search for 8" width wheels with the +15mm to +25mm offset or a 9" wheel with a +18mm offset. These sizes will stay tucked under the fender with room to spare on the 2011-Up Ram 1500, even if you don't have fender flares. Here is a picture of a 2016 Ram 1500 with 20x9 +18mm offset wheels. Y...

Chrome Plated Wheels vs. Chrome PVD Coating

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...

Wheel Finishes - Which Finish to Choose

Almost everyday I'm asked about wheel finishes. Questions like..."What is the difference between chrome and polished wheels?" Or..."Which finish is the easiest to maintain?" Understanding the difference between finish types is very important when choosing a wheel for your car. So let's examine each of these finishes for the advantages and disadvantages of each. Chrome Wheels - Wheels that have been chrome plated are very popular today. There are two types of chrome plated wheels. Chrome plated steel wheels are for all practical purposes a thing of the past. Because they are made of steel their finish isn't very durable. Chrome plated steel wheels will rust, and there is no amount of maintenance that will prevent it. Fortunately, nearly all chrome wheels today are made of aluminum, and will not rust. Chrome plating has a brilliant mirror finish and can be very durable. Chrome plated finishes are suitable for all environments, and properly taken...

One-Piece or Two-Piece Wheels

The growth of the classic car and restoration market has boomed over the last decade and along with it the vintage custom wheel market. Today this market has grown into many segments including traditional restorations, customs, rat rods, street rods, pony cars, resto-mods, and muscle cars. In order to meet the demand for all of these markets the vintage custom wheel industry has gone from offering a few styles with limited fitments, to a wide variety of styles, constructions, and fitment options. Options for vintage cars are so widley varied today that many people are overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing the right wheel for their car. An experienced and knowledgeable custom wheel specialist can help you make the right choice. Here are a few tips that can help you as you sort through the options. Before choosing a style that looks great for your car, it is best to understand the type of wheel construction that will fit your needs. Vintage custom wheels are made in the following const...