Custom-Car-Rims.com

You are browsing the archives of 2007 March.

You’ll have to forgive me…I’m going on a bit of a rant in this post.

You see, I have a real problem with the level of so-called service that’s going on in the world today. Its almost like most merchants feel that the consumer owes it to them to do business. This was so apparent when I went on a search for some rims both online and offline.

Anyone with even a remote interest in cars will turn their head when a set of custom wheels rolls up.

Custom wheels are wheels are vastly different from those supplied by the manufacturer when the car is first built. You can either order custom wheels when you place your new car order (the expensive way) or you can purchase them after you take delivery (the smart way).

One of the reasons people choose custom wheels is for their performance benefits. This is important for people who want optimum performance from their vehicle.

Another reason that car enthusiasts prefer custom rims is that they provide grater wheel strength. This is particularly important if the vehicle is going to be hard driven, such as in racing or off-road.

For the average person though the appeal of custom wheels lies in their aesthetic value. People who take a great deal of pride in the appearance of their car or truck will sometimes undertake a long and detailed search for the perfect set of custom wheels. They have an image in mind and won’t rest until they achieve it.

But while those companies were busy cranking out T-buckets in the ’70s, the National Street Rod Association was being formed and national automotive events had begun to pop up throughout the Midwest.

Racing The Hot Rod
The earliest places to race hot rods were SoCal’s dry lakebed dirt ovals. Although Model A and ‘32 Ford rods (as well as a small number of rods built from other cars) soon joined the Model T on the tracks, T-buckets were the backbone of early speed events.

Dry lakes cars emphasized streamlining and power, so stroker cranks, supercharging, and nitro took precedence over other considerations. In order to cut wind resistance, bodies were sometimes narrowed by taking a cut lengthwise down the middle of the body, or “channeled” by dropping the body down over the framerails.

Previously portrayed as chariots for thugs and juvenile delinquents, the rod had now become stylish transport for the terminally cool! And ever since, the Model T hot rod has become an icon on par with Harley-Davidson and Duesenberg in the history of transportation. How it attained those heights is a fascinating story.