Description: HRE’s three-piece Vintage Series wheels have been re-engineered with modern finite-element analysis (FEA) for maximum strength, and are machined from aerospace-grade forged alloy and hand-finished to every customer’s exact specifications. Models available include the 454 (classic Italian-style five-window), the 501 (mesh lace), and the 505 (thick five-spoke). Nearly unlimited finish options are available, from classic gold, bronze, and polished centers and rims, to hand-brushing and custom-tinted colors. (Look for 15- through 17-inch fitments from the company in the future.)
Features: HRE designs, engineers, and manufactures one-piece and three-piece forged aluminum-alloy wheels for racing, performance, and luxury cars in its San Diego, California-based facility. HRE’s built-to-order wheel sets offer a customized choice of offsets, widths, and finishes, resulting in a uniquely personal style and performance solution for each customer’s application.
Fitment: 18- through 20-inch diameters; widths ranging from 7 to 14 inches; all popular offsets and backspacings are available
Price: Starting at $1,700 per wheel
Company Quote: “The process of recreating vintage designs that captured the style and essence of the originals was very exciting and challenging for all of us at HRE.”
Description: New this year is the Spline road wheel for classic to modern rear-wheel-drive Pontiacs. It’s part of Billet Specialties Pro Touring series of wheels, and features caliper clearances up to 1.875-inch to clear large aftermarket brake systems.
Features: Each wheel starts out as a 6061-T6 precision forged-aluminum center that is machined, then finished to order before being joined to the spun aluminum outer at the specified backspace. The Pro Touring series also offers optional powdercoated centers in gloss black, matte black, gunmetal, clear, and high-polish. Choose from polished or black-powdercoated ARP bolts.
Fitment: 18-, 19-, 20-, 22-, and 24-inch diameters and multiple backspaces (Each wheel is custom-built for your vehicle.)
Price: Starting at $675 (each)
Company quote: “Billet Specialties manufactures its wheels in the USA and custom-builds each wheel to fit the vehicle. Like a fine suit, every measurement is taken into consideration to produce the look and fit that will make your car stand out from the crowd.”
Description: Rushforth Wheels’ brand-new design for 2012 is a split 10-spoke wheel dubbed Overkill.
Features: Like all Rushforth wheels, Overkill is made from a 6061-T6 aluminum forging and is available in two- or three-piece construction. Choose from a variety of custom finishes, from show-polish to two- and three-tone powdercoat finishes.
Fitment: 17- to 22-inch diameters with 7- to 15-inch widths; backspacing and offsets in 1⁄8-inch increments to allow for anything from late-model high offsets to super deep-dish setups
Price: Starts at $555 each; call or email anytime for a quote
Company quote: “From the drawing board to the mill, Rushforth Wheels puts a major emphasis on design, function, and customer service from fitment to follow-through. Great design, precision engineering, aerospace materials, and complete customer service make Rushforth Wheels the total package.”