This is my first X1/9, a 1974 I built in the early 80's. I would like to find a nice set of these wheels for one of my current projects. American Racing. Are there any out there?
Jay, welcome to the forum. When you get a chance tell us about your current projects.
Back then American Racing made lots of nice wheel designs for import vehicles, which strikes me odd in a way.
I had a set of their four spokes like these on one of my cars:
View attachment 29529
They even offered some magnesium wheels:
View attachment 29530
View attachment 29527
This is my first X1/9, a 1974 I built in the early 80's. I would like to find a nice set of these wheels for one of my current projects. American Racing. Are there any out there?
Many "brands" of wheels are actually made by the same manufacturer. At one time there were only a handful of wheel manufacturers, despite the hundreds of "brands" on the market. In more recent times many small 'niche' makers have developed, mostly due to better manufacturing processes like CNC machines. And with the more "globalization" of markets in general there are more makers from around the world doing the actual manufacturing, where at one time that wasn't feasible. So it is very understandable that these wheels were sold by different names from different companies, despite being the same wheel.They may have been marketed under several brands.
Yes Tony,
Those are the same wheels. They may have been marketed under several brands. The set I purchased new at the time were sold under the American Racing brand. 14's would be great too, if I can find a set in nice condition...may be dreaming. If I can't, it will get CD30 reproductions.
Thanks, Jay
Many "brands" of wheels are actually made by the same manufacturer. At one time there were only a handful of wheel manufacturers, despite the hundreds of "brands" on the market. In more recent times many small 'niche' makers have developed, mostly due to better manufacturing processes like CNC machines. And with the more "globalization" of markets in general there are more makers from around the world doing the actual manufacturing, where at one time that wasn't feasible. So it is very understandable that these wheels were sold by different names from different companies, despite being the same wheel.
About 8-10 years ago I had a friend (actually a friend of a friend) that decided he wanted to get into the wheel making market by offering his own designs with what he thought was a unique finish - actual platinum (ya, the ultra expensive metal used for jewelry). So he invested a HUGE sum in giant CNC machines and plating equipment and set out making his own wheels. Naturally the manufacturing cost was astronomical per wheel. The plan was to market the 'rich boys' with more money than brains driving super exotic cars. Lost everything. Unfortunately polished platinum looks just like chrome.
Thanks for the information Tony.
Just to close it out..https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/lou-senter/Hey Doc, (Jay)...
I can't find the history of the TWO men
Just to close it out..https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/lou-senter/
and back to the American Racing catalogs 1978 + 1979
View attachment 29640 View attachment 29641