identifying vintage cast aluminum rims

[Redline novdog]

I purchased 8 vintage 6 lug turbine/hurricane rims. If they didn't sell he was goin to scrap them for $65 a set. I saved them for $80 a set. The problem, I do not know who put their name on them. The foundry mark/casting number/rim size/weight rating/and max p.s.i. is all I have found after some sandblasting. Can anyone help with the ident. All ready been to HKS rim site. awesome site. Thought I would throw this out to the best out there.

[Grumpy old man]

They are worth $20.00 each No more , No less ! in the world of larger rim sizes no one want's 15's and retro turbines aren't rare . probably worth more as scrap ?

[special-K]

Actually, they are worth $300 all day long because really cool people like period correct wheels on these trucks . But you didn't ask about value, you want to identify these. I don't know if that symbol tells anything about who made them, but could be wrong. I just had a set of those in 8-lug 9.75 x 16.5s. I think those were Cyclones by Appliance or American Racing? I'm half guessing here. You're really trying my memory here.

[68shortwide]

The famous brand ones are called vectors by American racing. Had a set on the 57 f100. I agree retro is a good name for it. IIRC they're also the wheels on the General Lee.

[leddzepp]

I had a set of slots with that same "peace" symbol cast into them. No idea on the manufacturer.

[Bow Tie Kid]

Very similar to 'A' Team Cyclone II's. They were available through dealers (at least in SoCal) on GMC pickups for 1976 --- I bought one. Often painted with polished spokes. For the period they looked good. If I had a squarebody I'd buy a set for it. Personal taste is everything. I like 15s, as well as other sizes. Time passes and some things become classic, and other not so much. If you like 'em, run 'em. If you need money, sell 'em. I'm out of suggestions.

[67swb72klb]

western made them too they called them turbines

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291261403610?lpid=82

[Vintage Windmills]

Made by Mercedez Benz, the emblem is right there!

















just kidding.

[Redline novdog]

Thanks for the input. I grew up through grade/high school watching these rims run around on all sorts of vehicles ( yes I'm over 50) So I like these rims better than the now everywhere 20's+. I know there were several manufacturers/sellers.Thought it might jog someones memory. Unless something drastic happens they won't be sold. I would like to know who/what/where they came from. Love this site, a lot of knowledge and cool rides!

[Bow Tie Kid]

Wow! After looking at the Ebay listings I realize the rims my '76 Stepside had on it were actually Western 'Hurricanes'. I kept it until well into the eighties and still wouldn't mind having another one just like it was when new. Mmm. Might build me another one. With Hurricanes. After the three serious projects I have on the burner, now.

[Daman]

Every time I find a set of old rims I want one or two are cracked. Then you can't find the same size to replace that one or two

[Redline novdog]

funny you say that. one of the 15x10s is at Besslers welding as we speak. had about a 4 inch section of bead rolled in a quarter inch. I would have left it,but it was on the showside

[Bow Tie Kid]

Daman, Eric Vaughn, aka 'The Wheel Doctor' in Monrovia, CA can repair most any aluminum alloy rim. I don't know his prices but have had other things done by him and I consider him to be a top-notch machinist.

[special-K]

these are hard to identify exactly because, while there were several variations, sthis type was made by more than one company. I used to refer to them all as finned aluminum wheels, just like finned aluminum valve covers. There were Turbo-Vecs, Vectors, Hurricanes, Turbines (the original design), Cyclones, and more. I've had dozens of these and aluminum slots and never had one cracked. But, finding another if you damage one is a true concern, but that's always been an issue with custom wheels, especially now with flavor of the day pimp wheels

[Redline novdog]

Still have no idea who made these,but they getting done regardless. Got the repaired one back from Besslers $60, not bad for saving a set if you ask me.

[xRAY76]

i have always liked those wheels, i had an 8 lug set (similar) on a suburban...they where american racing.

worth $80 all day if you ask me

[Husker]

Do you have a before pic of the one they repaired? I like that style of wheels Western Hurricanes!
Ron

[Redline novdog]

It's kinda hard to see, but the bent part is at the top rh of picture.There is also a small linear crack between the fins, Sorry that's the best pic I have of it before repair

[Husker]

They repaired, painted and polished for $60.00, if so not bad?
Ron

[Redline novdog]

Sorry must have missed the reply the cost is just for the fix. I blasted cleaned and powder coated it.

[Redline novdog]

hate to post again ,but anybody know of someone that would polish the fins and bead???

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by Redline novdog

hate to post again ,but anybody know of someone that would polish the fins and bead???

www.wheelcollision.com

Best in the business.

[Cooper Restorations]

Here is some for ya.

[Cooper Restorations]

[firefighterchevy]

These are 10 fin American Racing Vectors that I have on my pickup, a.k.a General Lee wheels. I'll do some digging when I get a chance, I have a similar set to what you have too. I'll see if I can find any identification on them.