Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Hi All,

At Carlisle, Dave and I scored an original pair of 14x7 inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels. Its an original "crows foot" style design. We're likely going to run them on the front of the Z for an authentic day-2 look.

What is the best practice for polishing the lip of the wheel? One wheel has minor curb scrapes on the outer most lip. Any suggestion for filing down the lip? It almost seems like a large lave would be ideal...

What color should the spokes be? I'd like to replicate what Brian and Joe did on Rick's '68 L78 Nova.

Thanks,
Dan

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

I restored my original set of 14X7's a few years back. You can chuck them up in a lathe, but, they will chatter and the finish will be less then desirable. A bullard, another type of horizontal lathe will work better. Your best bet is still files and emery cloth while the rim is spinning either vertical or horizontal. I re-machined my center cap and lug holes on a Cincinnati vertical mill then set them to Royalton Polishing and let the master finish them. I went with a natural blasted center with a polished front and rear. With a flat head American shank lug and SST cap screws, I think the look is spot on. Also, I never-seize the center cap screws, doesn't take much for them to freeze up. Especially if they are steel!


BIG

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Pic..

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Whoa Big! Very snappy!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68l30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your best bet is still files and emery cloth while the rim is spinning either vertical or horizontal. </div></div>

Agreed. I followed Steve's (&amp; Marlin's) advice when refinishing the TTs for my Nova. Emery cloth, Wet/Dry sandpaper, 0000 Steel Wool, etc. However, I had a couple of stubborn stains on the spokes so I painted them. The picture is a little deceiving; they're really more of a flat finish than shown here.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...CF0009-4-1.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m...DSCF0010-1.jpg

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 68l30</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pic..</div></div> Man that is a nice car Steve!

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Sam it's a beater... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...6-dscf8257.jpg

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img] I like this &quot;beater&quot;!!!!!

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

I prefer a higher polish on the machined surface - Ned recommended the polisher. Cast surface is lightly cleared so that the brake dust can be cleaned off. Car's not ready for them yet though.

https://www.yenko.net/attachments/use...-img_20961.jpg

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Thanks guys!

The &quot;beater&quot; has been a blast ...Looking forward to removing the ol' mags soon and mounting up studded snows, clamping on the NOS ski racks... The life of a beater! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]


BIG

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Reminds me of a beater I used to own.


http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/p...r/stuff014.jpg

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

I really liked (like) that car Shaun. I think you picked that up in Colorado, right? Wasn't that original paint too?

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

I remember that car too Shaun! BTW, more pics tonight of my &quot;beater truck&quot; that got repaired by Shaun! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/headbang.gif[/img]

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Yep, Basualt CO.,had an older repaint in lacquer, neat patina though.
http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/p...r/stuff012.jpg

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Shaun, check your PM's!

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Awesome stuff gents! I'll have to get working on this project and report back with photos.

Dan

Re: Restoring Original American Racing Wheels
 

Great looking wheels! I'm looking for a set of American Racing T70 wheels. (2) 15 x 8.5 and (2) 15 x 7. Restored or restorable condition. Anyone have a set they are interested in selling? Thanks!