Wheels and tires connect your vehicle to the pavement, so having the highest quality is essential. While it’s easy to focus on tires, the wheels also play a crucial role in vehicle appearance, performance, and longevity.
Whether you prefer authenticity for your classic car or want high-quality American wheels, you're in the right place. Read on to learn more about the quality of USA-made wheels, the top brands, and our top picks.
Quality of USA-Made Wheels
The United States is known for manufacturing high-quality wheels. What makes a wheel high-quality is how it's made and the materials used. The wheel design is also essential, and well-placed spokes, for example, can ensure the wheel's structure is sturdy. Learn about some factors that influence the quality of US wheels below.
Materials and Manufacturing
Regarding materials, wheels made in the US don't skimp out on high-quality parts. While they may be more expensive, high-grade aluminum and steel alloys are the standard in the US, which separates American wheels from other countries.
Materials aside, how the wheels are made is also important. For example, American-made wheels are manufactured with precision machining, forging, and casting techniques. Manufacturing wheels with the best practices ensure they're durable and perform at a high level.
Innovation and Customization
If there's one thing the US does well, it's innovation. The US is known for advancing wheel technology to improve performance and durability without disrupting the price. When American companies compete, it also results in better quality and pricing for the consumer.
Customization is also crucial for US wheel manufacturers. There are cult followings for many classic vehicles, so US manufacturers like Cragar and Wheel Vintiques are perfect for completing any build.
US Standards
The last thing to note is that the US holds its companies to high standards. Organizations like the Department of Transportation (DOT) ensure that wheels are made to stringent standards for the safety of the consumer. These standards can also improve performance by requiring US companies to work with premium materials.
Best USA Wheel Brands
It's essential to consider the best USA wheel brands when searching for the best made-in-USA wheels. Learn more about these top-rated brands below.
Cragar
Cragar wheels have been a staple of American-made wheels since the 1960s. The company is known for combining iconic styling with high-performance applications. In other words, you can have the style of a classic hot rod or muscle car but with the performance of a modern sports car. Ultimately, the wheels can handle almost anything you throw at them, and many wheels are a perfect fit for many classic American vehicles.
Wheel Vintiques
Wheel Vintiques has been around since 1986, and the company’s bread and butter is manufacturing wheels for classic cars and trucks. The company manufactures wheels for classic muscle cars, pickup trucks, and even hot rods. These wheels can also come with old-school designs that use chrome center caps and trim rings. All parts are manufactured in the United States and pair well with any restoration project based on a classic build.
Top Wheels Made In The USA
Many manufacturers make wheels in the USA, but some are better than others. Learn more about our top picks for the best wheels made in the USA below.
1. Cragar Nomad II Wheels
The Cragar Nomad II is a wheel meant to compliment pickup trucks and SUVs and is built for strength and also provides a great design. They're made with strong steel alloy that can handle the weight of most pickups and SUVs, and the chrome finish will shine bright enough to turn heads. These wheels are stylish enough to run on a street car or hot rod, so don't be afraid to show off around town.
2. Cragar 320 Series Quick Trick I Wheels
These wheels from the Cragar 320 series are perfect for race day or at the car show. They're made with premium steel and a chrome finish to help your ride shine bright on or off the track. Cragar 320 Series Quick Trick I Wheels are also designed for many builds. They work well with classic American muscle cars, hot rods, pick-up trucks, and any other performance vehicles you can think of.
3. Wheel Vintiques Bare 62-Series Smoothie Wheel
The Wheel Vintiques Bare 62-Series Smoothie Wheel is perfect for trucks and street rods. Its size makes it flexible for some builds, but it's the ideal wheel for a classic Chevy or Ford truck. The wheel will accept many “Dog Dish” caps from Ford and Chevy trucks from that era. Moreover, the wheels are made in the United States, and you can paint them any color because of the matte finish.
4. Wheel Vintiques 42-Series Pickup Rallye Wheel
The Wheel Vintiques 42-Series Pickup Rallye Wheel is an excellent choice for daily drivers or pickup trucks that like to break loose on the track or in the dirt. These wheels come powder-coated in silver steel, adding a unique appearance to your truck that will catch some attention. These wheels also work with factory lug nuts, and they're compatible with trim rings and center caps if you want to add them to your wheel; however, they do not come with these parts.
Need a set of these wheels or another of the classic American wheels for your ride? JEGS is the place you can trust. We have the right selection and trusted experts to help you find the perfect fitment, regardless of what you drive.
