I need to buy new wheels to put 35's on. I am looking at the American Racing Outlaw II style or Ultra Model 62. Both of these wheels are machined aluminum with a clear coat. Is it better to stay away from machined aluminum due to chipping in the clear coat? The salesmen want me to buy the polished aluminum but I am not sure if that is just because they cost more or if they are really easier to maintain....damn salesmen Does one company make a better wheel than the next or they pretty much all the same? To me, it would seem like they are all the same, but I could be wrong.

 

the machined wheels are stronger than a cast wheel. i prefer WELD rims myself. they are a machined alm, polished. altho the polished is alittle work to keep the shine, but looks great. it is possible the clear coat can chip off other brands. some rims are chromed aluminum that would stay looking good for a long time...
good luck with your choice
tony

02 F250 4X4 CC XLT V10 3.73LS DRK SHADOW GRAY, ACETONE BADGES, BAZOOKA RS6, HUSKY FLAPS, CLEAR TAILS, MANY MODS TO COME!!!!!

 

Well I have heard many people saying that you are supposed to buy Weld's because they are hub centric which Ford says we need and most of the other companys are lug centric....I know people with both and neither one have had any problems..

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Jul-02 AT 10:09 AM (EST)]I used to have a set of ARE's with clear coat. They were good until some #####head spilled brake fluid on them. The clear coat started pealing and they looked like crap after that.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Jul-02 AT 10:08 AM (EST)]test

 

Be warned - Weld wheels may be nice, but they are not above screwups. I have a friend who had to send back 7 wheels before he got a full set that were true. All 7 of them had runout to the side that you could visually see when spinning the wheel even without tires - not good.

 

I have forged Mickey Thompson wheels on both of my trucks and their quality is as good as you can get.No clear coat to worry about chipping,they are very corrosion resistant,are polished well as delivered,strong,and run true.If they have your size and you like their styling you will be hard pressed to find a better wheel.Just my .02 worth .