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Hot Rods Smoothie wheels: painted center vs all chrome

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by klawockvet, Jan 24, 2018.

  1. klawockvet
    Joined: May 1, 2012
    Posts: 585

    klawockvet
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I've run painted wheels with beauty rings for years but the edges get the paint ruined when mounting tires so I'm thinking about the chrome ones with painted centers. I have searched and not seen pictures or comments on the combination chrome and painted. I'd like some first hand experience of how they look or at least see some pictures on late 30 and early 40 Fords.
     
  2. Dick Stevens
    Joined: Aug 7, 2012
    Posts: 3,917

    Dick Stevens
    Member

    I know you didn't ask for opinions, but I think chrome reversed wheels would look better!
     
  3. In the '80s and '90s smoothies with chrome rims and painted centers were quite common. I am not sure if I have ever really seen them in other time periods. Not to say that there is anything wrong with the idea.

    It is an interesting concept, chrome hoops with painted centers and small hub center covers. Should be easy to maintain.

    I am with @Dick Stevens on the chrome reverse deal. I like chrome reverse wheels on a boat fender car. ;)
     
  4. Graystoke
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 437

    Graystoke
    Member

    Recently I saw a roadster that had them. I can't remember where, but I liked it.

    Try painting the centers with plasti-dip, and if you don't like them peel it off.
     
  5. scrap metal 48
    Joined: Sep 6, 2009
    Posts: 6,111

    scrap metal 48
    Member

    IMO painted wheel with beauty ring looks better or more traditional...
     
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2018
    lurker mick likes this.
  6. blackanblue
    Joined: Feb 20, 2009
    Posts: 417

    blackanblue
    Member

    I also prefer paint and beauty rings and a good tire guy should be able to swap tires without damaging the paint.
     
    scrap metal 48 likes this.
  7. Elcohaulic
    Joined: Dec 27, 2017
    Posts: 2,213

    Elcohaulic

    Checkout Car Craft July 1960..

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Graystoke
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 437

    Graystoke
    Member

    Aha.... an old magazine cover featuring George Barris painting the wheels centers.... that's where I saw it.
     
  9. I don't know the years, but Ford and GM both offered a version of the Rally wheel that had a center with painted spokes and a chrome rim. I have a 78 Buick Regal with them and the rims look great. I also have virtually the same wheel on my 67 Caliente, but they are painted and have a beauty ring. They don't look as nice.
    There is also the option of using BMW alloy rims on the Chevy, the bolt pattern isn't an exact match, but a little work on a jig or a lathe would fix that. BBS put out a 13", 14", and a 15", wheel with a painted or coated center with an alloy rim.
    They looked sharp.
    My preference, assuming a matching bolt pattern, is the 50s chrome reversed Buick rims.
    Bob
     
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2018
  10. Graystoke
    Joined: Mar 23, 2010
    Posts: 437

    Graystoke
    Member

    This was on the "Chrome Steelies" thread.

    0001image.jpeg
     
    504640 likes this.
  11. Dizzie
    Joined: Feb 7, 2012
    Posts: 245

    Dizzie
    Member

    pat59 likes this.
  12. tofords
    Joined: May 26, 2009
    Posts: 1,167

    tofords
    Member

    All painted or all chrome , just my opinion
     

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