Steel Wheels & Rims

Steel wheels aren’t as glamorous as aluminum wheels. They don’t get the hype and they don’t generate excitement with enthusiasts the way the latest design alloy rims do. When most car buffs think of aftermarket steel wheels, original equipment replacement rims probably come to mind. But the reputation as a wheel for strictly utilitarian purposes is undeserved. Steel wheels are very durable and preferred by many wheelers who run their 4x4s hard off-road. They’re also the wheels of choice for many classic car and hot rod owners who cherish those “back-in-the-day” looks. You’ll find steel wheels for these and many more applications here on our digital shelves.

In addition to the uses mentioned above, we offer steel wheels with 6-lug and 8-lug bolt patterns for heavy-duty trucks, steel wheels for trailers, and even steel wheels that will help you preserve your expensive alloy wheels during the winter. Sand and salt that are commonly spread on winter roads can damage the finish on an aluminum wheel, and even a slow speed skid into a curb on an icy street can result in a bent alloy rim that must be replaced. Mount a set of winter tires on a set of our inexpensive steel winter replacement wheels and you can avoid high alloy wheel repair or replacement costs. And if you don’t care for their plain looks, a set of wheel covers will help you ride in a modicum of style until spring.

However, because of the way steel wheels are made, the tradeoff has always been their limited selection of styles compared to the innumerable aluminum wheel designs that are available. But look at the many attractive wheels on this page and you’ll see today’s steel wheels have come a long way. We offer a large assortment of spoke and slot configurations, solid wheels, and even wheels with skull & cross bone designs cut into the face. These come finished in chrome, in colors including black and white, and some in color with a chrome lip. Several styles have accents like rivets and pinstripes, and some are available with optional center caps and trim rings.

Another objection many enthusiasts have to steel wheels is their weight. Aluminum alloy wheels are generally lighter, and when they replace heavier wheels they reduce unsprung weight and rotational inertia for better handling, steering response, braking and acceleration. Nevertheless, there are scenarios where reduced cost or superior durability is more beneficial. The latter attribute certainly applies to off-roading. While today’s aluminum alloy rims are stronger than ever, they can still bend with enough impact, and even crack and break, possibly leaving you stranded out on the trail. The same impact might not phase a steel rim, and even it did bend, with a few whacks of a hammer you can restore a steel rim’s shape enough to make it home. We have a considerable selection of rims for Jeeps, trucks and SUVs that are ready for off-road adventures including rims with simulated beadlocks.

The steel “Rally Wheels” of the 1960s and 70s were the first efforts by the OEMs to fit their cars with custom wheels. They featured spokes and/or slots, and most were fitted with center caps and trim rings to dress them up. Many of these wheels became iconic designs that are treasured by enthusiasts to this day. If you’ve got a car of the same vintage, there’s no need to waste your time scouring swap meets and responding to classified ads searching in vain for good used originals. Our wheels have the authentic looks you want and they’re made using the most modern manufacturing techniques, so you can be assured of great looks, reliability, and outstanding performance. Plus, unlike the originals they’re available in a wide range of widths, so you have much greater tire fitting options.

Along with replica rally wheels, we also offer many of the designs that were popular with hot rod and custom car builders, including smoothies, solids, and artillery wheels. In addition to being offered in a range of colors, some are available with trim rings and center caps with period designs and scripts. Like our rally wheels many of these wheels come in a range of widths, some as wide as 14” for those steamroller meats, and select styles are available in larger diameters. This will allow you to have the old school looks that you want and run modern low-profile tires that can help your car handle better. The shorter sidewalls of low profile tires are stiffer and don’t flex as much, so you may experience more responsive steering. And the selection of high performance tires, with their superior construction and tread design, and stickier rubber compound, is much greater for 17” diameters. If you’re not sure what size wheels will fit your application, our wheel and tire experts are just a phone call away.

While the extra weight of a steel wheel is usually considered to be its disadvantage, it can be a great pro during winter months. The added weight of steel rims causes more friction, preventing your vehicle from slipping on snow and ice. In order to preserve their summer wheels in brand-new condition, plenty of drivers strive to switch from alloy or forged wheels to steel rims once the weather turns bad. Many automakers also offer steel rims as an original wheel set-up for their entry-level model trucks as well as other four-wheelers.

Whereas most steel wheels do not provide an aesthetically pleasing look, it is easy to enhance their appearance and add a touch of elegance and style to your ride without breaking the bank. A set of wheel covers will do the trick with no modifications or time-consuming installation work required. Wheel covers will hide your steel rims, giving your wheels a sporty look or luxury appearance, depending on the design of the skins you choose. Easy to install and remove, wheel covers will allow you to change the aesthetics of your rims without the need to replace them.