Could someone please comment about the overall quality of the current production 15x7 Buick Rallye wheels? I'm thinking of the stock Rallye wheels being sold by the likes of Coker Tire, Summit Racing, Year One, etc. I'm wondering if the construction and materials quality and chrome durability might be superior on an excellent condition, original wheel. Thanks for any input. John
I bought the Rallye wheels I have from Wheel Vintiques (through Sumitt Racing) at least 10 years ago. The quality of the chrome is excellent and I have had no issues, but I have heard that chrome quality may have slipped some. The wheels in general are harder to balance. Hopefully someone who has bought them more recently can comment.
I bought a set of Wheel Vintiques and was not impressed... Lots of weights to balance, sloppy paint. Chrome is ok with no rust issues yet though my vehicle does not see the rain. If I had to do it again I would probably order thru Steve Caruso. http://carusoperformance.com/index.html
I have Wheel Vintiques wheels on my cars. They will rust even if you keep them dry. Jen has a set on her 73 Mustang which she keeps outside and they turned to crap almost immediately. I called WV twice to see what they could do and there is no warranty. The first time they asked me if I waxed them, I said yes. They told me that's the reason they rusted because the chrome couldn't breath or some BS like that. The other time I called, they asked the same question. I told them that I didn't wax them. They told me that I had to wax them and that was the reason they rusted So every chance I get, I bad mouth them. Theyre made with cheap Chinese chrome. The only thing American is the price. Google "Wheel Vintiques rust" and do a little reading http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/printthread.php?t=91475&pp=20&page=1
Do a search on the subject for my 2 postings about wheels. The thing to note is everybody making Buick wheels uses the same shells and we have only got them because they are shared with mopar and Ford. Also Crager, US wheel and others use shells from the same maker. When the volume of usage gets low enough they will be discontinued and we won't have any shells to use. I did have a chrome shop rechrome some outer shells and they were also no good. Chrome is a lost art and EPA regs have doomed the industry.
I have had the opposite experience to Larry. In 2005, I purchased four 15x7 rallyes from Wheel Vintiques thru Jegs. The chrome began to go south within 6 years and the wheels turned out to be out of square. In January, 2012, I had Steve Caruso replace the rim shells on all four rims plus I had two 14" converted to 15". No problems since.
I have Wheel Vintiques on my 67 and like Larry I have experienced no issues with the chrome or rusting. They are a PIA to balance. I do apply a coat of wax every fall before putting mine in storage.
