Do you have the wheel power?

One of the things that I have been thinking about, while contemplating a couple of test cars, are what wheels to use when building a test car. In my case, when the opportunity arises, it would be great to find a couple of chassis test cars just to cut on and play with to dial in what feels good, what doesn't and how it all around functions. This would be from the ground up. Like stitch welding the body to testing suspension components, rear axles, engines and transmissions, even seating options. But every artist needs a canvas. In the current case of resto mods, the two cars that come to mind are the big body Chevelle and the petite Mustang. Why these two? Well that isn't what this article is about but I'll explain MY choices to serve these roles.

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The Chevelle is mostly a childhood dream that is popular with the pro touring scene but not nearly as many hard core parts are made for the Chevelle as there are the Camaro/Nova. I thought about this long and hard and was tempted to look into a Pontiac Ventura. Which is still an alternate and very different then your average Nova or Camaro. Heck, it's not even a GTO but that could be a cool play on the GTO concept as it was formed years ago. I digress. The Chevelle is pure sex on wheels and never gets tiresome. It also enjoys a simple front A arm front suspension and a 4 link rear. It's also a full frame car which change the dynamic of the build all together. The aftermarket support is huge and parts are plentiful. But it's not as hard edged as the "go fast" cars which makes it that much more of a challenge. Much like the Torino, it's always cool to see these big old cars go fast.

The Mustang. Of course, your thinking, why not just get the Nova? A Camaro in sheep's clothing. Well, why would I? If given the opportunity, I'd rather have a bow tie AND a blue oval in my garage. The Mustang is a subframe design in the front and leaf spring rear. This is the same as the Camaro/Nova/Ventura/etc. models. Now I just get to test Ford engines as well, in a smaller, lighter chassis. These cars now have a very hard core following and some really great go fast parts. These two cars couldn't be more different. Some day I'll explain my take on the original Mustang designs and why I think EVERYONE sees the car the wrong way. If I don't get to say it, I'll just build it so you can see my vision of what the original designers had in mind. Again, I should stray from my own diversion.

Honorable mentions, any Dodge. Why? Well, Dodges are hard to get ahold of in good enough shape, for low money. Dealing with the torsion style suspension, is just a hassle not worth my testing unless I have a lot more time and money. Maybe some day. Would it be cool? Very much so. I don't tell people this but Chrysler's muscle and pony cars are probably the most awesome looking and sounding of any in their time. Much like AMC, they are expensive, have a strong following and good luck finding them in great shape. That's as far as I want to go on Dodge.

You might say that the only thing left would be some kind of monocoque. That's true but I don't have the cash, nor will I ever to really play the true sports car game. But if I do, Lotus, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin owners take note, I'll be coming..trailer in tow!

Ok so lets start this journey with one of the most important parts. Baby's shoes. No, not brake shoes, the wheels! Today I want to showcase the best value in Forged wheels. Weld Racing wheels. When building in the modern, forged wheels are the only way to go. They are strong, stylish and everyone knows you mean business. Typically, they are light weight as well. Always a bonus!

The reason I have chosen Weld is that they have been building racing wheels for years, always a quality product and comparibly they cost about half of what a comparable wheel of this nature would, by the likes of Budnik, Forgeline or Bonspeed. If I were building a mostly show car, my obvious choices would be Budnik or Forgeline. But in this case when we need more go than show, my choice is either an OEM Corvette, some cheaper wheels that won't really fit the way I need to, or a completely well built, good looking, made to order Weld Racing wheel.

For my target audience, the pro tourers, I'd look no further than the Street Performance RTS Line. Sizes range from 17", 18" and 20". With widths up to 18" and spoke compensation for your gigantic brake kits. Yeah, not only custom offset but a brake clearance calculation as well. So cool! That is something I have not seen anyone else in the industry do. Yes the newer wheels have built in clearance but you don't get to choose this to match your brakes with how you want your wheel to look!

So for your first step at getting some wheels with a heritage for racing and so much custom build ability, I am certainly going to choose Weld for all of my testing vehicle needs! No, I didn't get any money from Weld. Just an enthusiast doing his homework. Check out the links to view more of their line. Don't forget that they also make full bore drag racing wheels for all levels, wheels for your towing rig and some for off road duty. Ford Racing used Weld for their Cobra Jet drag car also!