Good source of Alcoas?

[John Z]

Since i have to replace the wheels/tires on my bus, I am looking into the possibility of putting on the aluminum shinys. Do you any of you know of a good place to buy them, or what they should cost me. I am in the upper midwest in Northern Minnesota. Any other input or thoughts would also be appreciated.

[Songman]

I was looking at that possibility too and most people who I asked told me they are a PITA. The recommendation is to get simulators... I'm thinking I am just going to powdercoat my wheels metallic grey to match the color I am using in the bus design.

[Barn Owl]

I have been told used ones are around $100. Just make sure they are not worn out. I have them on my bus and I am not sure why they would be considered a PITA. My understanding is that it is easier to change a tire on the aluminum. I really like the way they look.

[flynbanjo]

I just spoke to a Peterbilt dealor in New Hampshire and they quoted me a price of about $400.00 each new.  

Youngstown Kenworth in Youngstown Ohio claims to have the largest supply and lowest prices in the nation.  I don't have a current price.  Their number is 1-800-321-2056.

Alcoa recomended Southwest Wheel in Texas.  Their number is 1-800-866-3336.

Steven

[TomC]

At Freightliner, the aluminum wheel offered is from Accuride.  They look the same as an Alcoa, but typically is cheaper.  Accuride also offers the Accushield finish which is a clear finish that keeps the wheel looking polished for the life of the wheel.  Aluminum wheels are tricky in that they can crack easily and you can miss that looking at a used wheel.  Personally, unless they were on another one of my vehicles, I would spend the money and buy new.  I like them because of the look, they ride better since they have less un sprung weight (I could feel the difference when I switched from steel to aluminum on my last truck) and they dissipate heat better.  But can crack if hit wrong-like rubbing a curb to hard.  I polish my wheels once a year.  At many county fairs, there is a booth that always uses aluminum cans, beer kegs, etc to demonstrate their products.  It is a aluminum polish with a second bottle being a sealer.  Works very well. Good Luck, TomC

[John Z]

Thanks for your responses. I still have not decided on whether or not they will be a good look on the '04. I have seen many nice 04's with the white wheels. I appreciate the info and sources.

Could not believe the big difference in white wheels between those with two hand holes and the ones with 5 hand holes. I really don't care for the looks of the 2 holers, but they sure get a premium for punching 3 more holes in them.

[scanzel]

Another thing to consider is that you may have to change out all your wheel mounting studs. The aluminum wheels are thicker than steel ones and there may not be enough threads left after mounting them. If you can change them yourself, money saved, to have it done more money spent. I bought simulators and they look great at $1000, compaired to $2400 for Durabrites plus wheel stud change.

[cody]

We have alcoas and like them, they arn't hard to maintain, just give them a polishing once a year, alcoa makes a couple of kinds of polished wheels, one has a finish and coating that isn't supposed to need to be polished, and they make the kind I have that has to be buffed up once a year or so. Alcoa makes a polish called PDQ that seems to work well on them but most people just use Mothers Polish, you have to be careful tho and not use an acid based cleaner like the ones they market as being a spray on and wash off type, they will clean the rims but at the same time etch the surface so it creates the need to clean them more often and check them carefully for cracks if buying used ones.  Most truckstops carry cleaning products for them if you choose to go with alcoas.

[Stan]

My personal opinion is that aluminum wheels are primarily for looks on a bus. To look good they have to be clean and polished. If you think painted wheels would look better on your bus, then that is the way t go.

I tried aluminum wheels on the steer axle on one bus by using the same tires from the steel wheels on the new aluminum wheels and didn't notice any difference in ride.

The Accuride five hole light weight steel wheel only weighs 14 pounds more than their aluminum in 22.5 X 8.25 and 24 pounds heavier in their standard steel wheel. With all the differences in brake drum weight and tire weight I don't think the wheel weight difference is significant on a converted bus. If a trucker can always haul an extra 24 pounds on each wheel they might pay over a long time. Most of the posts I have read on the BBS indicate that tires are the primary difference in ride quality.

[Barn Owl]

The only drawback from using simulators is that they can hide problems. There is a bus owner here in Roanoke who has a 4106. He ran simulators for several years, but while on a trip came very close to having wheel failure from a cracked steel rim. After a closer inspection it appeared that the wheel had been developing that crack for some time. That would not have been an issue if the simulators had been removed, and the rims checked on a regular basis. Every wheel option has its pros and cons, just learn what they are and set up your preventive maintenance accordingly. Being able to buy new is great if you can but I am not one of those who is able to do that. I have no problem with used if they check out ok. Another item to check on aluminum rims is the bead area for wear, next to cracks, that is another indication of their condition. Any decent tire man should be able to sort a good rim from one that is junk.

[Skykingrob]

Hi John Z
Here is a link, http://www.chromewheel.com/refurb2.htm. This is the least expensive chrome wheel I have found on the web. I will leave it to you to decide whether to use chrome wheels or not. I plan to do so but to each his own.

Rob
91 LeMirage XL
Missouri