How to Look for Custom Wheel Parts

Order a set of extra custom wheel parts like chrome caps to keep them handy.

Whether you have an exotic car, a sports car, a common car, a truck or a motorcycle, you might find yourself looking for a specific custom wheel part for your vehicle. There are two typical reasons to search for a custom wheel part. The first reason is for customizing or upgrading your vehicle. The second reason is finding a replacement custom wheel part for the restoration or repairing process of your vehicle. If you cannot find the matching custom wheel part, an experienced auto body restoration specialist can create a replicate part for you.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Measuring tape
• Notepad
• Custom part catalogs

Instructions

1. 

   Use a camera phone, a digital camera, or an instant print camera to photograph the custom wheel part.

   Photograph the custom wheel part on your vehicle that you need to match, or photograph the custom wheel parts that you desire to purchase if you see them on a vehicle at a show or in a showroom. A clear image will make the part easier to create or find.

2. 

   Use a measuring tape or ruler to get the exact measurements for the custom wheel parts.

   Use a measuring tape to measure the exact specifications down to the millimeter (mm) for the custom wheel parts that you need to find. Tire profile and rims will be measured in inches. Measure your bolt circle and rear spacing (diagrams in references).

3. 

   Sketch the rims, wheels, or custom wheel parts and add the measurement specifications to the sketch.

   Draw an image or sketch of the custom wheel parts, and write the specifications from your measurements with brackets or arrows to clearly record the details.

4. 

   If you show your vehicle, you may need original custom wheel parts.

   Determine whether you need an original custom wheel part, as in the case of a restoration job, or if a modern replica or a custom-made replica is acceptable. For some car, truck and cycle shows, using replicas or fabricated parts can disqualify your vehicle.

5. 

   Fabrication specialists can create custom replica parts from images or detailed sketches.

   Search junkyards, custom part catalogs, and custom wheel part websites using the photographs and sketches for the specific parts. If the part cannot be found, take the images to an experienced specialist to fabricate a custom part.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a set of extra chrome caps to easily replace those that get stolen in parking lots or lost.

• Install custom locking rims in high crime or high theft areas to discourage auto and parts thieves.

• Use caution when purchasing high priced or antique custom wheel parts online from an individual or through an auction that you cannot inspect and handle prior to purchase. If purchasing through an online auction, make sure the seller has outstanding seller feedback.

References

• Antique Auto Club of America: Judging Guidelines
• Magnum Force Race Car Fabrication Inc.: Bolt Circle Measure Diagram
• Magnum Force Race Car Fabrication Inc.: Wheel Rear Spacing Diagram

Resources

• South Florida Region AACA: South Florida Region Information