Wire wheels

[Bill Renda]

I just joined the club and have a few questions,
I am thinking about putting wire wheels on my 63 convertible and don't know which brand to use, can you guide me?
Next I would like to know the pros/cons of having wire wheels?
Thanks a bunch

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Main cons are -

1. Not correct.
2. Require extra cleaning effort.   
3. Can be prone to rust (depending on manufacture quality).
4. Allow (usually unsightly) brake hardware to be visible.
5. Cost.
6. Potential to decrease value of the vehicle.
7. Air leakage - inner tubes sometimes necessary.

Needless to say, I'm not a fan but respect the individual's decision to equip his car according to personal taste.

Welcome to the CLC forum.

[Lexi]

I agree with Eric. I would only add that should you install wire wheels make sure they are correct for the load range they will be carrying. Cadillacs are heavy vehicles and as such, the wheels may be subject to significant stress. Clay/Lexi

[walt chomosh #23510]

Bill,
  When I put wire wheels on my 1955CDV my son (car guy all the way) commented (dad, you really raised the bar on your car!). Wire wheels were not factory in 55, but it's my car and I can do whatever I want with it. I've rode Harleys for 39yrs now and ALWAYS ride with wire wheels also. Truth is, their not as nearly practical as steel wheels. Their much more delicate, hard to clean, expensive, and on and on. BUT, they sure are pretty! If your in the market, I would suggest staying away from imports and sticking with a reputable USA company.(Dayton?) Also, I would definitely spend the extra bucks on stainless steel spokes if available.
  The cost of a set of fine spoked wheels will be forgotten but the beauty of them will last for ages. (if cared for and kept clean). Here's mine attatched....walt...tulsa,ok...ps. by the way, the current wheels and hubcaps on your Cadillac look pretty good already!

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Walt,

Sure does look nice.

I admire people that manage to keep their wire wheels clean and sparkling.   They sure do brighten up an area of the vehicle that is always looked at, especially with white-wall tyres.

A friend of mine had a set of '64 Ford Galaxies, and each one had wire wheels, and they really set the vehicles off.

Bruce.

[55 CDV Fan 82]

Nice 55! I'm currently working on obtaining a 55 CDV.  I have a friend who has a set of 5 Sabres which I'm thinking of grabbing for it once I pick it up.

[e.mason]

If you like the look of wire wheels.  How about Wire Wheel Covers.

[mark.bialzik]

If wire wheels were not offered as an option on your model, forget it.

MB

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

Some people like to be different.

A friend who wasn't a car person once said that all cars should be grey.

Bruce.

[35-709]

Wire wheels are a PIA but necessary on my '35 (Big Red).  I told my wife I would clean and detail and maintain Big Red and her only job was to clean the wire wheels.  Bwahahahahahahaha!  I would not have anything else on Big Red but I HATE cleaning and polishing them.  If you get wires, it is more than worth paying the extra for stainless spokes.  I will never have wire wheels on a car again.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

And maker sure your car is nowhere near male dogs.

My mate with his Galaxies just loved polishing his cars, truck and boat.   And, they did look BEAUTIFUL.

Bruce.

[Bill Renda]

I appreciate the input I think at this point I'm going to leave the hubcaps on it its original and I hear the wire wheels are delicate and every now and then have to be retrude to keep them straight this doesn't look so bad after all, thanks a bunch guys

[Cape Cod Fleetwood]

I appreciate the input I think at this point I'm going to leave the hubcaps on it its original and I hear the wire wheels are delicate and every now and then have to be retrude to keep them straight this doesn't look so bad after all, thanks a bunch guys

EXCELLENT decision IMHO. I'm a "purist", cars should be dressed as they were designed, but its everyone's right to restomod their vehicles. I had wire wheel hubcaps on my '87 Commonwealth Edition, so sharp, and an f'ing nightmare to keep clean. Because when they get dirty they look like ca ca. Nice car BTW.
Laurie!

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I have aluminium wheels on my '62, and I love them.   Even purchased a car just to get the wheels.   Left the car in USA, and imported the wheels.   Now I have 2 sets.

Better than wire spoke wheels, as less maintenance.

Bruce.