American Racing wheels

[SVO 050]

Just received a set of American Racing 427,s from the importer. Took 6 months from date of order as original distributor her closed shop? Upon opening the boxes to check the measurements etc. found the "chrome Look" powder coating peeling off one of the rear rims on the inside lip, checked the remaining rims and found bubbles and pretty average finish on the rear of all wheels. Front of wheels looks fine.
Took the spinners out of their boxes and found polished finish very average, upon turning the spinner over, found "made in China" on rear of casting.
Where the cast centres have been welded into the rims the centre powder coating is burnt and black soot left on the centre section looking from the rear.
That was the deal breaker.
My local Tyre store, "Trident Tyre Centre" has been nothing but supportive of my decision to not want the wheels.
I intend to order a set of B51,s from Dragway and stick with the Australian Made Company. Not Happy Jan!

[Tenrocca]

Not good news. I have the AR torque thrust 2 wheels on mine and they were well made and none of the issues you have had. Looks like they have gone down hill since then.

Nicest bolt on wheels Ive seen have been the new dragways like Modena has or the team 3's are very nice also. I think the new dragways are are quite different to the old ones they used to sell - Ben can comfirm Im sure.

[Gav]

My spinners where made in South Africa not China. Sounds like they have decided to down grade quality.
I was considering anther set for my next car but maybe not now.

[AZ Cobra Mike]

That's terrible news. I just had the same wheels mounted about a week ago. I looked them over really close and did not see any flaws. Did not see the spinners before they were mounted so not sure of the origin.

[albanycobra]

Sad news Mate and gut wrenching. Nothing worse than waiting ages only to get poor quality. Hope it gets sorted soon.

[Zedn]

I have torque thrust 2 and they were perfect out of the box. Guys that mounted the tyres put a few scratches on them but they polished out.

I got mine from Wheel Boyz in QLD back in 2009. They had the front on the shelf because i got a standard offset. Rears were custom but only took a few weeks from memory.

Shame to hear they have gone down hill like that. Completely unacceptable.

[TexasSnake]

I purchased a 17 inch set of the Shelby endorsed American Racing 427 wheels from Bob Lacey at Vintage Wheel in San Diego about 18 months ago and could not be more pleased. The quality of the entire tire (Nitto Extreme 555) and wheel package that was shipped to me was outstanding. Bob Lacey was great to work with and always just a phone call away if I had a question. He was very helpful when it came to getting all of the wheel offsets correct.

[SVO 050]

Have reached a stalemate with the wheels, American racing still want to charge full price for the faulty wheels? I have requested a letter from them confirming that they will honour the warranty if the coating continues to peel after fitting them to my car, still waiting.
I have told the local supplier that I don't want the wheels, I'm mindful of the fact that I have used Trident for years and that they are supporting my decision, great customer service.
After speaking to some of the Trident staff, they have confirmed that a lot of the wheels coming from the US are pretty average, not made in the US anymore and quality of finish is questionable.
Dragway have quoted on a set of B51 15 x 10 and 15 x 8 but I will wait until the Americans reply on this set prior to doing anything else, lucky I didn't sell the Cragars.
Cheers
SVO

[Rob. Smith]

I'm not totally up on the situation but I think if you fit and run the wheels there might be an issue with your claim. They say you used them so you must be ok with them.
That was a 60's trick, no doubt can still be used today.
Take care and good luck .

[SVO 050]

Have been talking to Trident Tyre Centre, they have gone out of their way to sort my wheels, they have sanded and repolished the backs of the wheels and cleaned up the welds.
I did not expect them to have to correct American Racings poor quality control but they have, credit where credits due, thanks Andrew .
We will fit the wheels in a few days.
Can't say enough about Tridents customer service, not many businesses will go to these lengths.
Cheers
SVO

[Zedn]

Good outcome. The back of the wheels doesnt really matter if not perfect, but flaking paint is unacceptable and would lead to oxidation spreading.

American racing should have just requested your dealer to repair and then paid them for it. Better service for you and prevents the bad publicity they will get with this forum post coming up in google for the next few years when someone does a search on them.

[leroy17]

Some before and after pics to see the good work that Trident have done would be good.

I am all for praise for people/business that go above and beyond.