American Racing Torque Thrust 'D' Wheels --- New Same As Vintage?

tkb289 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 10:15 PM

I have a question about American Racing Torque Thrust 'D' wheels.

Are the 15" bolt on TTDs (7.0" and 8.5") that American Racing sells now, the same as the vintage bolt on TTDs sold back in the day (60's & 70's)?

If not ... what are the changes and any photos?

Just doing a little more homework ... as I am considering the pin drive 289 FIA wheels OR the bolt on TTDs for my ERA 289 build.

Thanks.

- Tim

RodKnock · #2 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 10:29 PM

Tim,

No, the spokes have a different shape and the spokes are painted differently. Backspacing may be different, but I'm not completely sure. Also, the vintage D wheels will be very expensive, especially in the sizes you want. Straight spokes are cheaper. There's also a couple guys in SoCal who collect these wheels, but don't sell them cheaply. I dabbled a little in the vintage AR Torq Thrust D market a few years ago, so I can pass along some email info. Hemmings is another resource.

Torq Thrust Terry is one of the most knowledgable persons about American Racing wheels. Here's his website:

http://www.torquethrustcentral.com/

tkb289 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2009, 10:39 PM

Rodney,

Thanks for the info ... I had a feeling that you would some good information on the subject. Any idea as to why they changed the design?

- Tim

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 01:04 AM

No, I'm not sure why they changed the look of the spoke. The g-d awful battleship grey that they use for paint color now, IMHO, should be corrected too. Sorry to those folks who like the color of the new TTD's from AR.

I actually have a pic, I think somewhere at home, of the new versus old. I'll try to dig it up.

The vintage D's are clearly my favorite.

strictlypersonl · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 04:58 AM

Back in the '60s, there was a Halibrand wheel that looked very similar to the American Torq Thrust design. I suspect that it was the Halibrand that is shown in some of the vintage photos (with a knock-off adapter).

sllib · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 05:38 AM

Try Vintage Wheel Works out in LA. They have a copy of the old straight spoke TTD, as well as the Minilite, in brushed aluminum. They will make them for you in any backspace you want and they're fine folks to deal with. www.vintagewheelworks.com
Bill Stradtner

PANAVIA · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 05:55 AM

We usually buy the modern TTD's and paint the centers with a cast iron metalflake Eastwood paint so we dont puke on the Bizmark grey.

the modern TTD seem well made, and available.

the VWW units are even nicer. --

Personally ; I would get new wheels - wouldn't mess with antiques in this area.

Steve

rustyBob · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 10:27 AM

I have the new TTD's and I think they look just fine and thats whats nice about the new wheels is you can paint the centers and not worry about messing up a set of vintage wheels.........
and i dont think they come in half sizes either they either are 7",8",or10".
but i could be wrong about that...........

cobraviper_99 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 12:26 PM

Here are my TTD's. I don't think there's a better looking wheel on a Cobra when matched with white-lettered Billboards. Always lots of good comments on them.

RodKnock · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 12:29 PM

For me, the vintage TTD's are better looking. They seem to have more character.

Bob, they do come in half-sizes since I have a friend with a set of 8.5's on his Nomad.

PS Engineering and Vintage Wheels Works are excellent choices for a modern version of the TTD.

cobraviper_99 · #11 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 12:44 PM

I first mounted a set of the vintage TTD's on the car to compare with the other style. Liked these better IMHO.

rustyBob · #12 (**permalink**) 12-30-2009, 01:27 PM

guess i was wrong.............again....

tkb289 · #13 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraviper_99

Here are my TTD's. I don't think there's a better looking wheel on a Cobra when matched with white-lettered Billboards. Always lots of good comments on them.

Nice tire and wheel combo ... easy to see why people like them !

cobraviper_99 · #14 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 07:06 AM

Thanks, tkb289!

lovehamr · #15 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 11:08 AM

Does anyone know if/where pin drives are available?

Steve

cobraviper_99 · #16 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 12:55 PM

My TTD's were machined to mount on pin-drive hubs. Not a major deal.

strictlypersonl · #17 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobraviper_99

My TTD's were machined to mount on pin-drive hubs. Not a major deal.

Were they machined directly by American Racing or ?

Did any of the drive pin holes punch through to the outside surface?

cobraviper_99 · #18 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 02:40 PM

Billy Andrews at HRE had the wheels done while my car was being completed. The holes did not come through to the outer surface. Excellent job and the wheel to wheelwell positioning is dead on.

strictlypersonl · #19 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 04:04 PM

C'Viper,

Thanks. I'll talk to Billy. What widths did you use?

cobraviper_99 · #20 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 10:19 PM

I believe 8" front, 10" rear. Billy would know for sure.