American Racing Vectors

[69fourspd]

I am sure many of you have seen AR is releasing the Vectors again, but in black instead of grey like the last run.  In any case, they are in stock at a few retailers now.  Nice to pick up a new set for $700 shipped instead of ebay prices!

[JT01]

Its to bad there not made the same as the originals the originals look alot better

[bakerhillpins]

Do you have a pic or description of the differences? Is it just the color?

[mopar0166]

I havent been able to find much info on them yet?  any new news about them?

[JT01]

The outer lip is rounded off on the new ones doesnt look right

[Mike DC]

The "DeathProof" movie Chargers wore all new 15x7 Vectors.



 

The new ones are modern recreations.  There was no surviving old tooling, they didn't 3D-scan the originals to copy them, etc.   They are the same wheels in the big picture but there are subtle differences in the shaping.  The have a bit less "dish" overall.  The lip is machined differently.  They don't have the rough-cast finish in the painted areas.  The 15x8.5" new ones have a different offset that sits an inch farther inwards (and DOES NOT clear the front upper ball joint on a 2nd-gen Charger.)


I can't imagine it would be much trouble to have a wheel shop cut the old-style lip into the new ones.  The newer lip shaping leaves plenty of metal there to do it.  The old shape is simple enough.  Wheel shops would be reworking that area on the old ones during a refinishing job anyway.  

[sanders7981]

The "DeathProof" movie Chargers wore all new 15x7 Vectors.

I can't imagine it would be much trouble to have a wheel shop cut the old-style lip into the new ones.  The newer lip shaping leaves plenty of metal there to do it.  The old shape is simple enough.  Wheel shops would be reworking that area on the old ones during a refinishing job anyway.  

I thought about doing that, but I have two sets, four 14x7s, and four 15x8s.  I paid $350 for the14x7s and $99 for 15x8s.  Had a buddy of mine media blast them for me last summer, just haven't polished them up yet.  I may still do it because it would be a vast improvement of the design.  I wonder if AR would 3D scan an old wheel if someone let them borrow it to make new sets? 

[Mike DC]

 
I don't think AR lacked some decent examples of the old wheels to scan.  The methods of production are just very different from 30 years ago.

The wheel lip difference really frustrated me when I first heard about it.  But after seeing the new wheels in person I don't think it's as big of a deal.  The smooth glossy painted areas of the new ones look more noticeably different from the old wheels than any of the shaping or machining differences. 


I'm guessing that the farther-in offset of the new 15x8.5" Vectors was probably done so they could re-use the shaping of the 15x7" front face with only minor changes. 

[lukedukem]

The "DeathProof" movie Chargers wore all new 15x7 Vectors.



 

The new ones are modern recreations.  There was no surviving old tooling, they didn't 3D-scan the originals to copy them, etc.   They are the same wheels in the big picture but there are subtle differences in the shaping.  The have a bit less "dish" overall.  The lip is machined differently.  They don't have the rough-cast finish in the painted areas.  The 15x8.5" new ones have a different offset that sits an inch farther inwards (and DOES NOT clear the front upper ball joint on a 2nd-gen Charger.)


I can't imagine it would be much trouble to have a wheel shop cut the old-style lip into the new ones.  The newer lip shaping leaves plenty of metal there to do it.  The old shape is simple enough.  Wheel shops would be reworking that area on the old ones during a refinishing job anyway.  

who's car is that. is that yours mike... i need to get some info from the owner...
by the way, i have the new style on mine too.... 


Luke

[Dino]

I see 10 fins, I'm happy.

[69fourspd]

I have a set of original and the new rims. I like the new style even though there are some differences. For the price difference, the new style is great for cruising around and not worrying about destroying your clean originals. For $170 a rim they look much better to me than most rims at the same price point.

[Cooter]

Wait, a Charger with Vector wheels and destroyed and Nobody's complaining. Sweet.

[lukedukem]

Wait, a Charger with Vector wheels and destroyed and Nobody's complaining. Sweet.

i thought it belonged to someone here and it's from deathproof and he saved it from the driveangry movie. anyone/

luke

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

I've got original Vectors and will be buying a couple sets of 5, of the re-issues. 

[elanmars]

Where can one find one of these new Vector wheels at? Just wondering.

[c00nhunterjoe]

They won't clear the ball joints on a 2nd gen?? What do you do to make them fit?

[Mike DC]

              
The new 15x7s have the same offset as the originals.  

The new 15x8.5s are the problem, with the different offset than the old 15x8.5 Vectors had.  People have gotten the new ones onto the front of an old Charger with spacers.  

--------------------------------------


**BTW**  All this stuff I'm saying applies to the first batch of new Vectors they did like 5 years ago.  I'm assuming the new batch this year will be the same dimensions as that first reissue. 


 

[XS29L9Bxxxxxx]

Where can one find one of these new Vector wheels at? Just wondering.

We're still 45-60 days away from release, officially.

[SUPERSTAR14]

Where can one find one of these new Vector wheels at? Just wondering.

We're still 45-60 days away from release, officially.

Officially I received mine TODAY!!

I had placed the order back in sept after e-mailing American Racing. I was told at that time 90-120 days as they were re-tooling to make another run of them.

[chryco_psycho]

post some pics of them all the way around

[SUPERSTAR14]

post some pics of them all the way around

I'm gonna pre-appologise here.......... Computers are not my thing..........I'm trying to resize the pics I took tonight. So far my homepage got changed, and when I tried to set up a new folder to resize all the pics it dissappeared.

[JB400]

I'm curious as to what these wheels are gonna cost

[SUPERSTAR14]

I'm curious as to what these wheels are gonna cost

I got what I think is a smokin' deal....Two 15x7 and two 15x8.5 for $606 straight cash homey

[SUPERSTAR14]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

[Dino]

I'm curious as to what these wheels are gonna cost

I got what I think is a smokin' deal....Two 15x7 and two 15x8.5 for $606 straight cash homey

Yep, I'd take that.

[marshallfry01]

Can anyone post a pic of these new vectors on their car? I know that vanishing point car above has them but I would like to see an 8.5 on the back.

[SUPERSTAR14]

Can anyone post a pic of these new vectors on their car? I know that vanishing point car above has them but I would like to see an 8.5 on the back.

I'd love to however I'm a couple months from that point, so I too would like to see some pics along with tire size. Thanks in advance!

[XS29L9B2]

hello on my 69 i have a new vector in 8.5*15 for front i have a wheel spacer of 1" and that is correct sorry my english is so bad

[miamivice]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

[mopar0166]

I havent been able to any furhter on these, would love to see a pic of this new rerelease

[Dino]

I havent been able to any furhter on these, would love to see a pic of this new rerelease

http://www.americanracingwheelsinfo.com/American_Racing_Vector_SE.htm

You can see them on the GL in the Autorama thread as well.

[69charger2002]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

this is what i was wondering too. I have seem the spokes called black and anthracite by a coupel different sellers this time. Last time they were pretty much a tungsten gray type color. Are they still gray or are they really black this time around?

[SUPERSTAR14]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

this is what i was wondering too. I have seem the spokes called black and anthracite by a coupel different sellers this time. Last time they were pretty much a tungsten gray type color. Are they still gray or are they really black this time around?

They are grey. I called about that since I expected them to be black, they told me that they were never made in black. After looking at photos online they do all appear to be some shade of grey... except for those that have been refinished and painted black.

I bought two 15x7 and two 15x8.5

[Dino]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

this is what i was wondering too. I have seem the spokes called black and anthracite by a coupel different sellers this time. Last time they were pretty much a tungsten gray type color. Are they still gray or are they really black this time around?

They are grey. I called about that since I expected them to be black, they told me that they were never made in black. After looking at photos online they do all appear to be some shade of grey... except for those that have been refinished and painted black.

I bought two 15x7 and two 15x8.5

How did the 8.5's work out with 5" backspace and 6mm offset?

[SUPERSTAR14]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

this is what i was wondering too. I have seem the spokes called black and anthracite by a coupel different sellers this time. Last time they were pretty much a tungsten gray type color. Are they still gray or are they really black this time around?

They are grey. I called about that since I expected them to be black, they told me that they were never made in black. After looking at photos online they do all appear to be some shade of grey... except for those that have been refinished and painted black.

I bought two 15x7 and two 15x8.5

How did the 8.5's work out with 5" backspace and 6mm offset?

I will not know for a month or more as I am still working on the restoration and there is no suspension in it. I do know that the 8.5's will not fit on the front without spacers.

[Dino]

I can take more if someone wants 'em. Or measurements, or whatever.

Are the recessed areas black or the pewter again like the last re-issue?   Did you get a 7 or an 8.5.

I didnt like the 7inch ones bc they were not as deep as the originals.

this is what i was wondering too. I have seem the spokes called black and anthracite by a coupel different sellers this time. Last time they were pretty much a tungsten gray type color. Are they still gray or are they really black this time around?

They are grey. I called about that since I expected them to be black, they told me that they were never made in black. After looking at photos online they do all appear to be some shade of grey... except for those that have been refinished and painted black.

I bought two 15x7 and two 15x8.5

How did the 8.5's work out with 5" backspace and 6mm offset?

I will not know for a month or more as I am still working on the restoration and there is no suspension in it. I do know that the 8.5's will not fit on the front without spacers.

Ah gotcha, I didn't think anyone would put those up front, 15x7 is perfect for that.

[hemi01charger]

I am sure many of you have seen AR is releasing the Vectors again, but in black instead of grey like the last run.  In any case, they are in stock at a few retailers now.  Nice to pick up a new set for $700 shipped instead of ebay prices!

Actually I did some research and also talked to an AR rep. The info about them being black is wrong. These wheels are going to be grey just like the first reissues in 2006

[mopar0166]

thought that might be the case , but ill order a set any way

[WHITE AND RED 69]

I saw these at a show today made by Circle Racing. They are Billet aluminum and available in any backspace you want. Didn't ask the price though.

http://www.circleracing.com/115d.htm

[TexasGeneral]

The guys at wheelpros promised me mine the first week of April... 

[Dino]

The guys at wheelpros promised me mine the first week of April... 

Got pics?

[ChargerD100]

now I gotta call and find out if the tire store i use can order me a set! ive had them on look out for 3 years for a used set of the last run

[ChargerD100]

Just ordered mine 2 7x15's and 2 8x15's

[BY RSCO]

Where seems to be the best place to order these?

[ChargerD100]

I ordered mine at les schwab in the northwest, but I saw em on summits website the other day too

[TexasGeneral]

VECTOR
Bought mine through discount tire

[Brightyellow69rtse]

they look great

[detroitvintagewheels]

they are made in china   ...its kind of a disgrace to put china wheels on the general lee, but i understand costs. but I guess i am bias...being that I restore the originals to better than AR made them. one would think that if they were going to re-release them they would make them the way they used to be. Oh well...thats how it goes I guess. I have already been badgered by one of the members for my restorations of them because I charge so much...but well i have to pay 800-1000 dollars for them to begin with then completely clean them, check to be true, powdercoat once in black, CNC machine them on a 200,000 cnc machine and then powdercoat them again in clear.  I suppose I will be destroyed by everyone here too. Pic is just one of the GL cars that are around the world running my wheels.  I take great pride in doing them. I watched the show as a kid and to grow up and be providing wheels for the replicas now is like a dream I never could have imagined.  I have the finest real made in the USA true 30+ year old american racing vectors available on the planet. No ego here...just a lot of hard work and took me a couple years to work up the courage to say that. I am just one man doing this. I also do Ateam van wheels, smokey and the bandit wheels, Corvette summer wheels and Knight Rider wheels. I love what I do and feel blessed to do it everyday. I guess there will always be people who are haters. For me who loves real period correct looking cars and trucks that we build to better than they ever were new...i stared my company as the first customer...this is how i like them and I feel honored to be chosen for the machines guys and gals build.  If you want to see the tread where the member insults me and says I am a greedy human and have no love for cars...its titles Detroit Vintage Wheels  and i replied a good long reply...with what this work I do means to me...and what the cars we build own and drive mean to me. It is my life work and I take great pride. Thanks for reading this. I am not sorry if you do not like what I do...those that choose my work know they are getting the very best I can do and nothing less. I attached a picture of my wheels on a GL...a member here's GL. thanks for reading. Scott Benedict.

[JB400]

The new Vectors look good, but I think I like the cast look in between the spokes of the originals.  Those look like they're polished and then painted.

[detroitvintagewheels]

The new Vectors look good, but I think I like the cast look in between the spokes of the originals.  Those look like they're polished and then painted.

The new Vectors look good, but I think I like the cast look in between the spokes of the originals.  Those look like they're polished and then painted.

No polished, polishing you can do with $200 bucks worth of equipment (hand drill and brown/white polish) and I use a $200,000.00 industrial machine lathe. They are not painted they are powdercoated first in black...then in Clear powdercoat over the new machined surface so they will not surface corode or need polishing.  you can see in this picture I attached two wheels that are how i get them...one cast as they came...one as somone one painted them - still in pretty good shape.... and one of my processed wheels, powdercoat and cnc machined. we are not used to seeing them how they looked when new because it was 35 years ago. but when they were new...they had the same machined look.

I hear you man...the work I do is not for everyone...i'm not here to say you should like the way I restore them over the way the way you like them. To each their own..i respect however you like them. I just do what I do...put them to a level far beyond when they were new.

If you were just talking about the re-released special editions..then I guess i can shut up. lol

[marshallfry01]

Well you get what you pay for! Those originals look very good man. You do an outstanding job. 

[Mike DC]

   

Agreed.  

Those re-machined & powdercoated wheels look like a work of art.  Way better & more durable than they ever were originally.

[JB400]

Yes, I was talking about the new wheels.  Your do incredible work by the way 

[TexasGeneral]

wheels are available at:
(Ebay)Elite wholesale $181.25ea
Custom wheels express $168.50ea includes lugs and locks
(Ebay)Fast lane speed shop $162.50

[69fourspd]

I got mine from Elite with centers and lugs.  Good guys to work with. 

I agree the originals look great and the machined look is hard to beat - thats why I have a set of them also.  I like the repro wheels to drive on without worring about destroying my originals.  The originals are harder to find and will only get harder in time.  I was fortunate to score some originals redone by Smith Bros, although they are unilug.

I dont have the cash to buy original all the time but would prefer to.  I think most guys would as well, but sometimes we do what we have to to enjoy our cars.  If I saved up for original parts, I would A. Never finish the car, or B. Never drive it once its complete.

BTW... Detroit - Your rims look much nicer than the Smith Bros. restoration I have.  Very nice work. 

[ChargerD100]

Got mine today, they are stamped DOH01GL on the back which i thought was pretty cool, my only small complaint about them are the cheap plastic center caps

[Cooter]

And to think people looked at me with disgust about 15 years ago when I took a set off a Buick and Made them fit the General Lee. I paid $50.00 for the set of four 15X7" wheels. Nobody wanted 'em.

[SwiftJonny]

The 5" back spacing would be perfect for my car! The 3 5/8" back spacing on my classic 15 x 8.5 vectors has a bit of tire rub on my inner rear fenders. I might pick up a set and save my classic ones for shows. The classics look way better.

[ChargerD100]

belated pic of my wheels

[SwiftJonny]

What's the difference in colour from the Satin Black to the Antracite?

[c00nhunterjoe]

The new ones are grey vs the old ones are black.

[SwiftJonny]

I mean the two colours available on the new ones:

http://www.americanracing.com/wheels/VN47/VN0477
http://www.americanracing.com/wheels/VN47/VN0473

The Antracite looks more black than the Satin Black.  Has anyone seen these in person to tell the difference?

[sanders7981]

Not yet.... I am planning on ordering a set soon.

[69fourspd]

I have a set of the Anthracite. They are more of  gun-metal grey IMO. I received them instead of black and decided to work it out instead of shipping back.  The rims are nice and I figured I could just paint satin black if it ever bothers me. Everyone here would point them out immediately, but 99.9% of people who are not mopar enthusiasts would have no idea they are different from original.