Wheels are done,need tires next...

Some days in this hobby are really really great! I picked up my wheels from the powder coat shop this morning and they look perfect, better than expected.
Now I'll back up a little, after searching for what seemed forever, I decided on Artillery wheels, but the manufacturer only made 15's and I wanted a rim at least 16 if not 17. Turns out the maker of Artilleries is right here in Fresno, Gary McClean of Rally America Wheels. Some of you may remember he built a very stout wire wheel back in the day. Him and his son are back in business and building killer wires and steels. I started talking with a buddy who knows them, turns out, they expiremented with a set of 16's, but didn't care for the look, so they had a pallet of centers not doing anything. My bud calls them, gives my offset, I go to there shop and look at a mock up wheel, perfect! Exactly what I wanted, I could picture them on the Plymouth, so two weeks later, Jimmy had me a set built, a week earlier than projected and off to powder coat. Here's what's unbelievable, not only was the price very offordable, they actually took an interest in the deal, the welds are flawless.

This is only the 2nd set of 16" Artilleries made,me,I, Mr. Nobody, got something unique in this mass producing world! The first set went to a huge wheel company, that's what normally happens, the big guys get all the good stuff and then resell it for monster money or a big time car collector pays through the nose for the priveledge. Then I get to read about how special something is in a magazine. I was so happy with the look today, I took the wheels over to show Jimmy and had him sign and date them. I'm not trying to brag, just can't imagine how lucky I am right now and how down to earth the guys at Rally America were.....It's a good hot rodding day......:3dSMILE:
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m...ATVT/002-1.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m97/68RATVT/001.jpg

That really looks gorgeous. I wish we had the same experience with Gary that you did. A year or maybe two years ago we ordered a set of the same wheels you have there and they promised to ship on a certain date. Date came and went, so we called, they said by Friday they would go out.........Friday never happened. More time passed with more promises. Finally I got on his Son and pinned him down, he then admitted they couldn't even make the wheels and that Gary "has a habit of promising things that he can't deliver!" :mad: ) When I asked him why they strung us out for 3 months he had no answer at all, it was like talking to a wall.

So, it looks like they have finally straightened out the problem, and I know lots of the guys on the HAMB think they walk on water, but they will never get a glowing report from me. But I am glad you scored yours.

Don

Wheels look good, and I have noticed them getting more popular as well as expensive. Good deal for you let us see them, as I’m sure you will when you get them mounted. Bet you can’t wait you seem to be pretty excited. Funny it doesn’t take drugs to make us happy we can get a new part for a car or finish a small task. Normal people must think we are crazy!!!!!!!

Richard

Man Itoldyouso, I hate that happened to you, I'm the same way about companies, fool me once! And never go back and tell everybody I know.
Even my wife couldn't believe it, she asked, how did you do that and how much, she rarely ask's cost about the hot rods. I told her 200, she laugh and said bullshit! I showed her the reciept and signature.
Yes, it's the small victories for normal people, how do you teach someone it IS better than any dope!

I'm dancing in the driveway, singing "Their Mine".....in a manly fashion of course!!!!!