Info. on Alcoa Wheels ???

[scott woodward]

I'm interested in some 16" Alcoa wheels for a GMC.

Can anyone give me the model number of the appropriate wheel.

I'm also interested in finding a source for these wheels.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> I'm interested in some 16" Alcoa wheels for a GMC.
> Can anyone give me the model number of the appropriate wheel.
> I'm also interested in finding a source for these wheels.

Scott,

Wright Wheels advertises in the back of GMCMM(I'm at work - don't have
the number handy). Set of six ~$,1200. They sell both the
"Classic"(with holes) and "LTS"(spokes) models, HOWEVER, the load rating
for the LTS is less than the steel wheels that originally came on the
GMC. Nobody is willing to say that they are "safe"(read ugly liability
exposure) and Cinnabar(who also stocks the Classic) specifically does
not recommend them for that reason. Check with Cinnabar(800-720-2227)
for their price on the Classics and also be prepared to change the
mounting studs as the originals are shorter than the Alcoa specs(I doubt
that most people do this, but the way I see it, it's my family riding on
them - 'nuf said?).

BTW, last time I talked with Wes Caughlin, Cinnabar had discontinued
*both* the Armstrong replacement wheels and GMC wheel covers. The black
steel wheels were $75 plus the next production run of wheel covers was
gonna cost >$100 each plus Alcoa wheels

 

[marcus mcgee]

>
> I'm interested in some 16" Alcoa wheels for a GMC.
>
> Can anyone give me the model number of the appropriate wheel.
>
> I'm also interested in finding a source for these wheels.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Scott

Scott:

Call Don Wirth in Ohio. He gets wheels for $145 direct from ALCOA
and shipping is included.

 

[13]

Hi...
I have just returned from the GMC International meet in NH.
The official word is Alcoa Classic have an adequate strength. The
circles (Classics) are good but the diamonds are to be avoided.
Wheel studs do NOT have to be changed, but Alcoa wheel nuts should be
used as they have the floating washer. No need to get
melodramatic...everyone's family travels with them. And if they
don't; they should!!
Of the 300+ coaches there, probably 80% are running Alcoa Classic.
Every person I asked, without exception, said the Classics gave a
smoother drive than the original steel wheel . This was not what I
wanted to hear....I thought they were buying them because they looked
good

MikeB

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Persons at homebase
when they are not at "home" ____________
travel by /_|[_] [] [] |
GMC Motorhome :-O-------OO--*

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

 

[scott woodward]

>
>Call Don Wirth in Ohio. He gets wheels for $145 direct from ALCOA
>and shipping is included.
>

Thanks.

Do you happen to have a number for Don. I'm going to be purchasing a coach
this weekend and I'm not a member of the international yet.

Scott

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Hi...
> I have just returned from the GMC International meet in NH.
> The official word is Alcoa Classic have an adequate strength. The
> circles (Classics) are good but the diamonds are to be avoided.
> Wheel studs do NOT have to be changed, but Alcoa wheel nuts should be
> used as they have the floating washer. No need to get
> melodramatic...everyone's family travels with them. And if they
> don't; they should!!

Well, if you don't mind me asking, just who did the "official word" come
from(not being argumentative, but there are a bunch of supposed
"experts" out there)? That the "Classics" have adequate strength has
not been an issue, but the "LTS"(Diamonds) have a lower load rating than
the "Accuride" steel wheels. The stock studs do not provide sufficient
thread extension beyond the nut according to Alcoa spec's(two threads
beyond the top) and I would be very surprised to learn that they had
changed their spec's. Not being melodramatic, I just feel the studs are
cheap insurance if Alcoa says they're needed. If Alcoa has actually
changed their stand, then obviously, I wouldn't see the need to swap the
studs out either.

> Of the 300+ coaches there, probably 80% are running Alcoa Classic.
> Every person I asked, without exception, said the Classics gave a
> smoother drive than the original steel wheel . This was not what I
> wanted to hear....I thought they were buying them because they looked
> good

Well, they probably are buying them because they look good and using the
excuse that they ride soooo good. BTW, one of my winter upgrades
will be Alcoa wheels as my 73 still has the original non-radial
Accurides and Alcoa is the only option left(other than buying used
Accuride "radial" wheels - NOT!) since the Armstrongs are gone.

Thanks for the update from NH,
Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[1]

Well I am going to put in my 2cents worth here. Talked to Sandusky and
Gateway
then went to talk to my local tire and wheel dealer. He beat them all. Alcoa
classic wheel $149 The Mich tire $137. I have always said the only place you
can pay more than in a RV store is in a Boat store. BTW Sams Club
can get them for $130.

Arch
gcbr

 

[1]

The tires that is.

 

[marcus mcgee]

>

> >
> >Call Don Wirth in Ohio. He gets wheels for $145 direct from ALCOA
> >and shipping is included.
> >
>
> Thanks.
>
> Do you happen to have a number for Don. I'm going to be purchasing a coach
> this weekend and I'm not a member of the international yet.
>
> Scott
Don's # is 330-877-3306

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> Well I am going to put in my 2cents worth here. Talked to Sandusky and Gateway
> then went to talk to my local tire and wheel dealer. He beat them all. Alcoa
> classic wheel $149 The Mich tire $137. I have always said the only place you
> can pay more than in a RV store is in a Boat store. BTW Sams Club
> can get them for $130.

Hey Arch,

Just curious, but what was Cinnabar's price and did the subject of wheel
studs come up?

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[13]

Well I 'm back....(went looking for my notes)
The Wed., Sept.24th, 9:00 am Bull Session on Tires and Wheels was
by Don Wirth. However, Mr.first timer at a GMC Convention, got there
late, and did not actually hear the intro.
It was at this bull session that my info comes from. Alcoa Classic
....good, all others....bad (a little poetic license on this).BUT
purchase the Alcoa nuts so that the nuts and studs are of the same
grade steel. Plus the Alcoa nuts have the floating washers. Torque
to 140 ft/lbs.
Goodyear tires were given the nod as they have a wider footprint. The
G159 was considered better than Michelin XPS only due to the thread
width and company attitude.
I certainly didn't intend to be argumentative( although clearly I
was). After the mail hits cyberspace, there is no rewording of
less than delicate statements.
If we were all in the same room discussing these issues, there would
be people with strong feelings on various issues. Nothing wrong with
a strong feeling...we're all in this together !!

MikeBeaton

 

[patrick flowers]

>
> I certainly didn't intend to be argumentative( although clearly I
> was). After the mail hits cyberspace, there is no rewording of
> less than delicate statements.
> If we were all in the same room discussing these issues, there would
> be people with strong feelings on various issues. Nothing wrong with
> a strong feeling...we're all in this together !!

Whoa Mike!! I wasn't accusing *you* of being argumentative. I didn't
want you to think that I was because I challenged the "official" word.
One of the major reasons I started gmcmotorhome.com and this mailing
list was the problem with so much misinformation out there(especially on
a certain usenet group) regarding GMC's. Not that *I* want to
personally filter anything, but I figure that, as this forum matures,
anyone considering a modification to his coach will be able to get
knowledgeable opinions from several owners instead of just getting the
opinion of the guy trying to sell his product. This "Alcoa" thread is a
perfect example of how it should work(altho the "California" thread is
an excellent example that I don't know it all either - but then I never
claimed to )

If you folks ever feel that I'm stifling the free exchange of
information, let me know! I might be a little overprotective, but IMO,
I'm just the admin here. The list belongs to all of us. As you say,
"we're all in this together".

Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com