SS wheels or Riddler

Alright, I need some enthusiasts’ input. I currently have some nice riddler wheels that came on my wagon when I got it. Tires are dry rotted and showing bands on one tire. I love the tire design and it is almost what I would have chosen for the wagon but not exactly... they are 18’s and just slightly too big. I’m considering switching to the ss wheels and selling my current wheels. A member here just posted a really nice set with rubber that should last at least a few years.
https://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t15164-ss-wheels-for-sale

Is it more trouble than it’s worth? I have a brother in law in Milwaukee that could handle the pickup. Im just not sure if the swap is worth it.

What do y’all think?? Attached is my current look and a couple of internment pics of wagons w/ ss wheels.

ss wheels

New tires on the wheels you have

New tires on your wheels.

What are y’all’s thoughts on the era correctness and originality/factory look of the ss wheels over the riddler? That was a big consideration for me. Other than due to wheel weight, I cant imagine the handling/ride being drastically different given I’m putting the same tires on it either way.

HendersonRacing514 wrote:

What are y’all’s thoughts on the era correctness and originality/factory look of the ss wheels over the riddler? That was a big consideration for me. Other than due to wheel weight, I cant imagine the handling/ride being drastically different given I’m putting the same tires on it either way.

Personally, I would take the SS wheels any day as I prefer a bit more vintage look on the wagons, especially if they are stock height and with original features like woodgrain. Another, call it lazy if you wish, factor for me would be the SS wheels have less open area.  My interest in trying to keep old school cast iron suspension parts and brake drums looking decent because they show through the wheel openings disappeared a long time ago.

We looked at wheels, other wagons, pix, etc for a long time before we found something that seemed to fit our tastes.  Definitely got tired of Torque Thrusts on most of the stuff we saw.  We might have gone with SS wheels if they made new repops for reasonable cost, but then finally found what we liked on a wagon for right look.







17" aluminum repop rally wheels with repop early Corvette style metal center caps with ebay Buick logos added.

I haven’t seen the rallies on many wagons. Very original and cool! I actually like the torque thrusts a lot and kind of wanted a crieger, but the 18 is just too big for me.

On the other hand, hard to argue with what ‘cha got on a tight budget.

Thanks for the input.

HendersonRacing514 wrote:

I haven’t seen the rallies on many wagons. Very original and cool! I actually like the torque thrusts a lot and kind of wanted a crieger, but the 18 is just too big for me.

On the other hand, hard to argue with what ‘cha got on a tight budget.

Thanks for the input.

Yeah, paid $121 each plus $20 for the center and $1 for the logo per wheel so were a bargain way to get into 17" aluminum in something we liked besides. No expensive chrome lugs needed either.

Like I said on the other site, just say NO to SS wheels.

I like your current wheels and I like SS wheels.

If the tire size you're using on the current wheels is common, I'd go that route. 255/50/17 is tough to get on short notice and we are down to three choices (unless you count the Hankook pickup tires).

275/50/17 is the only other 17" tire size I've run on one of my wagons. Just was not happy with how it rubbed when turning. And now I've looked and that size is even rarer than the 255s.

94Woody, why are you so against SS wheels? Seen them too much? Quality? Most people seem to not mind them even if they don’t think they are better than what I have.

Too many people toss them on their wagon. Plus I'm in the minority, I don't like how they look.

HendersonRacing514 wrote:

Can I just say that I really like the wooden accent in this car?

Sure can! Haha I personally think its one of the best color combos. I have the light blue interior as well.

Also, I’ve decided to stick with the wheels that I have. I may go with a taller sidewall on my tires when I get new ones. Right now they are 235/50r18. Im thinking about 55 or even 60’s on the side depending on availability.

Keep the same wheels and lower it. Then it'll be perfect. Beautiful ride, lowered or not.

Radio flyer: Maybe we will have to go cruising together next time I’m down in HHI/Savannah! I might be hard-pressed to convince the wife to take the wagon all the way there over Christmas break though haha!

Your wife and my wife seem to have the same opinion about our "wagons of a certain age." But if you do get her on board I'd love to take the girls(and the wives) out for a cruise.

Eons ago, Australian wheel maker ROH made Impala SS clone wheels. They were identical except for a fully machined lip. They are also 1/2" wider.

Rev Bob wrote:

Eons ago, Australian wheel maker ROH made Impala SS clone wheels. They were identical except for a fully machined lip. They are also 1/2" wider.

Had a neighbor who had those wheels on her '95 Impala SS. My memory is they came out before the '94 SS. She was at a restaurant sometime around '06 or '07. When she came out, her SS was gone and never seen again.

Her husband had a white Caprice wagon with SS wheels on it. All four wheels got swiped one night while it was parked on the street. He replaced the wheels and parked it in the driveway. Also put a motion activated light on it. Woke up one night and interrupted people taking those wheels. I know the bad guys did not get all the wheels but I'm fuzzy on how many they did get. He then put less desirable wheels on the wagon.

Actually the original wheels on the 94 to 96 Impalas SS were made by ROH specifically for the Impala SS . Had a friend who bought one new and I liked the wheels he had some literature that he received with the car and that's where I got my information from he still has the car to this day .

Wojtek:

If your friend's wheels have a machined lip, they are ROH's aftermarket version.

The ones made to GM spec had a lip on the outside for conventional balancing weights.

Haven't seen the car for awhile but I do know that the wheels are original to the car I'll have to give it a close look next time I see it nice piece of information thanks !