Today’s wheel manufacturers are blurring the lines between restoration and race-style wheels, especially with the availability of new and larger tire sizes. Larger and wider tires and wheels are fast becoming the way to go, just as period-perfect restored wheels are on a total restoration.

One of the best new trends are wheels that look like the familiar factory styled-steel wheels, but are built in larger diameters and are available in wider widths. They’ve also been copied in billet aluminum for a more custom, sparkly look. These types of wheels are the next things in style. They are subtle enough that your Chevy won’t look kooky, and the larger diameters provide far more tire choices, adding grip and tough looks for a more modern stance.

Wheel Vintiques is one of the more progressive companies supporting this new trend, manufacturing styled-steel wheels in 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameters in a wide range of widths. It has also created billet aluminum versions of several popular styled-steel wheels from the 1970s in larger diameters and widths. Other companies like Coker Tire provide both wheels and tires in many happy combinations for just the same purpose. And as a unique, old-style tire supplier, Coker has the advantage of matching the right look and fitment for a broad application.

Companies like Classic Industries have brought this trend full circle by taking the search out of finding the correct accessories for many of these wheels. There is no question that these types of wheels can quickly turn a resto into a 21st-century street machine in only the time that it takes to bolt them on. So it pays to spend a little time looking at what works for your project.

Not all of the most popular styled-steel wheels from the ’70s have been reproduced yet. One wheel that we’re all pushing for is the ’70-1/2 Camaro Z28 wheel. Truly one of the most attractive wheels of its time, today it’s highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Because it is our mission to get you out and into your garage, we’re going to show you how to restore a set of your own original wheels, using simple methods and quality reproduction hardware by Classic Industries. We’ll also provide you a guide to what is presently available from the aftermarket.