We appreciate the latest technology, larger wheels, big brakes, and more that are available for restomodding our classic Fords. From fuel injection to IRS to power windows/locks, our wish list grows with every new-product announcement and forum post. With every car show or cruise night we attend, our desire to improve our rides is solidified.
But what about those who must build their cars on a beans-and-franks budget? As much as we'd all love to have a big stroker engine with fuel injection, killer brakes and suspension, and a custom interior, sometimes settling for a lesser product is necessary. This is never as true as when choosing wheels for our classic Fords. A killer set of 17- or 18-inch aluminum wheels would be great, but what if you could easily dress up a readily available set of Ford steel wheels? Well, now you can, thanks to the reproduction of an original Ford dealer accessory by Scott Drake
The '68-'69 Ford Styled Steel wheels were used on thousands of Fords and Mercurys during those two model years. From the Mustang Sprint and GT packages to Torinos and Cyclones, these 12-slot steel wheels were mainly argent-painted (some models had a reflective stripe option and the wheels used reflective paint to match).
Ford offered a metal insert that attached to each of the 12 slots for the wheel. Scott Drake has reproduced this rare and interesting dealer accessory in chrome ABS plastic (mainly to keep prices down) for your Ford/Mercury Styled Steel wheel.
Check out the simple installation to see how easy it is to dress up your wheels without breaking your budget.
Argent Styled Steel wheels...
Argent Styled Steel wheels with the Scott Drake inserts offer a fresh look. If you're contemplating refinishing your wheels in a fresh coat of argent, or possibly body color, be sure to do so before instal-ling these inserts.
The '68-'69 Styled Steel wheel...
The '68-'69 Styled Steel wheel is an eye-pleasing design that lends itself to many body styles. A simple trim ring and center cap (with or without the GT emblem) is the standard look of the argent wheel, though Ford did offer it in a chrome finish. This set is mounted on a '68 Cyclone GT that wears period-look Firestone Wide Ovals.
Scott Drake's version of the...
Scott Drake's version of the '68-'69 Styled Steel wheel accent inserts are made from ABS plastic. They were designed to look like the original Ford dealer accessory but at a much more affordable price to consumers. The kit, PN C9ZZ-1A079-A, includes 50 inserts, which will be enough for each of your four wheels' 12 slots, plus two extras.
The inserts are relatively...
The inserts are relatively easy to install, but you must be careful in your application of pressure so that you don't break a mounting tab. Begin by placing the insert in the wheel slot with the outer tab (closest to the trim ring) and one side tab engaged with the wheel as shown.
To complete the insert installation,...
To complete the insert installation, apply gentle pressure to the exposed side tab while maintaining firm pressure on the insert itself. A shot of liquid soap or other lubricant will aid in the insertion of the tab into the wheel slot. Instead of a flat-blade screwdriver as the instructions suggest, we used a wooden paint stir stick to avoid scratching the argent wheel paint.
The completed installation...
The completed installation for the accent insert is shown here. We were able to install all 12 inserts with the wheel mounted on the car and without rotating the wheel. Depending upon your dexterity and patience, you may opt to install a few inserts and then rotate the wheel for a better approach angle on the next set of slots. Or, you can remove the wheel and lay the wheel face up on a workbench-whatever works best for you.
As we honed our installation...
As we honed our installation technique, we did snap a few side tabs. According to the instructions, breaking one side tab will not affect the mounting, but if you break more, the instructions state not to use that insert. A small drop of silicone sealer is an option on the rear of the inserts if you're paranoid about losing them, though the engineering people at Scott Drake have almost two years of road use on two different project cars without losing a single insert.
The full installation on our...
The full installation on our first wheel took about 15 minutes and the subsequent wheels about half that. That means in less than an hour you can seriously dress up your '68-'69 Styled Steel wheels.