When it comes to searching for a new set of custom wheels, life can be pretty easy for the folks that own a garden-variety Ford or Chevrolet pickup set up the usual way. Throw in a few modifications like a Volare frontend with its oddball bolt pattern or putting big brakes behind six-lug wheels and things can begin to get a little complicated.
Such was the case when we wanted to find a set of 17-inch steel wheels to enable us to run high-performance Yokohama Geolanders on our '86 Dodge project. From its first appearance in CCT where it was introduced to readers as the High School Custom, the Dodge has gone through several transformations. In the July 2008 issue we said the High School Custom had gone to college where readers got to view the Dodge in bare metal as the students of Riverside City College, in Riverside, California, handled the bodywork necessary to bring the Dodge closer to how it appears in the concept illustration depicted in the story.
For those unfamiliar with the Dodge's new look, in addition to a factory R/T graphics theme, the '86 will be sporting 17-inch wheels with Dodge dog dish-style hubcaps. Needless to say, finding a set of 17-inch steel wheels set up to handle mounting stock dog dishes was not going to be an easy task. This is where the crew at Stockton Wheel Service in Stockton, California, entered the picture.
Founded in 1883, Stockton Wheel Service is kind of like the Forrest Gump of the wheelwright industry. From its earliest beginnings as a manufacturing arm for Holt tractors the company has focused on producing specialized applications throughout its history. Just two of many notable instances were the Stockton wheels used to transport the space shuttle to the launching pad, and on the custom-built Ford F-600 truck that was used to haul former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to the gallows.
Ordering the custom-built steel wheels was a simple task thanks to Stockton Wheel Service's owner Frank Mauro, and his many years of experience. After the bolt pattern, Frank asked what size our Yokohama tires were going to be, and if the truck was going to be lowered, and then knew exactly what our backspacing needed to be. At Frank's invitation we traveled to Stockton to watch our wheels being built, and take in the vibes from Stockton Wheel Service's historic building, located mere blocks from where the company started in 1883.
As one walks into the showroom,...
As one walks into the showroom, hundreds of Tonka tractors, trucks, and trailers pay homage (plus Frank likes to collect them) to Stockton Wheel Service's Holt origins as the birthplace of the Caterpillar tractor.
Whether it be counter sales...
Whether it be counter sales or on the telephone, Frank (surrounded by automobilia) deals with customers on a one-on-one basis.
Known as the Cadillac of trucks,...
Known as the Cadillac of trucks, here's Frank's '49 Diamond T that he has owned since 1968. If you would like to see photos of the Diamond T when it was like brand new check out Stockton Wheel Service's website.
Here's just one of many custom-made...
Here's just one of many custom-made truck wheels built by Stockton Wheel Service to adapt a modern tire to a truck with a tire size that is no longer available.
Harley has been with Stockton...
Harley has been with Stockton Wheel Service since Frank bought the company in 1977. Here, he is seen turning the 5x5.5 wheel centers down after they were built up with additional steel.
Here's the 5x5.5 wheel center...
Here's the 5x5.5 wheel center after the circumference has been turned down enough to fit into the new 17-inch hoop (rim).
Walking through the shop's...
Walking through the shop's work area, Frank told us there aren't any robots making wheels, "it's all just guys working in what is pretty much a blacksmith's shop, just like it was over 100 years ago." Notice how much larger the wheel center is than needed for a stock 15-inch wheel.
One by one, each wheel's assembly...
One by one, each wheel's assembly starts with a simple hammer and chisel as the wheel center is fitted to the wheel hoop (outer) and tapped into place.
Along with a lot of neat old...
Along with a lot of neat old truck stuff, numerous offices are filled with interesting memorabilia of Frank's family and their involvement in Stockton's historical evolution.