Cragar Wheels — Iconic Muscle Style, Modern-Day Fitment
Cragar Wheels are the original street/strip icon—think timeless five-spokes, deep lips, and mirror-bright chrome. Today’s Cragar lineup brings that classic look to modern vehicles with correct load ratings, smart sizes/offsets, and hardware solutions that fit right and drive right—whether it’s a numbers-matching restoration, a restomod, or a cruiser you drive every weekend.
Why Choose Cragar
- Authentic designs: Period-correct styles (including the famous S/S) for muscle cars, hot rods, classic trucks, and restomods.
- Construction that fits your build: Traditional steel and lightweight alloy options; model-specific barrels and spokes for brake clearance.
- Smart fitment options: OE-friendly diameters/offsets plus deeper lips and staggered widths for the stance you want—without rubbing.
- Hardware done right: Hub-centric rings and correct lug hardware included/specified; select models support multi-pattern (unilug) setups with proper washers.
- Package ready: Add tires and we’ll ship mounted & balanced (road-force on request) with TPMS and everything needed for install.
Fitment & Safety Checklist (We Verify Before Shipping)
- Specs: Diameter, width, offset (ET)/backspacing, bolt pattern (PCD), center bore, and wheel load rating.
- Clearances: Caliper barrel/spoke clearance (disc conversions, big-brake kits), knuckle/strut, and fender/liner at compression and full lock.
- Hardware: Correct lug seat (conical/ball/mag shank with washers where required), thread pitch/length, and hub-centric rings if needed.
- Systems: TPMS compatibility and relearn/program guidance; with tires, overall diameter kept in range to preserve ABS/TC and speedometer accuracy.
How to Order the Right Cragar Setup
- Tell us your vehicle: Year/make/model/trim, brake package (OE or swapped), and suspension changes (lowered, leaf relocation, mini-tub, etc.).
- Pick size & stance: Diameter/width/offset (square or staggered). We model inner/outer position for a flush, rub-free fit.
- Select finish: Show-chrome, painted/clear-coated, or polished—matched to your climate and care routine.
- Add tires (optional): Grand-touring all-season, UHP/summer, or period-correct white/raised white letter options—mounted & balanced with TPMS.
Popular Cragar Paths
- Factory-style restoration: OE-friendly diameters with appropriate backspacing to keep geometry and ride quality intact.
- Restomod street/strip: Wider rear, mild negative offset for deeper lip and traction—validated for clearance under load.
- Classic truck: High load-rated fitments with conservative offsets for towing stability and fender clearance.
- Daily cruiser: Alloy construction for lighter steering feel and better brake cooling, with easy-care finishes.
Care & Maintenance (Chrome & Painted)
- Use pH-neutral wheel cleaners and soft microfiber; avoid harsh acids/abrasives—especially on chrome and machined surfaces.
- Rinse winter road salt frequently; dry fully and apply a finish-safe sealant/wax to protect chrome.
- Torque to spec and re-torque after 50–100 miles; maintain proper cold PSI and follow tire rotation schedules.
Ready to spec your Cragar set? Our wheel-fitment team will match model, size, offset, and hardware so it looks right, fits right, and drives right—first time.
Reviewed by the Performance Plus Tire Wheel Fitment Team
Cragar Wheels — Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Cragar Wheels?
Cragar was founded by Crane Gartz; the name combines the first three letters of his first and last name.
Do Cragar S/S wheels work with modern disc brakes?
Often, yes—depending on caliper size and rotor hat height. We check spoke/barrel templates against your brake package before fulfillment.
What’s a “unilug” wheel and do I need special hardware?
Some Cragar models use multi-pattern (unilug) slots with mag-style shank lugs and specific washers to center on different PCDs. We supply the correct hardware for your pattern.
Are steel Cragars heavier than alloy wheels?
Generally, steel is heavier and extremely durable; alloy options reduce unsprung weight and may improve steering/braking feel. We’ll recommend based on your priorities.
How do I keep chrome wheels looking new?
Wash with pH-neutral cleaner, dry thoroughly, and apply a non-abrasive sealant. Avoid harsh chemicals and never use steel wool on chrome.
Can you ship mounted and balanced with TPMS?
Yes—wheel-and-tire packages can ship mounted & balanced (road-force on request) with TPMS and the correct hardware.