Why I Created MyWheelHaus.com

 

 

Why I created MyWheelHaus.com

 

Way back when 16x8 was the biggest plus size available, and there were only about 10 wheel manufacturers available, I got started in the “custom” wheel business…yup, you guessed it…with American Racing Equipment, or ARE. So yeah, I’ve been at this for a very long time!

The issue I found through the years, is that, although tires are a necessary product when selling or buying wheels, the two don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand. Which is rather odd…I’ll explain this later…which leads me to why I am creating this forum.

The number of tire specific publications and news outlets is tremendous and yet, there are very limited publications dedicated to the wheel industry, and I can’t think of ANY that are solely dedicated to the wheel industry. Tire publications such as Tire Review, Modern Tire Dealer, Traction News, Tire Business, Rubber World (and there are many more) rarely, if ever, address anything at all about the wheel business; and yet, every tire needs a wheel.

MyWheelHaus.com is here to address this void in the media. While every wheel needs a tire, that media segment is very well covered. In the meantime, every tire needs a wheel and that’s where MyWheelHaus.com comes in. Think of us as Modern Wheel Dealer, Wheel Business, or Wheel Review.

While we will occasionally talk about other aspects of the industry such as performance suspension and car audio and yes, tires too, the main focus here will be on the many different facets of the aftermarket wheel industry. According to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) the wheel, tire and suspension segment of the aftermarket represents $12.38 billion, approximately 25% of the $51 billion aftermarket as a whole! That’s billion…with a B! That’s a whole lot of wheels, and we’re here to talk about it, report about it, complain about it and praise about it.

Think about how many different segments there are in the wheel industry…you’ve got basic black steel wheels, OE replicas, aftermarket replacement wheels, plus sizing for cars, functional truck wheels and overlanding wheels, dually wheels, cast aluminum wheels, mono-block forged wheels, multi-piece forged wheels and 300+ different manufacturers available today.

Hopefully, we will be able to fill this niche in the media world sufficiently and thoroughly. If you have a specific topic, trend or just want to send a comment, please click here to submit your comments.

 

Rock ‘n Roll

When Will the Shipping Crisis End??

Although I find (personally) that Modern Tire Dealer does not pay much attention to the wheel industry, they do provide us with a ton of industry information that can be extremely helpful. In this case, this article addressing the world-wide supply chain issues and how it effects us in our businesses was very informative and explains just what the heck is going on...in terms we can understand. One suggestion recommended here to help plan is to bring in more inventory, place advanced orders etc. While this works well for tires, especially replacement tires, wheels can be a bit more challenging to predict. Although there a few part numbers you can count on being able to move...so if it works for you, you have the funds to keep a few sets of wheels in stock and you rely on us to help guide you through the most popular wheels...it might be wise to stock up on wheels too. In any case, I recommend you read this article to help understand what we are going through as one of your suppliers and to understand what the tire manufacturers are going through as well. I hope it's helpful...rock on!! Click here for the full article from MTD.

VW Ends Beetle Production...WHAT????

~~~This article originally appeared on The Shop Magazine website~~~~

After its multi-generational run as a brand mainstay and global automotive phenomenon, the Volkswagen Beetle is ending production. The final car produced by Volkswagen de Mexico’s Puebla plant—a Denim Blue coupe—will remain displayed at Volkswagen’s local museum in Puebla as a lasting tribute to the automobile’s rich and storied heritage.

Volkswagen de Mexico will soon shift resources to produce a North American market-focused compact SUV that fits in the manufacturer’s lineup below the Tiguan.

“It’s impossible to imagine where Volkswagen would be without the Beetle,” said Scott Keogh, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “From its first import in 1949 to today’s retro-inspired design, it has showcased our company’s ability to fit round pegs into square holes of the automotive industry. While its time has come, the role it has played in the evolution of our brand will be forever cherished.”

Introduced to America as the Type 1, Volkswagen sold nearly five million Beetles in the U.S., and a worldwide total of 21.5 million cars. In 1998, the New Beetle—an early automotive adopter of modern retro design language—re-introduced the familiar silhouette to a new generation of drivers, and sold more than 1.2 million cars between 1998 and 2010. In 2011, the third, and current generation of Beetle went on sale in the U.S. as a 2012 model, and more than 500,000 have been built since.

Sold in both coupe and convertible variants, the second- and third-generation of Beetles have collectively been produced in 23 different exterior colors, 32 interior trims, 13 varying engine configurations and 19 special editions, including the Dune, Denim, Coast and #PinkBeetle. All second- and third-generation Beetles have been built by Volkswagen de Mexico, Puebla, and have been sold in 91 markets worldwide.
    
The end of Beetle production will allow Puebla’s resources to shift production to a new compact SUV tailored to the North American market, slotting into the lineup below the Tiguan.
After its celebration, the final Beetle will be displayed at Volkswagen’s museum in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The last cars built for the U.S., a pair of Kings Red vehicles with custom dashes, keys and quilted seats, will join Volkswagen of America’s collection of historic vehicles.

Classic! There are no other words...

Today, I had the privilege of meeting the folks who do the TV series Chasing Classic Cars, and what a treat it was! Thanks Mike!
What's really funny is that, just yesterday, I had a FaceBook exchange with a friend (Andrea, who happens to be in the luxury real estate business in California...so it fits here) who posted something about her "man's" collector 1970 Chevelle SS. She was boasting about it being a featured vehicle at an upcoming Russo & Steele Auction...which is pretty cool...alright...VERY cool. The funny thing is that another one of her friends thought this was the car that Starsky and Hutch drove...NOT...it was a Grand Torino...not nearly as cool a car!
So...like I was saying, I met the folks from Chasing Classic Cars and what did they have in their collection?(which is for sale BTW...just ask me for the details) Yup...a 1970 Chevelle SS 454 completely restored to perfection! This is true American muscle at it's best!
I spent quite some time wandering the lot and checking out the shop where they had several projects in various stages of restoration...what a treat for an enthusiast! There was everything from a '67 Austin Healey 3000 to an'06 Aston Martin Vantage but the coolest vehicle I had the privilege of looking at ("please don't touch!" which is NOT a request BTW) was a 1937 Bugatti Atlantic ...it was 100 degrees outside and I didn't even notice...can you say kid in a candy shop!?
Anyway...I thought the whole thing was pretty coincidental and amusing that I had not chatted with Andrea in a while, and twice in as many days, I come across two amazing '70 Chevelle SS 454's...now that's a good couple of days!
Drop me a note if you want more info on any of these beauties...I promised the guys I wouldn't mention any prices, but can certainly help anyone who is truly interested privately.

'Til next time...happy motoring!

SkipJack

BMW M3 Wide Body Street/Track Ready...

This 1999, Dakar Yellow BMW M3 is an awesome vehicle for any race enthusiast...my buddy bought it thinking he was going to get some weekend race time in, but alas...a new baby means it has to go! And his weekend aspiration have gone straight to the soap box derby! He asked me to get it sold for him...PLEASE...only serious inquiries....I will gladly send more pics and more info...he is asking $12,995 which is about $2K less than the book value on a standard M3 (and this one has the wide body kit and the CCW wheels are worth $4k alone).

Planes, Trains & Automobiles...

Alright, so right off the bat I don't have any interest in trains:-) but I do love airplanes (although I am not terribly knowledgeable) luxury yachts and most of all...exotic automobiles & luxury real estate!
As a disclaimer right up front, I'm here to make money and promote the various deals I come across, but I promise some interesting and educational blogging as well.
I work completely independent from any large entity and work only with people I can enjoy working with and with whom I can find a way for us to mutually benefit from our association...in short, I've been told that I basically "connect the dots." Through my various networks and extensive contact list I can generally find that exotic car you are looking for and have it shipped anywhere in the world...
Through my extensive network I have partnered with some of the most respectable and resourceful new car dealerships in the U.S...from BMW to Ferrari, luxury real estate broker as well as one of the leaders in private aviation.
There is a whole lot more to come here on this site, so please check back...it's late and I spent too much time on the header picture!

Until next time...keep the shiny side up!

SkipJack