In business of reinventing the wheel.
In 1948, Alcoa® Wheels forever changed the trucking industry by introducing the first lightweight, multi-piece forged aluminum wheels. This innovation replaced heavy steel wheels and sparked a revolution in vehicle efficiency and performance. Over 70 years later, Alcoa® wheel designs from different eras have become highly coveted by collectors and restorers like Erich Reiselt of the American Truck Historical Society. His impressive vintage wheel collection showcases Alcoa’s pioneering engineering and lasting quality.
Among Erich’s prized finds are original 1950s 7.5×22 inch Alcoa® wheels with a single lock ring. These were some of the first aluminum truck wheels ever produced, drastically lighter than contemporary steel versions. They highlighted pioneering development of the aluminum forging process for superior strength and weight savings.
As the 1950s drew to a close, Alcoa® Wheels continued innovating with early 7.5×22.5 inch 5-hole tubeless configurations. The distinct 5-hole pattern gave these wheels vintage flair as new tubeless truck tires were introduced. Erich Reiselt has invested tremendous effort in locating and restoring these 60-year-old relics.
The 1960s marked another transformation, with 7.5×22 inch Alcoa® wheels featuring advanced 10-hole designs – some with a 2-piece reinforcing ring, others with a single ring. These mid-60s examples demonstrate how Alcoa aluminum forging expertise continually evolved to create stronger, more durable wheel models.
But the innovation didn’t stop there. Erich’s collection also includes massive 8.25×22.5 inch 10-hole aluminum wheels from after 1972 when wheel sizing increased again. For their era, these aluminum hoops represented incredible engineering marvels in terms of forging capabilities.
“Tracking down vintage Alcoa® wheels from the 1950s through 70s tests your determination as a collector,” Erich Reiselt stated. “You get creative, digging them out of scrapyards if needed. But witnessing the different designs across decades makes it worthwhile. These wheels tell the amazing story of how Alcoa® revolutionized trucking with stronger, lighter aluminum innovations.”
The intense restoration process for each wheel exemplifies Reiselt’s passion. Removing decades-old rusted tires, repairing pits and imperfections, and polishing the aluminum to a brilliant luster – it’s all part of reviving these pieces of trucking archaeology. The meticulous restoration work revitalizes the classic styling of Alcoa’s iconic wheel designs from years past.
For Erich Reiselt, the ultimate reward comes at events when spectators marvel at the different styles and sizes from Alcoa® Wheels continuous improvements. The wheels act as rolling time capsules, reminding everyone of Alcoa® Wheels vital role in replacing heavy steel with lightweight aluminum strength and style. An iconic trucking innovation clearly built to last.