When people think about a restomod build, their minds usually go straight to horsepower, paint, or interior upgrades.

But one of the most important decisions happens much lower to the ground.

The wheels.

At GB Customs, we’ve spent more than 25 years restoring and customizing classic vehicles throughout Corbin, KY and beyond. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this:

The right wheels can completely transform a build. The wrong ones can take away from months—or even years—of craftsmanship.

Wheels Set the Tone

A great set of wheels doesn’t just complete a vehicle—it defines it.

Whether you’re building a classic Chevrolet C10, a ’69 Camaro, or a vintage Mustang, the wheels determine the vehicle’s stance, personality, and overall presence.

Too small? The proportions look off.

Too flashy? They distract from the body lines.

Too inexpensive? Even an incredible restoration can lose its premium appearance.

That’s why choosing wheels is never an afterthought at GB Customs.

Our Current C10 Build

One of the projects currently in our shop is a stunning 1966 Chevrolet C10 restomod.

To complement the truck’s classic styling and modern upgrades, we selected a set of Schott Performance Wheels DRIFT forged wheels with a polished finish and Tungsten ceramic centers.

The truck keeps its timeless C10 character while gaining a much more aggressive, refined stance. These wheels don’t compete with the build—they elevate it.

Sometimes a vehicle doesn’t need more chrome or more horsepower – it just needs the right wheels.

Cheap Wheels Can Cost More Than You Think

We understand the temptation.

After investing in paint, bodywork, suspension, drivetrain upgrades, and interior work, it can be tempting to save money on wheels.

But that’s often the wrong place to cut corners.

Budget cast wheels can often cost $800–$1,500 per set, while premium forged wheels commonly range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on size, finish, and customization. The higher price reflects a more advanced manufacturing process, increased strength, lighter weight, and custom fitment.

Forged wheels are typically 25–30% lighter than comparable cast wheels while offering superior strength and impact resistance, improving both performance and durability.

For a restomod that’s been carefully built from the ground up with countless hours of craftsmanship and attention-to-detail, those differences matter.

Why We Guide Every Wheel Selection

One thing our customers quickly learn is that we like to be involved in wheel selection.

Of course, every build reflects the owner’s vision, and your input is always important.

But after hundreds of custom projects, we’ve developed an eye for what works—and what doesn’t:

• Wheel size
• Offset
• Backspacing
• Finish
• Lip depth
• Overall proportions

Every one of those details affects the final appearance of the vehicle.

Our goal isn’t to sell you the most expensive wheel – it’s to help you choose the wheel that makes your build look like it belongs together.

Just like how the ’21 Forgeline AL301s did on this Camaro.

Invest Once. Enjoy It for Years.

A quality set of wheels is something you’ll appreciate every time you walk into the garage.

They’re one of the first things people notice, one of the biggest contributors to a vehicle’s stance, and one of the few upgrades that influences both appearance and performance.

Check out the build we did on this ’65 Lincoln, with custom wheels from Detroit Steel Wheels Co. (Model DELRAY). We paint matched the rims to the body, and hydro dipped “We The People” text on for added detail. At GB Customs, it’s always in the details.

When done right, wheels don’t just finish the build – they become part of the car’s identity.

Build It Right with GB Customs

Whether you’re planning a complete frame-off restoration, a modern restomod, or simply looking to refresh your classic vehicle, our team is here to help guide every detail – including the wheels.

If you’re ready to start your next project, contact GB Customs today. We’d love to help you build something that looks just as good rolling down the road as it does sitting in the garage.

The post Choosing the Right Wheels for Your Restomod Build appeared first on GB Customs & Collision.

Recently, we had the privilege of taking on a frame-off restoration that pushed our skills, tested our patience, and reminded us why we love what we do. Here’s a look inside the process.

Step 1: The Tear Down

Every frame-off starts the same way: with a bare shell. We stripped this car down to the last bolt—every panel, every wire, every ounce of old undercoating. The body came off the frame. The engine and transmission were pulled. What remained was a rolling chassis and a shell ready for a fresh start.

This is the moment of truth. You never know what you’ll find beneath decades of paint, bondo, and road grime. In this case, we uncovered rust that needed attention, previous repairs that needed redoing, and hidden damage that only a full teardown would reveal.

Step 2: Metal Work & Body Prep

With the car disassembled, our fabrication team got to work. Rusted floor pans were cut out and replaced with fresh metal. Quarter panels were massaged and reshaped. Every imperfection was addressed before a single drop of primer touched the surface.

We spent hours blocking the body—sanding, priming, and sanding again—until every panel was glass-smooth. This is where most shops cut corners. We don’t. Because great paint doesn’t start with a spray gun. It starts with the prep work underneath.

Step 3: Paint & Finish

With the body prepped and sealed, it was time for what the client would actually see: the color. We laid down a custom-mixed finish that the owner had been dreaming about for years—deep, rich, and impossible to ignore.

The paint went on in stages: primer, sealer, base coats, and finally, multiple layers of high-gloss clear. Between each coat, we wet-sanded and buffed to achieve a mirror-like finish that you could literally see yourself in. The jambs, engine bay, and underside were all color-matched, because a true frame-off leaves no detail unfinished.

Step 4: Reassembly

With the body painted and the frame restored, it was time to put everything back together—but better than before. The suspension was upgraded with modern components. The drivetrain was rebuilt for reliability and performance. Every wire, every bolt, every bushing was replaced or restored.

We worked methodically, documenting each step with photos for the client. Because when you’re building someone’s dream car, you don’t just deliver a finished product. You bring them along for the ride.

Step 5: The Reveal

The day finally came when the car rolled out of our shop for the last time. What arrived as a tired, rusted shell had become a show-stopping machine—magazine-worthy, award-ready, and exactly what the client had envisioned.

When the owner saw it for the first time, there were no words. Just a grin from ear to ear and a handshake that said everything.

Why It Matters

A frame-off restoration isn’t for everyone. It takes time, patience, and a serious investment. But for those who love their cars enough to go all the way, there’s no better way to bring a classic back to life.

At GB Customs, we don’t just restore cars. We revive them. And we’d be honored to do the same for you.

The post From Rust to Revival: Inside a Frame-Off Restoration appeared first on GB Customs & Collision.