"The casting process involves pouring or injecting molten aluminum into a mold containing a cavity with the desired shape of the wheel. This allows for greater design flexibility and higher production volume compared to a forged wheel. Until recently, most wheels have been gravity cast (heavier and thicker). Today, low pressure casting techniques are used to substantially reduce porosity and mass. Cast wheels are generally designed larger and heavier in order to achieve acceptable load rating for a given application."
"CEC Forged wheels are manufactured in multiple steps compared to the one step in the casting process. Forged wheels have greater structural integrity and less mass, and usually cost substantially more than cast wheels due to the multiple processes and complicated machinery involved. While forged wheels are typically reserved for high performance vehicles where the reduction in rotating mass and unsprung weight is desired to increase performance, our CEC Forged wheels are built to order for nearly any vehicle."
(Photo by Kid Duece)"The title of the exhibition, Cruisin’ Califas, refers to Lowrider culture in California and the favorite pastime of the Lowrider – cruising! Califas is a slang term that refers to California amongst the Latino culture with roots that going back to the mythological land of Calafia that inspired the naming of California. Largely associated with the rise of the automobile industry and the post WWII manufacturing boom, Lowriders became a popular way for people, mostly without the means to purchase a brand new car, to express their individuality and cultural pride. Lowrider describes a car that is customized with a hydraulic setup to be low to the ground, with an elaborate paint job that often includes pin striping and lettering, with striking chrome features, and uniquely designed upholstery. Classic cars such as Chevrolet Impalas and Master Deluxes are often associated with this culture, but today, any type of vehicle can be transformed into a Lowrider, from motorcycles to bicycles, SUV’s and tricycles. Reaching farther then cars; this phenomenon has become a way of life for many people, influencing the style of the artists involved in this exhibition."
(Photo by Kid Duece) 
(photo by Kid Deuce) 
Her driving skills are better than those of an adult age....
Powder coating is one of the most durable surface finishes in use today. It is used across a wide array of industries including Aviation, marine, and military applications. The process involves the application of the dry paint or “powder”, which has the look and feel of crumbled plastic, to a part instead of the traditional liquid suspension paint that is traditionally used. There are many benefits to applying a powder coated finish compared to the standard liquid paint finish.
The environment in which a wheel operates is quite harsh and unforgiving. The powder coating process gives it many benefits over traditional liquid paint. Powder coating strengths are its durability and resistance to chipping, corrosion, and flaking that can result from rocks, stones, and other road debris. Powder coating also tends to last longer than liquid paint due to its thicker coating. In some of the more complex designs of forged wheels; areas that are not easily reached, such as deep lug holes, can be covered easily with powder coating thanks to the electrostatic delivery of the media. Additionally, powder coating is viewed as a more environmentally friendly process and overspray powder can be recycled for future usage, virtually eliminating any waste.
