Posted on 04/20/2010 6:44:05 AM PDT by smokingfrog
Shiny, unmistakable and a little strange, the custom wire wheels of choice on some of Houston's toughest streets are the star attraction of whatever they're beneath, be it Benz or Bentley, certified slab or laughable junker.
No doubt they demand attention. They are the stuff of local legend and lore, of lust and commerce at its most American, and most dangerous. Poking out 6 inches or more from the hub like a chrome tepee frame, they sing a siren's song, and young men hear it droning.
For more than two decades these unconventional rims, going by nicknames like swangers, elbows and pokes, have been coveted as none other by the car enthusiasts in Houston's poor black neighborhoods.
Those who live there, who ride there, who pay attention to what rolls down the streets, are fully aware of their allure. They also know well the mayhem that sometimes comes from possessing something so desirable.
“They have created an adverse culture of killing,” said community activist Quanell X.
DeAndre Elliott heard the siren and could not resist, and so his 1993 Buick Park Avenue was suitably equipped.
If Elliott had concern for his safety, it was not enough to overcome the pride in ownership. A junior at Worthing High School, he had no time for worry. He'd been through the bad times, losing his mother at an early age, and come through the other side.
He was the popular star running back of the football team. He had a girlfriend. He had something in short supply in the grittiest neighborhoods — hope — and of course he had that car painted a fresh blue-green and finished off with elbows and white-walled Vogues, the only tire worthy of pairing with such expensive rims.
Elliott died Nov. 19 on his girlfriend's doorstep.
(Excerpt) Read more at chron.com ...
Ok, I have googled Vogue rims, and I don’t get what is so special about them.
In Japan I recall a lot of people using narrow(er) tires on wide wheels - so that the wheels were actually extended beyond the rubber. They call it “Hard Parker” style. It’s hard to Park.
All I know is that the rims are very expensive. There’s some irony in putting expensive rims on a ‘93 Buick, whose resale value is significantly less than the rims.
There was an article a couple of years ago in the Wall Street Journal about companies and suppliers leasing the rims as well as selling insurance only for the rims and tires. I was really amused by Toyota Celica owner with new tires and leased rims that would cost him more in one year than the residual value of his souped-up import.
Not necessary - I agree that these are barbarians, with no scruples; who place no value on the lives of others...and seem to believe that owning stuff is more important than honor.
Our uncivilization is in a chronic, irreversible state. Sadly, today, as opposed to 50 years earlier, there are no fathers to set rules, no discipline in the schools and law enforcement is almost impotent against them.
Never seen chrome rims that big before.
Forty inchers, they are. Might have some fender clearance issues with those guys.
‘’big swangaz and vogues, 20 inches sittin’ low, we ball twenty fo’s’’ Elegantly said.
idiocracy!
Just stay in the suburbs. Cypress is good, I am not sure about Hockley.
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