American Racing Center Caps: Complete Buying Guide

American Racing wheel center cap collection identification and replacement guide

American Racing Center Caps: Complete Buying Guide

American Racing is one of the oldest and most iconic aftermarket wheel brands in the country, with roots going back to the 1950s. Whether you're restoring a classic muscle car or upgrading a modern truck, finding the right American Racing center cap is essential to completing the look. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

A Heritage Brand With a Wide Cap Range

Because American Racing has been producing wheels for decades, their cap catalog spans a huge range of styles — from vintage chrome logo caps to modern machined designs. This also means fitment can vary significantly between older and newer models, so it's important to identify your specific wheel before ordering.

American Racing Wheel Series & Cap Compatibility

  • Classic/Vintage Series — Wheels like the AR172 Baja and AR23 use traditional chrome logo caps. These are often identified by part numbers starting with "1342" (e.g., 1342100000).
  • Modern Truck/SUV Series — Newer models use caps identified by part numbers starting with "CARA" (e.g., CARA1215CH for chrome) or numeric codes like 1628200041.
  • AR Logo Caps — Many American Racing wheels use a universal AR logo cap in chrome or black. These are among the most commonly replaced caps in the lineup.

Pro tip: American Racing part numbers are often stamped on the back of the cap or on the wheel barrel near the valve stem hole.

How to Find the Right American Racing Cap

  1. Identify your wheel model — Check the back of the wheel or your original purchase documentation.
  2. Note the finish — American Racing caps come in chrome, gloss black, machined, and polished. Chrome is the most common on classic models.
  3. Measure the bore diameter — If the part number is unavailable, measure the center bore opening in millimeters. Common sizes are 78mm and 108mm.
  4. Check the retention style — Most American Racing caps snap in, but some vintage models use a threaded or clip-on design.

Vintage vs. Modern American Racing Caps

One of the most common questions we get: can I use a modern AR cap on a vintage wheel? In most cases, no — the bore sizes and retention styles differ. Always match the cap to the specific wheel model, not just the brand.

Shop American Racing Center Caps

Browse our full selection of American Racing center caps, including:

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