American Racing Center Caps: How to Find the Right Replacement
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American Racing has been building wheels since 1956 — making them one of the oldest and most recognized names in the aftermarket wheel industry. From the iconic Torq-Thrust to modern off-road designs, American Racing wheels span decades of fitments. That history is great for enthusiasts, but it does mean that finding the right replacement center cap requires a little know-how. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it.
Why American Racing Cap Fitment Can Be Tricky
Because American Racing has been producing wheels for 70+ years, their cap designs have changed significantly over time. A wheel from the 1980s uses a completely different cap than a current-production model — even if the wheel style looks similar. Generation changes, bore size updates, and logo redesigns all affect which cap fits which wheel.
The most reliable way to get the right cap is always to match by part number first.
How to Find Your American Racing Cap Part Number
- Check the back of your existing cap — American Racing part numbers are typically stamped or molded into the back of the cap. Common formats include "AR" followed by a number (e.g., AR172, AR893) or a standalone numeric code.
- Check the wheel barrel — The wheel model name is often stamped inside the barrel. Use that model name to cross-reference the correct cap.
- Check your original purchase documentation — If you bought the wheels new, the invoice or packaging may list the wheel model and cap part number.
- Search by wheel model — Browse American Racing caps on The Center Cap Store and filter by model name.
Iconic American Racing Wheels & Their Center Caps
Torq-Thrust (AR172 / AR605)
The Torq-Thrust is arguably the most famous American Racing wheel ever made, and it's still in production today. The classic five-spoke design uses a distinctive center cap with the AR logo. Note that the original vintage Torq-Thrust and the current Torq-Thrust II use different caps — confirm your exact model before ordering.
American Racing Outlaw (AR62)
A popular choice for classic trucks and muscle cars. The Outlaw uses a chrome or machined cap depending on the wheel finish. Fitment is consistent across most production years of this model.
American Racing Estrella (AR893)
A modern multi-spoke design popular on crossovers and sport sedans. The Estrella uses a smaller snap-in cap with the AR logo in gloss black or chrome.
American Racing ATX Series
The ATX line is American Racing's dedicated off-road and truck series. ATX caps tend to be larger diameter to accommodate truck-spec center bores (78mm–110mm). Browse our American Racing ATX caps for this lineup.
Vintage vs. Current Production: What to Know
If you're restoring a classic vehicle with original American Racing wheels, keep these points in mind:
- Pre-1990 American Racing wheels often used larger, deeper caps with a different retention system than modern snap-in designs
- Logo styles have changed — vintage caps may feature an older "AR" script vs. the current block logo
- Chrome plating on vintage caps may be thicker and heavier than modern equivalents
- When in doubt, measure your center bore and the outer diameter of your existing cap before ordering
Available Finishes for American Racing Caps
- Chrome — the classic choice, especially for vintage and show builds
- Gloss Black — modern and versatile, pairs with most current AR finishes
- Machined / Polished — matches two-tone machined wheel faces
- Satin Black — available on select ATX off-road models
Shop American Racing Center Caps
Browse our full selection of American Racing center caps, organized by wheel model and part number. We also carry the full ATX series for truck and off-road applications. Can't find your exact cap? Use the part number search on The Center Cap Store homepage — our catalog of 10,000+ caps covers decades of American Racing fitments.