73 Aluminum wheels

[Michael S.]

What or how do you identify one of the rare 1973 Corvette Aluminum wheels?

Mike
#11202

[Tom R.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

With a build sheet or tank sticker. Now I suppose if a low-mileage 73 were discovered with five YJ8s (one in the carrier) and all have correctly dated tires...it might be believable...it could be believable.

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

Mike------

From frontal configuration, I can't tell you how to distinguish them from the 76+ wheels. However, the 73 wheels will have the number "329381" cast on the rear of them. This wheel was also available in SERVICE, but not for long. They were available from about March, 1973 until February, 1975. So, there are likely more of these wheels out there that were sold over-the-counter than were ever installed on cars.

[Michael S.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

Thanks for your responses. I had a chance to look at 2 "real" dated 73 wheels today. They are dated and have the number Joe noted. They really do not look any different that the 76 wheels.

They are different from what I have. I'll have to get the numbers off the wheels and post and see if this helps.

Mike

[Tom R.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

I might add that Ed McComas did an article on YJ8s back in the early 90's I believe...in the Corvette Restorer.

In fact I popped in my CD...it was spring 1994. Ed indicates that the number is 329381, an XM code is stamped into the reverse side of the wheel, along with a date code. But, according to McComas, the distinguishing characteristic between a 73 and those produced after 76 is that the valve stem is not machined as deep as those in the later years.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

The easy way to tell if you are looking at a 73 wheel is to carry a 76 aluminum wheel lug nut in your pocket and if it fit's in you 73 wheel it is not real as the shank on the nut was smaller in 73. I know where there is a set of 5 3 NOS and 2 used. Lyle

[Michael S.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

I know gentleman who also has 2. One of these guys needs to make a second set!

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 Aluminum wheels

I have a set of lug nuts but 73 wheels would be worth nothing for showing NCRS because the judging manual states you need proof they came on the car to show a 73 with the correct 73 wheels. I have been looking for a tank sticker with the aluminum wheel option for years as you need the car that came with them also. Lyle