1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

[Mark P.]

What is the best way to tell if a wheelcover for a '65 is authentic or not?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

--------If by authentic you mean "not a reproduction" then I can say that there are no reproductions of 65 hubcaps (yet). If you are asking weather someone has done a credible job of restoring one, we would probably have to see it...........Bill S

[John H.]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

Corvette Specialties of Maryland released reproduction '65 wheel covers last year; they had samples at Hershey in 2003.

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

-----Wow, John! Had no idea. I gotta get out of the house more........Bill S

[Mike McKown]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

I've seen them. Don't know if they pass judging muster but they looked really good to me. But, I wasn't using one of those spy glasses. I plan on buying a set.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

Bill, Jan would probably appreciate you getting out of the house a lot more!

[Mark P.]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

I'm thinking that the sets I have may be originals, but one set has a couple of covers with a stamp (like from a stamp pad) that is not legible on the inside of the cover about an inch and a half long and 3/16 high. Didn't know if it was a repo thing to do or something a previous owner did. Just wondering.

I also have a grille off of a 66, but don't know if it's original or not. No numbers on it, but it's a fairly heavy bugger. Defintely not made out of cheap tin. Some bone-head put it on my 65 for some reason. Maybe just preferred its looks to the 65 grille. It's not in wonderful shape, but I'd hate to chuck it if I thought someone might be able to use it. Thoughts?

[mike geary]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

I have seen/owned quite a few '65 covers, including some NOS pieces. Most if not all of the new/near new covers had "LYON CO. Manuf" stamped with black ink on the inside. It's rare to find one that's legible though.

As far as who LYON is/was, I've never been able to dig up any info on them.

[Mark P.]

Re: 1965 Wheelcover Authenticity

One of the covers does say "Manufactured by Lyon Inc" and the others are totally illegible. Sounds like they may be originals after all. Thanks to everyone for the input!

[Robert D.]

Re: Radiator support 64-65 Fuelie

Mike,
I remember my 1954 wheel covers had Lyon Wheel cover stamped on the inside lip
years ago and I know they were not repros. Hope this helps.
Bob