Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

[Dan 80]

I'm going to guess that the method of deciphering the dates you've quoted is from is from Alan Colvin's book "Chevrolet By The Numbers 1960-64" or '55-'59. Excellent books, but not without errors and omissions.

The method of breaking down the dates illustrated in the '60-64 (and the '55-'59) volume is mostly a regurgitation of the method that came into practice in 1967 (and not at the very beginning on all wheels) and outlined in the '65-9 and '70-5 editions, does not apply to the early wheels in question here.

[David]

Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

Dan, I assume you are responding to the post giving the varous production plants etc, which somehow has disappeared or was taken off the board. And then my response somehow ended as a new topic a couple of headings above this one. In any case, so you think the 7 and the 3 are the date codes even though they are the 3 is rotated but on the same line as the 7? I'm starting to get dizzy...

[Dan 80]

Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

"so you think the 7 and the 3 are the date codes"

David I didn't say that. Although they may well be.

If the 7 and the 3 you speak of are of a different and smaller font than the 15x5 1/2K, and they are near and at angles to the one another. Then without seeing them? But I think so.

I've seen several wheels where the stamping was so poor that one digit cannot be read in the year code.

I think it would be a good idea to check all your wheel date codes.

Considering that you are trying to verify authenticity and set the record straight you have to dot your I's and cross your T's.

You have an opportunity to add something of interest to the collective knowledge. Don't jump to conclusions. Be methodical and beware wishful thinking.

[David]

Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

Your sound words will be heeded. I will break down the other tires to see what I can find. You have been extremely helpful and your help is most appreciated. Thanks, David

[Dino L.]

Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

I checked the original rim I have for a 3,800 series vin car. The rim is black showing drips. It has the GM logo on a spider opposite the valve stem. The only markings on the inside (pressurized) are very light stampings between the stem and seam. They show 5 1/2K...there is also a star like logo with the letters KE at 1 and 2:00 o'clock and the letters HA at 10 and 11:00 o'clock surrounding the star. Unfortunately I cannot detect a date code anywhere?

[David]

Re: Midyear steel wheel datecoding

The start like logo you mentioned with partial letters is the round Kelsey Hayes logo with the words Made in USA inside also in a circular design. The 51/2K is actually the size stamping which says 15x5 1/2K but yours is only partially visible. If you look under the K or nearby you may be able to see the date code. As other posts mentioned it has a one digit month code and a two digit year code. Let us know if you find it. As Dan mentioned, it could be anywhere on the inside of the rim.