C1: Kelsey Hayes 15x5 wheel

[Terry B.]

Just purchased a NOS wheel for my 60 Vette. No evidence of a tire ever being mounted, paint still in the mounting hole tapers, no markings on back where rim would mount against drum, no rust or pitting, and a partial GM part number sticker still on inside of rim. No GM part number on segment remaining though. KH logo, Tire and Wheel logo, 15 x 5, 3 65 date, GM stamped on front, extra ring on center section, welded w/o dog bones, small valve stem hole, knubs for large caps, three humps for dog dish caps and appears to be in primer. Assume wheel is an over the counter replacement.
Question: What is the significance of the missing K at the end of the 15 x 5 wheel size?

[John F.]

Re: C1: Kelsey Hayes 15x5 wheel

Terry, not sure why you are worrying about it. Nobody can see with a tire mounted.

[Terry B.]

Re: C1: Kelsey Hayes 15x5 wheel

The K is a rim code that relates to the safety bead for the tire. So, what would the safety concern be for a wheel without the K? Maybe this is a better way of asking the question. Car is a driver and the numbers inside the rim are not of any importance to me.

[David L.]

Re: C1: Kelsey Hayes 15x5 wheel

Terry,

My 1965 & 1966 Chevrolet Parts Catalogs (Jan. 1965 & Oct. 1965) list GM # 3794464 as the 15 X 5K service wheel for 54-62 Corvettes. The 3794464 wheel is described as riveted with an offset of 9/16". Since your wheel is dated Mar. 1965 logic tells me that it is probably GM # 3794464. All the 15" X 5" wheels w/ 5 lug holes (GM # 3687980, 3714744, and 3794464) listed in the 2 catalogs have a "15 X 5K" wheel size description. I would say that the missing "K" is a stamping error. The "K" stamping signifies the type of rim contour of the wheel.

Dave

[Terry B.]

Re: C1: Kelsey Hayes 15x5 wheel

I will go with that conclusion. No visible differences when compared to a K marked wheel. I will save your part number info for future reference. Thanks for taking the time to consider and answer.