1963 Rims Have a Taper?

[Richard S.]

Can somone post what an original wheel (rim) looks like for a 63? Especailly the back side taper...what does that look like?

Does this wheel have the taper?

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

The wheel in your pic is not a 63, its most likely a later service wheel. You'll note on the pic below that the red arrow points to a "step"in the wall of the rim. On 63 wheels, this step is not present, the wall tapered inward in this area (I can't find a pic of my wheels).

Screen shot 2015-01-10 at 10.51.01 PM.jpg

This change was necessary to clear the disc brakes that came in 65, so this wheel is at least from that era.

[Richard S.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Thanks Mike... It appears the step is slight...is that correct?

To be clear, just below it is a much larger step. more like a shelf (just below the arrow)?

If you do find a pic of your wheels, please post it.

Thanks again.....

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Thanks Mike... It appears the step is slight...is that correct?

To be clear, just below it is a much larger step. more like a shelf (just below the arrow)?

If you do find a pic of your wheels, please post it.

Thanks again.....

Richard, yes, the step is small. There have been several threads on this subject on the NCRS forum in the last two years, some with very good pictures of the wheels and description of the differences. You can search for those here.

[Pancho T.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Here is a side by side view of a comparison between '63-'64 and '65-'66 wheels

[Richard S.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Thank you..this clears it up nicely!!

Regarding date codes, where are they located and are they viewed during judging?

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

The date codes are inside the wheel and cannot be seen with the tire mounted.

[David L.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Here is a sketch drawn to scale of the 63-64 rim cross section comparing it to a 65-66 (in red).

Dave

[David L.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Here is a sketch drawn to scale of a 3838080 service rim cross section comparing it to a 65-66 (in red). I believe that the 3838080 wheel was original equipment on 1966 Chevrolet POLICE cars.

According to Chevrolet Parts History & vintage 63-67 Chevrolet Parts Catalogs for service parts:
3825686 (63 Corvette & 63 Police wheel in 10/62 parts catalog) .....MIX.....3834127 1/63
3834127.....USE.....3839814 10/63
3839814 (63-64 Corvette & 63 Police wheel in 10/63 parts catalog).....USE.....3838080 5/66
3838080 (57-64 Corvette & 62-66 Police wheel (2nd design) in 4/67 parts catalog)

[Richard S.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Can anyone help identify this rim?

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

What is the going price for a set of rims correct for a 63 that need to be restored?

Have a seat...........hang on to your wallet.............five, about $1250.00 to $2000.00. Then figure another $100.00 a wheel for media blasting, primer, paint and having any run-out removed.

[Richard S.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

How do these rims do in judging?

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-wheel-steel-15-x-5-1963-1964.html

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Can anyone help identify this rim?

Looks like a 56-9 passenger car 15 X 5 wheel

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Not sure why the third pic won't load.

These might be helpful to you.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 Rims Have a Taper?

Looks like a 56-9 passenger car 15 X 5 wheel

Richards example is stamped 15x5K and is riveted. Assuming a Chevy 4.75 bolt pattern, the wheel could have been a 1955 Chevrolet passenger car wheel from a supplier other then Kelsey Hayes. Or possibly sold in the after market.

For 1956 tubeless tires were introduced and the wheels were fuse welded with the now infamous "dogbones".

In 1957, and for some years after all Chevrolet passenger cars were equiped with 14 inch wheels, with the exception of police cars and taxis.

Thus the reason there are so many more 14 inch wheels from the eara than 15 inch wheels and the popularity of 1955 and 1956 passenger car wheels on solid axle Corvettes.