Micro wheel weights

[Leif A.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

"Also, can't prove this yet, but I do believe there was a maximum number of ounces specified by GM allowed on a wheel."

Harry,
Some where in my foggy memory I seem to remember that 1 1/2 oz was the maximum allowed...again, relying on a foggy memory.

[John H.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

"Also, can't prove this yet, but I do believe there was a maximum number of ounces specified by GM allowed on a wheel."

Harry,
Some where in my foggy memory I seem to remember that 1 1/2 oz was the maximum allowed...again, relying on a foggy memory.

Leif -

A.I.M. spec (UPC 10) calls for an absolute max of 5 oz (not to be exceeded); also states that between 3 oz and 5 oz, the weights can be split between the inside and outside of the rim.

[Leif A.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Leif -

A.I.M. spec (UPC 10) calls for an absolute max of 5 oz (not to be exceeded); also states that between 3 oz and 5 oz, the weights can be split between the inside and outside of the rim.

Sure enough, John. Unusual that it, also, states..."add weights to either side of wheel at rim edge to obtain a balance condition not to exceed 5oz." I have always been told that because of the trim rings (on a '67) that all weights were placed to the inside of the wheel. True or not?? The mentioned quote is from my "67 A.I.M.

[Terry M.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

When judging I look for at least two wheels with weights, it helps if one of them is the spare. Now if the weight is in the exact correct spot I would never know. If doing a PV they had better be in the correct spot as a shimmy will certainly cause a PV failure.

Also, can't prove this yet, but I do believe there was a maximum number of ounces specified by GM allowed on a wheel. If the ounces went over the limit the tire was rotated on the wheel to use less weight.

I had five 63 wheels straightened by a local wheel shop. After painting and installing a set of Coker tires only two wheels needed weight, both were under one ounce.

Harry

Easy to prove the max amount of weight allowed for early C3s. UPC 10 Sheet A1 "If total weight to balance wheel and tire exceeds 5 oz, ....." Just a hunch, but I would bet there is similar language in the mid-year AIMs, but since I don't own one I'll leave it to you.

IIRC those Restorer articles by Gary Beqaupre identified seven or eight suppliers of wheel weights to Corvette. I remember in one of the previous threads on here John Hinckley quotes some numbers of wheels and tires that would have been balanced by GM in the 1960s & 1970s. Those numbers were staggering. They would have had to have dozens of wheel weight suppliers working overtime to keep them going. Do the math for Corvette = 25 to 30k cars per year, each with 5 wheels & tires. It is very quickly a lot.

[Harry S.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

The 63 AIM is clear, weights on the inside, tire serial number on the inside. If more than 5 ounces the tire and wheel is to be rejected.

[Jim S.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Do the math for Corvette = 25 to 30k cars per year, each with 5 wheels & tires. It is very quickly a lot.[/QUOTE]


Not to step all over Terry's very technical sum of "a lot " , but at 30K cars X 5 tires x two weights each = 300,000. Not to mention the rest of the Chevy line , and then the rest of the GM line . Even at a fraction of a cent per weight, that would have been a sweet contract to have !

It is also easy to see why, as mentioned in another thread , EPA banned them in lead. To us, one little weight here and there , but millions and millions of pounds discarded over the years and no longer around .

That is except for Kevin's find !!!

Jim

[Kevin G.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Thread update,

After cleaning up just the "MICRO" marked, winged tipped weights, here are the final totals. I'm adding this to show the rarity/use of the available sizes. As expected the heavier weights are not found as often. Interesting to see the super rare weights, some marked Goodyear (only 7) also a few marked Firestone!

124 @ .5 oz.
13 @ .75 oz.
75 @ 1.0 oz.
3 @ 1.25 oz
101 @ 1.5 oz.
2 @ 1.75 oz.
39 @ 2.0 oz.
11 @ 2.25 oz.
33 @ 2.5 oz.
30 @ 3.0 oz.

[John H.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Kevin,

I attempted to send a private message about weights, but your mailbox cannot accept more messages... Send me a message if you want looking for roughly 5 ounces per wheel so when i balance for PV I have a sufficient supply.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Took a better picture of the weights and thought I'd post it up. The winged weights cover a little over half of the left side of the table. Next are the Plumbium marked, then some from the Perfect Equipment Company. Plastic bags are 10 +/- misc. makers with Sears brand finishing the table top.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Well, I was very lucky again yesterday to have been able to retrieve another 280 lbs. of vintage wheel weights! The lot is similar to the post above and does show some interesting quantities of the many manufacturers Clearly the Mirco brand name is the largest amount found but Perfect Equipment Co. and Plumbium brands came in close second and third place. Many of the weights just found are brand new never used some in the original boxes! I will have these available at Carlisle, "D" row, right in front of the Food Court.

[Gary B.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Kevin,

What logo does Plumblum use on their weights?

Gary

[Kevin G.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Hi Gary,

I am using your Restorer article for reference. In which, your update explains the "14" inside the oval= Speed Clip/Plumbium.

I found the information in your article to be of great help, with these vintage weights!

Thank you

[Gary B.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Kevin,

Remind me, did I actually refer to Plumblum in my article? I don't recall ever having seen that name until today. It's been a long while since I wrote that article or looked at it.

Gary

[Kevin G.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Kevin,

Remind me, did I actually refer to Plumblum in my article? I don't recall ever having seen that name until today. It's been a long while since I wrote that article or looked at it.

Gary

Hi Gary,

Yes, In the update you mention that a man named Craig Caldwell Jr. an employee of Plumbium, made these weights under the Speed Clip Manufacturing Corporation, and that this company supplied GM.

Here's a list of the manufacturers names or marked (embossed) markings on the weights I have. An exercise to show just how many companies there were in the day. All of these weights are measured in ounces.
Bada (Micro,Sears,Allstate,Firestone,Goodyear,Goodrich, all produced by Bada),
Perfect Equipment Co.,
Plumbium (Speed Clip),
LH in Diamond,
E-Z,
Srugl,
Hunter,
Halko,
Naco,
Ascot,
Deka,
HMC,
Bear,
Another dozen or so, w/o a brand mark only ounce marked weights.

My education continues!

Thanks you.

[Gary B.]

Re: Micro wheel weights

Kevin,

I'm glad someone remembers what I said!

Do you have any idea of the name of the company that made the weights with the letters LH inside a diamond border?

And did Plumbium/Speed Clip make the ones with the number 14?

Gary