1965 K O's

[Bill M.]

I am looking at a 65 on Sunday that is supposed to have original KO's. I have never owned a set and have never paid any real attention to them. What should I look for without taking a wheel off of the car. Not sure about the spare.
thanks
Bill

[Donald A.]

Re: 1965 K O's

Hi Bill, original K-H knockoffs have a distinctive smooth rolled edge to the outer rim border and the fins, repros have obvious sharp edges, and any experienced KO owner can spot the differences. Perhaps have someone from your chapter check the car out with you? With a mirror you can see the markings on the backside of the spinners to spot if they are original or repro. Perhaps the easiest confirmation for the wheel is to look on the backside, the rim can often be fully inspected with a good light and mirror. The stamped K-H indicates Kelsey-Hayes and below that will be the stamp D-49885 and near that somewhere will be a stamped date code - first letter is a shift indicator not of importance if present, the first number(s) are the month then XX the day then XX the year. My example is a Dec 15, 1965 wheel. If you spot the KH and D stamps then it is likely an original KO and a set of four (or 5) unless badly damaged adds significant value to the car. Good luck!

[Bill M.]

Re: 1965 K O's

Thanks Don

[Stewart L.]

Re: 1965 K O's

A couple of other things to check, does the rear storage area cover have original (50 year old, not new repo) jacking instructions for KO's? The rear crossmember would have P48 scrawled in white crayon if the chassis has not been restored also.

[Kerouac B.]

Re: 1965 K O's

I figured I'd check out the back of my 65 Coupe's spinners with a mirror after reading this. I was perplexed -- what does "N-A-W-I-A-T" mean? Then I realized I was looking at the word "Taiwan" backwards in a mirror. So much for the authenticity of my knock offs.