Late 63 Wheel Covers.

[Thomas S.]

I have a late 63 with early 63 (frosted) covers. The covers, bars and spinners are in extremely good shape, so much so that I questioned whether they could be originals. I purchased a set of restored correct covers (non-frosted) knowing that the bars and spinners were not in good shape. So the plan was to take my original bars and spinners and use them on the correct set.

The spinner from the early 63 and late 63 has the same part number based on the AIM, 3825469. That is the casting number on the inside of the spinners I have. The front surface is textured and I've seen "correct" replacements offered in both textured and smooth.

I would have thought that if the spinner finished had changed there would have been a new part number. Does the spinner in the photo look to be correct?



Tom

[David L.]

Re: Late 63 Wheel Covers.

I have a late 63 with early 63 (frosted) covers. The covers, bars and spinners are in extremely good shape, so much so that I questioned whether they could be originals. I purchased a set of restored correct covers (non-frosted) knowing that the bars and spinners were not in good shape. So the plan was to take my original bars and spinners and use them on the correct set.

The spinner from the early 63 and late 63 has the same part number based on the AIM, 3825469. That is the casting number on the inside of the spinners I have. The front surface is textured and I've seen "correct" replacements offered in both textured and smooth.

I would have thought that if the spinner finished had changed there would have been a new part number. Does the spinner in the photo look to be correct?



Tom

Tom,

My 1963 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) lists GM # 3830638* as the wheel COVER for the 63 Corvette (exc. Sp./Per.) and lists GM # 3825469 for the ornament.

* Includes 6 ribs, ornament, reinforcement, and 15 screws.

My 1965 Chevrolet Parts Catalog lists GM # 3843538* as the wheel cover (aluminum) for the 63 Corvette (1st design)(exc. Sp. Per.), GM # 3843538 as the wheel cover (chrome) for 63 Corvette (2nd design)(exc. Sp. Per.), and GM # 3825469 as the ornament for the 1963 Corvette (exc. knock-off wheels).

Years ago (1987-1990) I owned an early SWC (#1450) but it did not have the correct wheel covers. During that time I purchased a set of 1963 frosted and non-frosted wheel covers at various swap meets. I do not remember if the spinners (aka ornaments) were different.

Dave