Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

[Jim D.]

After a lot of research and opinions, I bought some bolt-on style knock off wheels for my 65 BB conv. that I'm restoring. I had true knock-off wheels on my Cobra and was always concerned with one coming loose and wanted to eliminate that worry, that's why I went to bolt-on wheels. There are only two makers of these wheels , Corvette America and Americas Finest Corvettes. The biggest difference between the two are the way the spinner attaches to the wheels. For those that are considering this purchase for their car, here's the difference.

AFC uses a stamped steel adapter with a bolt on spinner -


CA uses a machined aluminum hub with a true spinner-

It's your choice but I went with CA and the wheels are beautiful.

[Joe R.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

Good choice!

JR

[Gene M.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

Thank you Jim. I was expecting them to be similar to 67 bolt on wheel with the stupid clips holding the centers. Both systems look better than the 67 style. The wheels must look totally different in the center.

[Michael J.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

It appears the CA wheel has a pin to keep the wheel on tight, like the old Western Wheels ones did?

[Jim D.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

It appears the CA wheel has a pin to keep the wheel on tight, like the old Western Wheels ones did?

The wheel bolts on with the supplied lug nuts just like a regular steel wheel. Then the aluminum hub bolts to the wheel. The spinner goes on and the pin only keeps the spinner from coming undone. On the CA site, you can download the installation instructions that shows each step.

[Stewart L.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

They look good Jim. I'm looking forward to seeing the car on the road!

[Jim D.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

Thanks Stewart. It will be a while before it's on the road though. I plan on taking my time as this will be the last "body-off" that I do.

[Michael M.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

Thank you for the information Jim. And lots of luck with the "last body-off". I'm sure it wil look great with those wheels. And no risk of "quick fall-off" either.

Spinner and cone attachment methods aside, any opinion about which wheel looks "more correct" or more like the original K-H wheels? Are they both pretty close? I don't plan on a body off or judging my 66 L79 conv anytime soon, but I have a pretty nice driver and I like to have it as original or as original looking as possible and it's time for some knock-offs (bolt on variety) and some new radials.

Whats the the consensus on the look of both AFC and the CA wheels? Any opinions out there. Thanks to everyone that contributes to the forum. The best source of information out there.

Mike

[Michael J.]

Re: Bolt-on Knock-off wheels

If you are not interested in judging and are into driving with radials, the CA wheels look great. They won't fool many as being K-H originals, but for a driver, who cares.