Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

[Noel B.]

I have replica bolt-on spinner wheels on my 66 roadster. They are the type with a sheet metal cage under the cone that has a female threaded hole for mounting the spinner. I know that the original "true spinners" had left and right handed threads to prevent loosening. My replica spinners have arrows indicating which direction is "OFF" - two LEFTS and two RIGHTS. See photos.

However, the actual threads on my spinners are right handed - all four. This seems weird since the arrows on the spinners indicate that two are left handed. I have to remind any shop that works on the car that all of the spinners have right handed threads even though they are labeled differently.

It seems like this system could cause problems if people try to remove the spinners according to the arrows.

[Russ S.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

That's because they are repos of the originals.

[Jim D.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

FYI, the Corvette America brand bolt-on wheels have left and right threaded hubs and spinners so there is no confusion.

[Gene M.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Does anybody know if either one of these fake knock offs will fit an original 67 bolt on wheel?

Or easily made to fit?

[Don H.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Hi Gene, When I bought my direct bolt ons about 14 years ago (at Chevy-Vette Fest) they only had three marked as '65 direct bolts. The vendor gave me one box that was marked '67 wheel and they are identical. So I assume they would work if your wheels have the threaded holes where the adapter attaches. I think the problem you would have is to purchase the spinner adapter. A friend tried years ago and could not buy just the adaptor. If you want pictures email me. Don H.

[Noel B.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

I kinda wish that I had the Corvette America style wheels. The look more solid and they would be less confusing to have the threads match the arrows on the spinners. However, they were installed by the previous owner and I guess I'll stick with them. At least they look good.

[Leif A.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Little confused here Noel. In your first picture, you show the '67 style direct bolt on aluminum wheel with the adapter that allows the cone to be screwed on versus snapped on, as original. If you're attempting to use original style spinners on this setup, I can't imagine how you could accomplish this. What do the '66 spinners screw onto?? What am I missing??

[Keith W.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Gene the repos in the first pictures with the cage, that the knock off ears screw onto come from AFC

at afc@corvetteusa.com or call 888-318-3883 U.S. ONLY - the guys called Mike last time I was down there he had a container load of wheels in - might be worth a call ?

[Michael M.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Hi Leif. Those are actually 66 style KOs that bolt on. They have an adapter to mount the cone and spinner so they resemble KOs. The pictures on the thread are from two different vendors that use different style adapters to mount the cone and spinner. I guess they look just like 67 bolt ons with a different center.

Mike

[Noel B.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

Leif. The simulated spinners on my 66 have a male threaded stud attached to the backside. This bolts into the female threaded hole that you can see in the cage. Very simple. However, my point is that this construction is confusing since all of the threaded studs are RH even though the arrows on the simulated spinners show both RH and LH. I get it that this is done to make them look original but it is necessary to tell everyone who works on the car that all spinners come off with right hand threads ("lefty loosey - righty tighty". These look great but I think they should be made with LH and RH studs to match the arrows.

I guess the only reason for this post was to see if I have the correct parts on the car since they were done previous to my ownership. And to complain a little bit that the manufacturer did something weird that can cause problems.

Thanks for your replies.

[Leif A.]

Re: Bolt on Spinner Wheels - thread direction

OK, so the spinners in your original pictures are NOT factory they are an aftermarket part that simply bots to the adapter shown. Got it. Then your assumption about the arrow direction on the repro spinner is most likely accurate...done so as to appear original. I would think, then, that your only true concern needs to be with whomever changes your tires (if not yourself). I can just see that spinner flying across a garage floor if hit just once with a real lead hammer...either to the left or to the right