C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

[David R.]

In the process of taking inventory of some extra parts I had stored away for my 62. I search the forum and reviewed the 6th edition of the NCRS Technical Info Manual & Judging Guide. Need some clarification/advice on had to proceed...

1. I believe I have the original wheels, but not sure for what? They have the (3) nubs on the outer edge or the center hub, and the (4) smaller nubs on the outer edge. The center hub is secured on the outer rim in four locations with each location having (3) round headed rivets, that looks like there is a washer under the round head. It may be just the rivet flattened due to the insertion force instead of a washer?? The diameter is 16-7/16" and the width across the outer rim edge to inner rim edge is 6". The book shows flat rivet heads on the RPO 276 wheels.

If original, what is the best/safest way to get them looking new again, media blast or dipping and spraying them gloss black enamel??

2. I have the original wheel covers, but they have some small dents/dings and superficial scratches, plus the knock-off spinners have some pit marks in the chrome plating. It appears the knock-offs where made out of pot metal??

Is there a service that will refurbish my original wheel covers?

Thanks in advance for your feedback/suggestions

David

[Tom D.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

See my FLICKR photos for some white Corvette Wheels - They are not the optional wide ones.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/12824154@N03/albums/72157632150221061

[Mike E.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

David,
If you have riveted wheels on your 62 they are either 5.5" wheels (which is not the case because you have the nubs around the outer edge) or they are incorrect 5" wheels. You should have 5" wheels that are welded without dog bone cutouts.
If you had correct 5.5" wheels, you would have no problems with your spinner hubcaps. They would all have flown off.
If I can give any more direction on wheels, please let me know.

[David R.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

Thanks Mike,

The wheels and hubcaps have never been on my 62 since purchasing it 30 years ago. The prior owner had TruSpoke Wire wheels on it when I purchased the car, and they just gave me the original wheels (at least I thought) and hubcaps. I'm not sure what wheels I have, just wondering if they will work for a driver. Did more research and understand how to properly measure a rim. So they are 5" across the inside bead seat to bead seat.

David

[Mike M.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

as rev mike stated, if the wheels do not have the four nubs at 90 degrees on the periphery of the wheels, full hubcaps won't stay on. the three nubs centrally will accommodate poverty caps. u need to keep looking for correct wheels if that is your desire. good luck,,mike

[Loren L.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

David, you have just heard from two of the Best. Count your blessings.

[David R.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

Hey Mike,

Maybe my original post wasn't specific enough regarding the (4) nubs around the outer part of the rim (periphery). They do, so now I am really confused. Did all Chevy rims during this period have the (4) nubs 90 degrees apart?

[Mike E.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

No. Corvette 5.5 wheels did not. Most of the others did. You probably have 55-56 passenger car wheels based on your description. Pictures would be even more helpful.

[Tom D.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

In the FLICKR page I linked to, the single blue wheel is from a '56 sedan that had full wheel covers. Both the white Corvette wheels and the blue one, have the bumps for small "poverty" hub caps.

However: You will note a slightly different shape in the center section when you compare the blue and the white wheels. Look at the area just outside of the small "dog dish" poverty cap mounting area. There is an extra "ripple" in that area of the white (real 1960) Corvette wheels.

[Dan A.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

In the archives there are pictures, descriptions and diagrams about these wheels adnosium (sic). I think there are even illustrations on how to properly take measurements conventionally. Also factory installed wheels usually are dated. These stampings are inside so to speak. In the area covered by a tire.

Failing that post clear pictures of your wheels details and someone will help with what they likely are.

Your wheels as described are not original to your '62.

[David R.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

Thanks to all replying to my recent post.

Since I didn't get any comments regarding a plating shop/person refurbishing my original hubcaps, I am assuming I need to live with the dented hubcaps or buy reproductions. ??

If I was to purchase just one or two reproduction hubcaps, would the "american made" or "import" better match the overall appearance of the original hubcaps (after polished)?

David

[Christopher R.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

You can buy very nice original appearing spinners from Corvette Specialties of Maryland West.

[Geoff C.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

Well you certainly do have a choice for hubcap spinners: USA or China.

USA manufactured by Trim Parts – are a beautiful reproduction. They have Chrome plating that has endured for years on my own as well as customer cars.

The downside they cost a pittance more than the other ones referenced – those others are asian imports. There is not a shadow of doubt in my mind that the cheaper spinners will have a shorter useful life span than the USA counterpart.

The same goes for the imported 63-67 headlamp motors; 65-65 power antenna switches, 68-77 wiper switches, power window switches & the giant boat load of other merde coming off that boat. What c***. They don’t even advertise the foreign origin – are they embarrassed?

[Vinnie P.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

David,

Spring 2013 issue of The Restorer has an article about restoring C1 wheel covers. Check your email

[David R.]

Re: C1- 1962 Wheels and hub cap questions/advice

Vinnie,

Thanks, really appreciate your assistance. Will check my email.

David