orig knock offs vs repos looking to purchase

[Mark U.]

what to do buy a set of orig for a 66 or repo.I have to weigh the cost and will they make the car worth more when the time comes to sell.


Thanks For the input
Mark

[Clark K.]

Re: orig knock offs vs repos looking to purchase

Mark, if you can afford the original Kelsey-Hayes KO wheels, get a set of five (one is a spare). But, be prepared to spend as much as $12,000 for a set of four matched like-new wheels. Of course, there are cheaper original wheels, dependent upon condition.

If the price of original KO wheels is a bit much, get a set or reproduction wheels from Corvette America as soon as their newly retooled sets are available later this year.

NCRS judges the repro wheels (Western and others) with a 75% deduction of originality points. That is a 30 point originality "hit" for the wheels, spinners, and cones. I have read that some judges will assess a total deduction (additional 75 points) for the absence of the steel wheels and wheel covers, too. I have only had my '65 L76 A/C coupe Flight Judged once, on the chapter level, last April. The Exterior Team "only" deducted the 30 originality points for my reproduction KO wheels. I am nervously awaiting the regional Flight Judging this coming October. -Clark

[Don H.]

Re: orig knock offs vs repos looking to purchase

It depends on what you want to do with the car. If you want originality and or having it judged, go with originals. If you want to drive it, go with a set of the new Corvette America direct bolt ons. I saw them at Bloomington, they are VERY nice. Don H.