1965 Knock off wheels

[Ernest C.]

Does anybody know if there is a paint stencil for knock off wheels or do you just use masking tape?
Thanks

[Tom H.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

I am not aware of any stencil.

[Don H.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

I used small masking tape, very tedious but can be done. Good luck, Don H.

[Ernest C.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Thanks, I will begin the masking job now.

[James W.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Does anybody know if there is a paint stencil for knock off wheels or do you just use masking tape?
Thanks

Ernest,

I recently refinished my '65 knock-off spare. I used duct tape since I was going to grit blast the painted surfaces so that the new paint (VHT Hi-temp. Cast Iron) would have a good clean surface to bite into. If you are not going to perform the grit blast process the blue 3M painters masking tape works excellent. A sharp straight razor blade and or a modeler's exacto-knife work great to trim the edges. Heres a picture of my wheel once completed.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Ken A.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

A rag dipped in laquer thinner is a lot easier.

[Ernest C.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

James, thanks very much. I'm going to get to wor.
Ernie

[Mike Z.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

I have restored these wheels for several years-one of the specialties of my restoration shop. Masking is not the answer-very time consuming and not a great result. Once you have the correct paint, with that hint of metalic to replicate the original-that's half the battle. I progressively sand/finish the "bright" areas to one step of my final grit-I use a 5 step process. I mask (back from the inner lip about a quarter of an inch) the outer lip and let the masking paper drape over the sides to protect against overspray. Then I paint, usually 3 coats-a little on the dry side, so the gloss does not build up-should be a semi-flat. After the last coat has sat for about 10 minutes, I take a clean cloth with light saturation of paint reducer (not lacquer thinner) at my finger point only. With the finger point only, you can wipe off most of the paint from the bright areas-I do typically three vanes at a time. Then changing to a fresh portion of the cloth and lightly re-dip in the reducer, do the next group of three vanes, etc. Don't get to aggressive with the reducer, as it will run down the sides and mare your paint. After the vanes are done, take the masking paper off and go after the lip in the same manner, except; right next to the inner lip/paint, I use the nail of my finger wrapped in the cloth/reducer to very finely wipe the paint at the edge, but careful not to get into the painted area you want to keep, or allow excess reducer to get on the paint.
The whipping process will leave a "skim" or residue and the bright area will not be as shinny as you would like, so last step is your final grit of sandpaper and/or steelwool. I coat the bright areas with a good paste wax to preserve the finish.
Good Luck!
Mike Zamora
#12455

[James H.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Hello All, I have set of 5 KH wheels on my 65 that are in reasonable shape. I would like to know if anyone can refer me to someone who can do some sort of resto the wheels. I live in Washington State so someone on the west would be great.
Thanks,
Jim

[Jaime G.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Hello All, I have set of 5 KH wheels on my 65 that are in reasonable shape. I would like to know if anyone can refer me to someone who can do some sort of resto the wheels. I live in Washington State so someone on the west would be great.
Thanks,
Jim

Mike Zamora who posted right before you.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Mike did a fabulous job on my wheels which received no negative comments in judging.

Mike Zamora who posted right before you.

[Ed S.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Ok, I am confused - may I ask for an explanation. What is it exactly that you are painting on k/o wheels? Is it the dull grey or silver area between the vanes? I have a set of repro k/o's on my car - I thought that surface was unpolished or etched metal (aluminum alloy)? Where is the "paint" on k/o's other than the red white & blue lines on the spinners. Thank you for explaining this to me.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

The early wheels were unpainted ED. 65-66 wheels were a dark grayish/black between the vanes.

[Ed S.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

The early wheels were unpainted ED. 65-66 wheels were a dark grayish/black between the vanes.

Russ, ok, so this thread does not pertain to 63 or 64 style K/Os (either original KHs or repros) which appear to have a rough cast aluminum, unpainted finish between the vanes. Thanks for the clarification.

[James W.]

Re: 1965 Knock off wheels

Ernest,

Contact Bill Wilhelm. There is a KO wheel restoration article co-authored by him in the recent Summer 2017 Corvette Restorer Magazine. He will talk you through any questions you have and will freely give you great advice. I believe he will do your KO restoration and you won't have to break the bank to get it done using him. I did my own as a winter project and they came out great, just take your time and ask questions when you need help.


Regards,

James