Spare wheel for a 63?

[Bruce D.]

Does anyone have a spare wheel for a 63 with the unique inside configuration? How much should I have to pay for one?

[Harry S.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

Bruce, 63 original wheels are rare. I've seen restored sets of 4 go for $2200.00. All I think that means is that they were media blasted and painted. Not sure if the run-out (is any) was fixed. That's another $100.00 per wheel. Also, inspect the lug nut holes for signs they were over tightened, they become oblong.

Saying that, they are expensive!

[Mel H.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

Dont have a spare (though would consider trading for a set dated 4th Qtr 62..if anyone is interested, PM me), but they are occasionally offered on ebay. And as Harry noted, they are quite pricey...

Mel

[Bruce D.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

Mel, There is no reference to dated wheels in the judging manual. Are you sure these were dated?

[Harry S.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

Yes, they are dated. You can not see the date with a tire mounted. But you can spot a 63 wheel from the external characteristics.

[Mel H.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

Yes, most were dated, at least partially, on the inside of the wheel under the tire, and thus not visible with tires mounted. So wheel dates cannot be judged so no reference to same in the JM.

After 50 yrs, many dates have become kinda hard to see, and you wouldnt notice if you weren't looking for them. Actually, some wheels are reportedly not dated at all... and others were 'partially' dated... some with year only...others with month only (I have some with month only).. but most have both. Seems that dating was done quite erratically, especially in the early production months of 63, though some posters claim wheels from summer 63 with no date stamps. And most 64 wheels seem to have dates... its more the 63s that are erratic.

Many of the date stamps are also poorly aligned with the 15x5 1/2K stamp signifying Kelsey Hayes wheels, so stampings lacked consistency in both application and alignment. The date stamps that were applied are sometimes hard to find/see, but are generally located on the inside 'bottom' of the wheel near the valve stem hole... and most have a Kelsey Hayes and American Rim Association stamp nearby.

There are several threads on this subject with good reference info, sample dates stamps, pictures, etc, so a search can help explain further. Again, dating is not judged... its just a personal interest thing for vettophiles like some on the board here...including me

Mel

[William M.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

I paid $1000 for a very well preserved original wheel and tire that had never been on the ground. I've never seen a wheel itself go for less than $500 each. The problem is no vendor reproduces the unique 63 design, so if you want the real deal you have to pay accordingly.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

There was a post a while back about the part # evolution of the 63-64 wheel. I seem to remember the difference being the center hole diameter, it's a good read in the archives.

[Joe R.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

63-64 GM Pick-up Trucks had 15" wheels and tires. The wheels were the same as the Corvette. Find you an OLD junk yard and pick up those expensive e-bay wheels for 15 bucks or less.
Where do you think the e-bayers got them in the first place. Corvettes? No Way! Everybody threw away those ugly steel wheels and bought a set of Cragars!!!!

JR

[Bruce D.]

Re: Spare wheel for a 63?

thanks Mel. I have seen 4 wheels that look like 63 from the config, but only 2 of them had the raised lines by the valve stem. Can this be a variation asn the backs looks correct and I think that was unique to the 63.