1958/1959 vette wheels

[Gary L.]

Does anyone have the correct gm wheel numbers for an early 59 vette. Have reproduction wheels and cant keep original hubcaps on. Any #'s and pics would be fantastic. Also, would be interesed in buying original set of 4 or 5 wheels

[David L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Gary,

According to my research GM wheel # 3714744 (15X5K, 9/16" offset, welded) was used on 56 Pass., 56-60 Corvette, and 57-60 Taxi models. GM # 3714744 was discontinued in May 1964 and replaced with GM # 3794464 (15X5K, 9/16" offset, riveted).

Years ago I had a 15X5K wheel dated "8 54" (riveted type) that was stamped "GM" and had a 2 29/32" dia. hub hole. I assume it was GM # 3707031 as the offset measured about 5/8"". The 3714202 wheel (1955 models) has a 9/16" offset.
GM # 3707031 was replaced with GM # 3714744 in April 1956.
GM # 3714202 was replaced with GM # 3714744 in April 1956.

I don't have any 56-60 Corvette wheels but I recently found a nice set of 5 original 3687980 (15X5K, 5/8" offset, riveted) wheels with original paint and circular pin stripe for 49-53 Chevrolets (and 53 Corvette if the clips are removed).

Dave

[Bill M.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

This is an original wheel for my Dec. '58 assembled '59. It is a "dogbone" welded wheel. No hubcap retention problems (except for midnight auto supply removal service in about 1963):

[Gary L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Thanks. I use to work there! Are your wheelcovers hard to install? These ar nearly impossible and i'm hoping its because they are aftermarket.

[Gary L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Looks like it would be easier to find a set of passenger car wheels for a 56.

[Tom D.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Dave & Gary: I am pretty sure all five of my 1956 Bel Air four door passenger car's wheels are riveted. They are clearly the original wheels.

[Chris S.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Gary
I have one dog bone wheel if your interested.

[David L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

What is a "dog bone" wheel?

The link below shows 15 photos of one of my 49-53 Passenger wheels (dated "12 51"). Is it a "dog bone" wheel, and if so, why?

Dave

http://imgur.com/a/6Cq6s#0

[Bill M.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

What is a "dog bone" wheel?

Dave

I borrowed this from another thread:

[Bill M.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Thanks. I use to work there! Are your wheelcovers hard to install? These ar nearly impossible and i'm hoping its because they are aftermarket.

Gary:

Originals are very easy to install.

Bill

[Tom H.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Gary,

I also had a hard time with aftermarket wheelcovers for my 57. I ended up using stovepipe crimping pliers to shrink them a little and they went on much easier.

Tom

[Gary L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

What I have discovered is I have aftermarket wheels and original wheel covers. They will not work together. Found set of 56 chevy passenger car wheels, which are the same gm #, and the wheel covers snap right on very easily. Going to break down tires to verify correct GM # and proceed from there. thanks everyone for your assistance.

[Pancho T.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

there are no part numbers cast or stamped on the wheels.The manufacturers log,size and date are stamped inside the rim

[Gary L.]

Re: 1958/1959 vette wheels

Thanks Pancho.You actually have to remove the tire to inspect the numbers which are located on the center section of the wheel.