1959 wheels

[D S.]

Approximately what VIN in 1959 did the wheels go from dog bone welds to smooth welds?
Are the wheels dated and if so where? Are they judged for correct dates?
What years were the flat rivet wheels used and were they used on big brake Corvettes only?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Joe M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Scott, did you search through the archives? I believe there is information about this topic in the archives. I don't recall anyone reporting a precise date when the changeover occurred.

[D S.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Actually, Joe, I didn't. The archives are great for a lot of things but when one enters something as generic as 1959 wheels in an archive search one gets a plethora of subjects not directly related to what I am asking so I go the direct route.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Are the wheels dated and if so where? Are they judged for correct dates?

They are dated, but the dates aren't judged.

[D S.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Thanks, Bill. I am assuming these are the "dogbone" style? I have read that 'late 1959 Corvette wheels went to a smooth welded bead'. Any clue as to about when in 1959 this change occurred? The Corvette I am asking questions about was built in November 1958.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

i understand. Sometimes it is difficult to conduct an archives search without turning up a lot of threads that are not on topic. I discovered recently, that if you have a car with a rare option, such as C1 hydraulic power top, there is almost nothing in archives, and few NCRS members can provide direct answers when questions arise.

[D S.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Odd that you mentioned that about the power top. The car I have been asking about the wheels for has one.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Does the power top work? Over the past 8 weeks, I have learned volumes about power tops; how to rebuild parts, what can't be rebuilt, where to buy parts, installation, adjusting switches, etc.

[D S.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Does the power top work? Over the past 8 weeks, I have learned volumes about power tops; how to rebuild parts, what can't be rebuilt, where to buy parts, installation, adjusting switches, etc.

According to the owner, yes. But when asked to display it working he said "it was an involved process" (what's the point of having it?) but he would do it when the car show was over. I left before he operated it.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Thanks, Bill. I am assuming these are the "dogbone" style? I have read that 'late 1959 Corvette wheels went to a smooth welded bead'. Any clue as to about when in 1959 this change occurred? The Corvette I am asking questions about was built in November 1958.

Scott:

Yes, they are welded dogbone. My '59 was assembled in very late December, so you would want dogbones for your November car. Not sure about when the transition to non-dogbone occurred.

Bill

[Richard M.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Scott, I'm curious also.......

Try this in your search:

wheel* AND dogbone* AND (weld* OR rivet* OR rivit*)

I add the *(wildcard) so it will find more cases of the search terms, (e.g. wheel or wheels, weld or welds or welded, etc)

I just did the above search and got many threads with much specific info. Interesting reading.

Rich

[Gary C.]

Re: 1959 wheels

or (Dale Pearman and wheel) or variations - the Rev had several good wheel articles that are in the Archives

Gary
....

[D S.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Okay, what is the correct color and type of paint for the wheels? The wheels in the photos appear to be low gloss black. Where can this paint be found?

[John H.]

Re: 1959 wheels

Okay, what is the correct color and type of paint for the wheels? The wheels in the photos appear to be low gloss black. Where can this paint be found?

Scott -

The wheels were flow-coat primed first (semi-gloss black on all surfaces), then the outer face of the wheel was sprayed with 83* (gloss) wheel enamel and baked.