PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

[Theodore K.]

Are there part numbers or identifying metal stamps on the standard 15" steel rims used on the 1957 corvettes? If so I would appreciate knowing them. I recently bought some new steel rims for my 57 and are selling the old ones. One potential buyer asked if there were pn's stamped on the rims. I didn't know but could use any help if available. It may well be that standard Chevrolet rims were used on the corvette as well.

[Joe L.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Are there part numbers or identifying metal stamps on the standard 15" steel rims used on the 1957 corvettes? If so I would appreciate knowing them. I recently bought some new steel rims for my 57 and are selling the old ones. One potential buyer asked if there were pn's stamped on the rims. I didn't know but could use any help if available. It may well be that standard Chevrolet rims were used on the corvette as well.

Theodore-----


The wheels used on 1956-57 Corvettes (except 57 with HD brakes) were the same as those used on 1956-57 passenger cars. These wheels were also SERVICE for 1954-55 passenger cars and Corvettes.

I'm not really familiar with these particular wheels. However, GM wheels of the period (and even much later) rarely, if ever, have part numbers stamped on them.

[Wayne G.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Theodore ,

From my experience 56/57 Corvette wheels were all manufactured by Kellse Hayes and were quite different from pass car wheels. Look for a KH stamping and date (7-14) etc. on the outside of the wheel rim. The rims are welded to the center section with a "wish bone " looking welded area. Also the center section of the wheel has a very distinctive double stamping of the circle around the lug nut area. Look in Noland Adams book for reference .

Good Luck,
Wayne

[Joe L.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Theodore ,

From my experience 56/57 Corvette wheels were all manufactured by Kellse Hayes and were quite different from pass car wheels. Look for a KH stamping and date (7-14) etc. on the outside of the wheel rim. The rims are welded to the center section with a "wish bone " looking welded area. Also the center section of the wheel has a very distinctive double stamping of the circle around the lug nut area. Look in Noland Adams book for reference .

Good Luck,
Wayne

Wayne------


What part number is shown in the 1956 and 1957 Corvette AIM's for the Corvette wheels?

[Gary C.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Guys,

Ton of wheel information available by searching the archives. The late "Rev" Dale Pearman and Chris Henige both provided lots of good information on C1 wheels. In summary, their posts will tell you everything anybody needs to know about C1 wheels and other members posted their wheel photos in their threads.

56-7 AIM part numbers listed were: "Optional 3714744, 3723561"

Gary
....

[Tom D.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Here is a May 1956 Wheel. I think the variety of (3?) AIM part numbers may relate to the use of passenger car rims as needed.

[Gary C.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Tom, is your May '56 wheel riveted or welded? If welded - what type of welds? Gary....

[Tom D.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Welded with "dog bones", per additional photo. Another photo shows the "extra ripple" in the rim center section. These are photos of the same wheel. The Corvette these came on was made after power tops were included.

Not my car, so call or e-mail about the build date.

[John S.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

[QUOTE=Tom Dingman (4889);631971]Welded with "dog bones", per additional photo. Another photo shows the "extra ripple" in the rim center section. These are photos of the same wheel. The Corvette these came on was made after power tops were included.


power tops were mentioned being included on the earliest 1956. does anyone have late a 55 or early 56 with the welded wheels? the late 55 cars that i have seen have the riveted wheels.

[Joe L.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Guys,

Ton of wheel information available by searching the archives. The late "Rev" Dale Pearman and Chris Henige both provided lots of good information on C1 wheels. In summary, their posts will tell you everything anybody needs to know about C1 wheels and other members posted their wheel photos in their threads.

56-7 AIM part numbers listed were: "Optional 3714744, 3723561"

Gary
....

Gary-----


GM #3714744 is a wheel used on 1956-57 Corvettes as well as 1956 passenger cars. It was also SERVICE for 54-56 passenger cars and 54-55 Corvettes. It was a welded wheel.

I can find no record of GM #3723561 so it's a wheel that was never available in SERVICE.

[Gary C.]

Re: PN's for early solid axle car steel Rims

Colvin's book has the blueprints for Kelsey Hays wheels on page 465. Chevy 38701 and 38702 dated 4/7/54.

3723561 was production only wheel as far as I can tell.

Gary
....