Wheel codes and bolt patterns

[Ken M.]

Gentlemen:

I currently have knockoff wheels on my '66 427 convertible with P205/75R15 Coker Classic Redlines. I wish to switch to rally wheels and was told that 15x7 with FW code, 5 lug and 4 3/4" bolt pattern should work. True? What does the FW code represent? I've seen other codes, i.e. DC, but don't have a clue as to the meaning? Simply, can I ditch the knockoffs for 15x7, 5 lug, 4 3/4 bolt pattern wheels? I've offered to make a straight trade, prudent? PLEASE contact me directly at KMack7@aol.com as soon as possible. Many, many thanks.

Ken

[Dick W.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

Offset makes a big difference as to what will fit on a C 2 car. With a 7" wheel there is a good chance you will sacrifice fender wheel opening lips under hard cornering.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

Gentlemen:

I currently have knockoff wheels on my '66 427 convertible with P205/75R15 Coker Classic Redlines. I wish to switch to rally wheels and was told that 15x7 with FW code, 5 lug and 4 3/4" bolt pattern should work. True? What does the FW code represent? I've seen other codes, i.e. DC, but don't have a clue as to the meaning? Simply, can I ditch the knockoffs for 15x7, 5 lug, 4 3/4 bolt pattern wheels? I've offered to make a straight trade, prudent? PLEASE contact me directly at KMack7@aol.com as soon as possible. Many, many thanks.

Ken

FW code came on 70 Chevelle and Monte Carlo. YH is also a 15X7 with -1/4 inche offset same as FW code and came on 69 Z28 Camaro.

[Keith B.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

wow I wish I was the other guy with the rallys. he is getting a great deal.

[Joe L.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

Gentlemen:

I currently have knockoff wheels on my '66 427 convertible with P205/75R15 Coker Classic Redlines. I wish to switch to rally wheels and was told that 15x7 with FW code, 5 lug and 4 3/4" bolt pattern should work. True? What does the FW code represent? I've seen other codes, i.e. DC, but don't have a clue as to the meaning? Simply, can I ditch the knockoffs for 15x7, 5 lug, 4 3/4 bolt pattern wheels? I've offered to make a straight trade, prudent? PLEASE contact me directly at KMack7@aol.com as soon as possible. Many, many thanks.

Ken

Ken-----

I don't know if the 15X7 "FW" wheels will work for you. The bolt pattern, lug configuration and center hole are fine but 7" wide wheels were never originally used on a C2 Corvette. I suspect they will fit OK but, hopefully, someone that's used them will report. The "DC" coded wheels are 15X6. They have the same width and same offset as the 1966 Corvette aluminum wheels so that virtually guarantees they will fit with no problems. The fact that they were also used on 1967 Corvettes absolutely guarantees they will fit your 1966.

The two alpha character wheel code (e.g. "FW" or "DC") is a code which in all respects defines a wheel configuration. For example, if you have a car which was originally supplied with a certain wheel code, you know that any other wheel with that code will fit perfectly. Other wheel codes may or may not fit properly.

The "FW" wheel was never originally used on a Corvette but was used on 1971-76 Monte Carlos and Chevelles.

If you have ORIGINAL Corvette aluminum wheels you would be an absolute fool to trade them straight across for a set of "FW" or "DC" wheels. The original Corvette aluminum wheels are worth FAR, FAR more. If they are reproduction aluminum wheels, a straight across trade for a set of "DC" wheels MIGHT make sense.

[Wayne M.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

Ken --- I ran FW's for about 10 years on the car shown on the right. I installed 195-75 rubber, but even 205's should offer no clearance problems.

Original KO's with repo 7.75 goldlines on the car to the left.

Colvin's book shows 7" wide FW offset at 0.30", versus 0.44" for the 6" wide KO's.

[Ken M.]

Re: Wheel codes and bolt patterns

Gentlemen:

Many thanks for the responses! I'm on the right track - will keep the KOs and purchase a set of rallys 15X6 DC!

Ken