1957-1962 5 1/2" RPO wide wheels ID'd
I don't have the manuals for each year so; 1. How are each year, '57-'62, RPO 5 1/2" wide wheels identified---how are they the same and different? 2. Are any of these wheels used on any other car?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
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Re: 1957-1962 5 1/2" RPO wide wheels ID'd
Steve------
The 57-62 5-1/2" wheels were GM #3748348. I do not how to identify them, though. There may even have been small changes in the wheels over the period although there was no change in part number. The 3748348 wheel was discontinued from SERVICE in August, 1965 and replaced by GM #3839814. The latter was discontinued in May, 1966 and replaced by GM #3838080. 3838080 was finally discontinued quite a few years ago.
Were the 3748348 wheels used on any other car? Yes, they were. The application was later 1962 Chevrolet Police cars. There might still be a few of these languishing around in some out-of-the-way scrap yard.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 1957-1962 5 1/2" RPO wide wheels ID'd
Caveat emptor. There are some "made" wheels that are very good. Think that Dennis Clark made a gauge to identify the correct wheels. Tim Mickey would be another resource.Dick WhittingtonComment
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Re: 1957-1962 5 1/2" RPO wide wheels ID'd
There are several differences but a few are the stampings on the inside of the inner rim that indicate the date and the 15 X 5 1/2 size and the offset of the inner and outer wheel sections. In addition they lack the safety bead on the outside of the outer rim, have an enlarged valve stem hole and they lack the "nubs" which hold full hubcaps on. They are riveted and not welded. There are a couple of articles written about these wheels and the differences between them and standard wheels.Comment
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