knock-off wheels

[Jack H.]

Re: knock-off wheels

John, you can see the safety pin half-round grooves in the adapter photo that Mike posted. The spinners will have similar half-round grooves that will allow one full-round slot to align once the wheel is properly tightened. With the spinner cap off, a pin can be inserted and lightly tapped into place leaving about 1/4" of the pin sticking out into the cap so it can be pulled out with a vice grip or pliers when you want to remove the wheel. Let us know what you find when you see the used set. Keep in mind that a brand new, shiny set of repro knock-offs or bolt-on KO's are just over $2K. In my opinion, buy a set of the bolt-on KO's and get "the look" with the added safety of 5 lug nuts... and you can keep your current spare tire, too, since it will go on with the same lug nuts. Food for thought, Roger (50141)

I agree with Roger especially since from what I gather, the knock-off wheels weren't originally installed on your car and you're just going for a "look" anyway. The bolt-ons look great IMHO. Keep your steel wheels and hubcaps as has also already been suggested.

[Stephen L.]

Re: knock-off wheels

.... Some guys install steel pins (solid or roll pins) in the slot as an added safety feature to ensure/hope that a wheel doesn't come loose while driving. Not everyone agrees with that approach, but I use steel roll pins for the added peace of mind.

Roger, do you recall the size of the steel roll pins you used?

thanks

[Harry S.]

Re: knock-off wheels

Part 1620 on the Corvette America Website. They work in my knockoff wheels as well as my bolt-on knock off wheels. Also, they are not steel.

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/default.htm

[William C.]

Re: knock-off wheels

Let's remember that Original Factory Knock-off wheels have NO provision for pins. They do not come apart if properly tightened....

[Mike E.]

Re: knock-off wheels

Let's remember that Original Factory Knock-off wheels have NO provision for pins. They do not come apart if properly tightened....

I agree, I never used the pins on my repop knock-offs after I had one of the pins break off. It was a real pain to get the wheel off. If I remember correctly I drilled it out. Never had an issue with them coming loose without them.

[Philip A.]

Re: knock-off wheels

A few comments for the OP. Realize that the nuts for the adapter are NOT lug nuts as stated in your original post; and shown in photo above. This is important because the correct nuts are longer and necessary for safe use. Second, the spinners must be tightened with a lead hammer (NOT a dead blow or any other type). Third, the spinners also need to be OE, and the reproductions are easily identified (the Judging Guide has this info) Lastly, correct original Kelsey Hayes knock-offs are expensive; if your intent is to drive the car with that look, the easiest and most economical path is "bolt-on" reproductions. .

[Roger P.]

Re: knock-off wheels

Roger, do you recall the size of the steel roll pins you used?

Hi Stephen,
To answer your question, unfortunately I don't recall the size of the steel roll pins that I use. If you have the aluminum safety pins that are sold by the vendors, then you can match the size to those which is what I did. The aluminum pins have a slight taper, so make sure to match the thicker end of the pin. If you don't have them, let me know and I can get a measurement for you tomorrow when I take my car out to play over the weekend (I have a few spare pins in my glove box). I could also mail you a roll pin and a solid steel pin to match if you want (send me a PM with your address and I can mail them out tomorrow). I agree with Bill and Mike that, when properly tightened, the spinners should not become loose. However, I like the added security of the pins... even if it's just a psychological security blanket.

Roger (50141)

[Stephen L.]

Re: knock-off wheels

Phil/Mike thanks

Roger - thanks for the kind offer - let me call the vendor and see if they can share the dimensions - if not, i'll trouble you

thanks, sl

[Russ S.]

Re: knock-off wheels

No build sheets prior to 67.

originality is everything I would keep your wheels if they are original to the car you would have points deducted if not original. real knock offs were not avail until 64 and later. if your build sheet shows that option I would change them to match? real knock offs need an adapter that has 10 holes the orginals were made by Kelsey hays then western wheel and so on they are grey ,hubs chrome and spindles have specific colors and markings that show the direction to remove them. don't forget the spare too?

[Harry S.]

Re: knock-off wheels

No build sheets prior to 67.

He may actually have the shippers copy that lists all the options "REGULAR COMMERCIAL AND TRUCK" carbon copy 5. It was left with the dealer when the car was delivered and many dealers placed it in the glove box. Besides the options it contained what was stamped on the engine pad, key number, actual build date and other goodies.