C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

[Donald H.]

These are 15 x 5 wheels with the 5 x 4 3/4" hole pattern and the 5/8" valve stem hole diameter. Not sure what all these dimension wheels fit, but I assume they are the same for 56 through 62 Corvette and at least 55 and 56 Chevys.

I am trying to figure out what I have. I found a old thread that said the NT stamp was for Norris Industried and they were not a supplier to GM. However, as you can see from the pictures, the nubs by the lug holes have a GM stamp on one and and NT stamp on another. The inside is stamped "Made in USA 15X5K N T E 6".

Since they have the GM stamp, is it possible they are a later service replacement?

Picture attached.

GM nub.jpgNT Nub.jpgInside 1.jpgInside 2.jpg

[David L.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

Donald,

Is there any stampings near the valve hole? What is the wheel offset?

You can measure the wheel offset as follows:
Carefully measure the gross width of the wheel. A 5" wide wheel should measure approximately 6.0" +/-.
Carefully measure the backspacing. It is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to the surface that mounts against the drum. The backspacing might measure about 3 5/8".

Offset = (backspacing) - (1/2 X gross width)
Example:
Offset = (3 5/8") - (1/2 X 6") = 5/8"

BTW, I have seen assembly line installed Norris Industry wheels on 1970 Camaro SS models but the Kelsey-Hayes wheels are much more common. Both types are stamped "CL" by the valve hole.

I have never seen "NI" wheels made in the 1950's.

Dave

[John H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

I found a old thread that said the NT stamp was for Norris Industried and they were not a supplier to GM. The inside is stamped "Made in USA 15X5K N T E 6".

Since they have the GM stamp, is it possible they are a later service replacement?

Donald -

They might be, but based on the date stamp format, they're clearly not Kelsey-Hayes wheels from that era. Photos below show typical 1956 and 1961 Corvette wheels with their size and date stamps, K-H logo, and TRA logo stamp.


WheelDate61.jpgWheel56.jpg

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

Donald,

Is there any stampings near the valve hole? What is the wheel offset?

You can measure the wheel offset as follows:
Carefully measure the gross width of the wheel. A 5" wide wheel should measure approximately 6.0" +/-.
Carefully measure the backspacing. It is the distance from the back edge of the wheel to the surface that mounts against the drum. The backspacing might measure about 3 5/8".

Offset = (backspacing) - (1/2 X gross width)
Example:
Offset = (3 5/8") - (1/2 X 6") = 5/8"

BTW, I have seen assembly line installed Norris Industry wheels on 1970 Camaro SS models but the Kelsey-Hayes wheels are much more common. Both types are stamped "CL" by the valve hole.

I have never seen "NI" wheels made in the 1950's.

Dave

I don't see any stamping around the valve stem hole. The wheel does measure 6" gross width. And the backspacing does measure approximately 3 5/8". It has the same measurements as a Kelsey-Hayes welded dog bone wheel that I had for my 1960. By the way, this NT wheel had spot welded center section.

Thanks,
Don

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

Donald -

They might be, but based on the date stamp format, they're clearly not Kelsey-Hayes wheels from that era. Photos below show typical 1956 and 1961 Corvette wheels with their size and date stamps, K-H logo, and TRA logo stamp.



Thanks,

Don


[ATTACH=CONFIG]48495[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]48496[/ATTACH]

I have a couple of Kelsey-Hayes wheels, the welded dog bone type. Your picture begs another question. the wheel stamp is 15x5K. Do you know what the K signifies?
As I mentioned above, this NT wheel is also stamped 15X5K.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

John,

I also noticed something else. What I think you refer to as the TRA logo stamp. What is that?

On the two Kelsey-Hayes wheels you pictured, one of these logo's has an 8 in it and the other a 4. The NT wheel I pictured also has this stamp with a '0' in it. The Kelsey-Hayes wheel that I have handy also has a 4 in this stamping.

[Cecil L.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

I have a full set of GM NT wheels 14X5 on my 57 BelAir and I have seen many others, but I believe they were mostly 14's.

[Dan A.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

[QUOTE=Donald Harris (51003);680127]

What I think you refer to as the TRA logo stamp. What is that?
QUOTE]

The TRA logo is the Tire & Rim Association logo. In the attached photo I have errored and called the Tire & Rim Association logo the Wheel & Rim Association.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

I have a couple of Kelsey-Hayes wheels, the welded dog bone type. Your picture begs another question. the wheel stamp is 15x5K. Do you know what the K signifies?
As I mentioned above, this NT wheel is also stamped 15X5K.

Donald -

The "K" is the SAE descriptor for that particular rim cross-section, including the presence/absence of inboard safety beads.

[Kelly W.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

Hi DanielI am looking for a picture of a May or June Dog Bone wheel....Would you happen to have one?Thanks!!KellyKelly Waite27432

[Dan A.]

Re: C1 Wheel Question re: NT and GM stamped wheel

I own this wheel. It is a dog bone wheel dated March 1956, 56 3.