Have just purchased nice '64 Coupe to which I wish to add the "turbine-look" wheels. I like the idea of bolt-ons with fake knock- offs (no adapters required) but wonder what the members' experiences have been. Some specific questions: Are all those wheels made by the same company? Are they good quality wheels (hold air, run true,etc.)? Must you pay the Eckler/Corvette Central prices or are there any "deals" out there? Would appreciate any input from anyone with experience. I will also be in the market for some radial tires-- not too big--to fit the wheels. I guess gold-lines or red-lines would be appropriate but I have seen some gold-lines with sorry color to them and wouldn't want that. Ideas? Thanks, Ralph Boineau.
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Re: Knock-off---bolt-on wheels for '64, radial tir
Reproduction KO of BO wheels are excellent quality. KO design is tricky to maintain if you have service performed by 3rd party folks. Even with the safety pin construction of today's repro vs. original KH wheels that lacked the 'feature', there are horror stories of folks getting things screwed up (put LH on RH side -- makes spinner self-loosening vs. self-tightening and/or not using the safety pin feature properly) and loosing wheels along with substantial wheel well and body fiberglass on the road. But, if you MANAGE the option properly, you'll be OK. Don't let the 'kid' in the tire store who's not experienced 'dink' with your car and take PERSONAL control of correct installation and maintenance....
As far as price goes, you'll see times of the year (usually in the winter before year end inventory) where deals and specials abound. Mfgr and stocking distributors want to move out the stock and drop prices by 20-40% sporadically to accomplish the mission. Then, there's the used market (swap meet, NCRS Driveline ads) where you can find nice used sets sometimes at 50 cents on the dollar. -
Re: Knock-off---bolt-on wheels for '64, radial tir
Reproduction KO of BO wheels are excellent quality. KO design is tricky to maintain if you have service performed by 3rd party folks. Even with the safety pin construction of today's repro vs. original KH wheels that lacked the 'feature', there are horror stories of folks getting things screwed up (put LH on RH side -- makes spinner self-loosening vs. self-tightening and/or not using the safety pin feature properly) and loosing wheels along with substantial wheel well and body fiberglass on the road. But, if you MANAGE the option properly, you'll be OK. Don't let the 'kid' in the tire store who's not experienced 'dink' with your car and take PERSONAL control of correct installation and maintenance....
As far as price goes, you'll see times of the year (usually in the winter before year end inventory) where deals and specials abound. Mfgr and stocking distributors want to move out the stock and drop prices by 20-40% sporadically to accomplish the mission. Then, there's the used market (swap meet, NCRS Driveline ads) where you can find nice used sets sometimes at 50 cents on the dollar.Comment
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Re: Knock-off---bolt-on wheels for '64, radial tir
Ralph,
For good prices on repro. knockoff/bolt-on wheels you might try Dennis Portka. He is up in the Buffalo NY area. I don't have his # handy, but he advertises in Hemmings.
John R.Comment
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Re: Knock-off---bolt-on wheels for '64, radial tir
Ralph,
For good prices on repro. knockoff/bolt-on wheels you might try Dennis Portka. He is up in the Buffalo NY area. I don't have his # handy, but he advertises in Hemmings.
John R.Comment
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