1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

[Paul Crosby]

Just purchased a 69 convertible with 7 inch rims. Previous owner says it came with these since it was such an early production car # 1363. I have an extra set also that have the markings of GM and KH on the face and inside is 15X7JJ with a 7 and a 67 below this but at a 45 degree angle. Have pics. What are the correct codes for 68 and 69?

Thanks, Paul

[Jack H.]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Corvette use code for '68 15x7 wheels is 'AG' while the '69 and later 15x8 rally wheel code for Corvette usage is 'AZ'. You'll find this as part of date code identifier sequence on the outside of the wheels surrounding the valve stem hole.

The current Judging Guide does NOT indicate any carry over of '68 wheels into '69 production.... Standard policy regarding the judging of items not presumed to be 'typical' of factory production is for the burden of proof to fall on the owner. The fact that seller 'told you' these were factory original wheels for the car, will, most likely, not convince judges to grant an exception!

[Paul Crosby]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Yes they do have the AG stamp. Hard to see if you weren't looking for it. He stated( previous owner ) that the guy who assisted him in restoring the car had info on this occuring with the early model year 69's. 1st time that I had heard of this. I will need to get this guys name and find out where this info was printed etc.

[Mike Baker]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Paul,

Do the dates stamped at the valve stem make sense for your car?

[Dave F.]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Funny you should ask - I just took the tires off my 68 wheels, and prepped them for painting. On the rim is K18 5 to the left of the valve stem, and to the right is 28 AG. Inside the wheel is 15 x 7 JJ with an angled 5 under the "x" and an angled A under the "JJ". Below that is a K1 and below that is an 8

[Dick W.]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

I have judged quite a few '69's and never seen 7" wheels on early cars. I believe that the earliest car that I have seen and judged was under 100.

[Paul Crosby]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

I don't know if the stamps make sense for this car or not. They too on the inside of the wheel have 15 X 7 JJ and underneath this is a 7 and a 67 stamped almost upside over like 150 degrees to the right.

[Paul Crosby]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Yes mine are similar as I stated in a response to to Jim Baker but no other markings by the valve stem except the AG for 68.

But another area I have a question on is the proper way to remove the rings and re-install?

I really appreciate everyones feedback!

Paul

[Dave F.]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

To remove the rings, I have a piece of hard fibre that I used to pry the ring behind each clip location enough to get my fingers behind the lip, and worked them out by hand. Use the heel of your hand to pop them back on diagonally over each clip, gently. Then have a beer or two while your hand stops smarting.

[Mike Baker]

Re: 1968 and 1969 rally wheel codes

Paul,

As your aware the 15x7 on the inside of the rim indicates it's size. The JJ is its contour pattern. The 7 67 I would interpret to be July of '67 although I don't believe all rims were stamped that way. I think others were just stamped with the day of the month. These dates are for the Rim portion of the wheel only.

The date for the wheel assembly (rim and center disc) is stamped next to the valve stem where your seeing the AG stamp. It would be in the format K 1 8 2 (valve stem) 20 AG where:

K = Kelsey Hayes
1 = the plant of manufacture, there were a couple
8 = the last digit of the year
2 = the Month
20 = the day

The DOT required date codes on wheels and tire sidewalls effective 1/1/68. So, I would say the your wheels are "early" '68 wheels made in '67

Hope this helps.