74 big block ralleys

[Kathy Morris]

Hi all-
I need your help. We're finalizing a 74 big block 4 speed convertible restoration. It came with black ralleys on it. I had read somewhere a while back that only 74 big blocks came from the factory with black ralleys. I find this hard to believe, but since I've seen several others with black ralleys, I'm not sure. Is it a coincidence or did 74 big blocks come from the factory with black ralleys?

[Michael W.]

Re: 74 big block ralleys

I don't know of ANY C3 that came from the factory with black rally wheels.

Wheels fitted at the factory were sprayed argent silver on the outward facing side. The inward facing side was left black. Silver overspray is often seen through the holes in the rim.

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 big block ralleys

Kathy-----

I agree with Mike; no C3 Corvettes were ever outfitted with black rally wheels. I expect that the wheels on the car were either painted or they were changed. SERVICE wheels, both those from GMSPO as well as those supplied from aftermarket sources (both are manufactured by Hayes Wheel but the aftermarket ones don't have the "GM" stamped on them) are supplied black. Someone may have installed such wheels and not painted them agrent silver on the outside.

You can check for the possibility that the wheels are replacements by inspecting the date codes found near the valve stem hole.