restoration of KO Wheels

[Geoffrey Yoder]

I have a 66 BB Vert that I am doing some work on. I want to get my original KH KO wheels restored. Does anyone know of someone who does that? I live in Northern Fl but would send them if need be. Thanks.

[Gary B.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Geoffrey,

One person restores Corvette knockoffs is Dennis Portka. Or at least he used to. His Hemmings ad lists the following:

Dennis Portka, 4326 Beetow Dr, Hamburg, NY 14075, 716-649-0921

[Louis F.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Geoffrey, i had an original set of 1965 knockoff's restored by Portka, about 7 years ago.I went through hell at every judging event.Team leaders were called and discussions ensued for several minutes.At the lake placid national i was asked to remove one wheel.In the end the wheels were accepted at every meet. But, i was told by every judge that they did not like the finish.At first inspection they appeared to be reproduction wheels that were worked to appear as originals.I called Dennis but nothing was ever done.

[Mike M.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

agree with lou. avoid dennis. restore them yourself. mike

[Geoffrey Yoder]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Thanks Gary. I will give him a call.

[Geoffrey Yoder]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Lou, Mike,
Thanks for the insight. I doubt I could do these wheels justice by doing them myself, and I want them to look good.

What is the downside to this guy? Too expensive, bad workmanship? If they are restored too well, I can live with that. I had a car judged at Old town last year and lost 85 paint points because my trunk was painted too nice. Just coats of single stage, nothing else. Still got TF, but when it came down to it a nice trunk was ok with me as opposed to sanding it all down and making it look not as good.

This car (66 427 / 390HP)I doubt I will top flight. I have all the original paperwork in great condition: handwritten sales agreement, shipping invoice, sales invoice, window sticker, protecto plate, loan application for purchase, pictures of original owner and car. Chevy dealer still in business. It is black/saddle with side pipes, power windows, TI, posi, etc. And the motor / drive train is intact as original, broach marks and all. So in some cases it is better that a top flight.

Really appreciate your feedback.

[Richard L.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Geoffrey,

Bill Wilhelm did my KH KO Wheels earlier this year and they came out spectacular. Excellent work at a very fair price...

Bill is an NCRS member and lives out in New Mexico...

He has a profile here on the NCRS website so he can be emailed very easily for additional information...

Good Luck with your Wheels...

Rick

[Mike M.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

agree with rick. go with Bill Wilhelm. mike

[bill stephenson]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

--------No matter who does your wheels make sure you mark them somewhere hidden so you know you are getting yours back. Dont ask me why I bring this up.............Bill S

[Dick W.]

Re: restoration of KO Wheels

Billy, could it be because of one of your former employers???