'73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheels... Correct?

[Peter G.]

The '73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheel Option on the Corvette..

Only 4 sets recorded as sold in 1973 however up to 800 sets said to be produced that model year. Is this true? How does NCRS judge this very rare option? Does lack of numbers or evidence go to the owner or does the owner need written proof such as tank sticker etc.? PLease explain.

Thanks.

[Michael W.]

Re: '73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheels... Correct?

I don't think that anyone has ever presented one of the four supposed original sets at an NCRS meet, not have I ever heard of someone coming forward at any time with documented proof of having one of the four cars.

I would imagine that documentation would assist the owner tremendously on the judging field.

[Edward M.]

Re: '73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheels... Correct?

Yes, documentation of some sort is required by the judging manual. The original draft of the judging manual required the owner to remove a wheel of the judge's choice for verification. This was later changed to require documentation. I understand that Bloomington also requires documentation. Also, the wheels MUST be 73 wheels, not the 76 and later wheels. There is a difference.

I have seen two complete sets, and one partial set, of these wheels. The 74 big block car that Zora Duntov took into retirement originally had a set of these wheels on it. One or two of the wheels had to be replaced after the fact because of manufacturing defects. The car is now in the National Corvette Museum.

I wrote an article about these wheels for The Restorer many years ago. There was a hold on these wheels during the 73 model year. That hold was unexplainably lifted during a four day period in October, 1973. It is possible that some cars got these wheels during that period, but very unlikely.

My theory is that the four listed as being installed is actually a sales record. I suspect that of the many people that initially ordered this option, four of them did not get a refund for the cost of the option (for reasons unknown). Therefore, sales records indicate that four sets were purchased with a car.

P.S. I do have a window sticker for a 73 that lists this option for vehicle 1Z37JS422397. I used to own this car, and the window sticker is a reproduction, with that option added.

[Peter G.]

Re: '73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheels... Correct?

Ed, can you describe the difference you mentioned between the '73 wheel and the '76 and later wheel? Appearance, size etc.

Thanks

[Edward M.]

Re: '73 YJ8 Aluminum Wheels... Correct?

I'll try this from memory, which is always problematic with me.

1. The lip on the outside edge (tire bead) is more pronounced in the 76 and later wheels. Something like the 73 wheel lip comes straight out, but the 76 and later wheel comes out, then curves back toward the tire. The difference is very slight.

2. The valve stem opening is different. I can't recall now whether it was smaller or larger on the 73 wheel.

3. The real difference is on the back. The part number for the 73 wheel is cast into the rear of the wheel. The date code for the 73 wheel is a circle with the month and day inside the circle (if memory serves).

In any event, the best way to tell is by the part number on the back of the wheel.

I hope some of this info is at least partially correct. It has been a few years since I looked at this issue.