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I was able to purchase a set of knock off wheels, dated aug of 65 for my 66 vette built 12 22 65. Are the dates good for judging? Can I purchase the chrome rings new or have them rechromed? Can I refinish the wheels or is there someone to send them to? What all do I need to make them pass flight judging, they look perty rough now? Thanks for any sugestions or help.
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Re: 66 KNOCK OFF WHEELS, REFINISH??
(1) The 0-6 month rule on dating applies, so these 'fit' your car...
(2) You'll pay more to have the original center cones chromed than you will for a set of repro's AND the center cones had a 'Lee Brush' finish in '66 vs. the straight polished chrome finish characteristic of '64 and '65....
(3) As is, they'll 'pass' NCRS Flight Judging, but you're going to take condition deduction(s) without making 'em look factory fresh.
(4) This (to restore or leave as is) is a personal decision tempered by your pride in restoration, your need/desire for the best score, and economics....
(5) When Dennis Portka was offering a restoration service for KH KO's, I think he was charging around $350/wheel.... But, he's gotten out of that business.
(5) There others doing the job (search the archieves), but the decision is yours. My gut tells me you might loose a point or two per wheel if you do nothing other than clean up what you've got and shoot a fresh coat of center spoke accent paint (available from Long Island Corvette) on them.
(6) One issue that WILL be addressed by a professional KO restoration service is the mounting holes. Typically, you'll see wear here with the holes winding up 'egg-shaped' from prior owners NOT properly torquing the center spinners. That can generate a performance issue ('clunking') as the wheel has 'slop' in terms of solid mount. The pro's doing restoration, typically check the mounting holes for tolerance and install bushings as needed to regain a correct factory true fit.... -
Re: 66 KNOCK OFF WHEELS, REFINISH??
Bill
Firstly - Congrats on your purchase of original KO wheels. They should also be marked with a KH which would indicate original Kelsey Hayes as the manufacturer.
Re dates and judging - the wheels are not removed for judging so I do not believe that the dates would be visible. Someone else more knowledgeable may provide additional comment about that. As far as chrome rings - I assume you are referring to the center cones. For 1966 the cones are brushed stainless. 1965 was polished. Repro cones are available from suppliers. As far as refinishing the wheels - I assume you mean restore the aluminum, spinners (dings etc) and repaint the fins - I would recommend that you call Dennis Portka – find him on Google - I know that Dennis had restored these wheels in that past and may have some good recommendations for you. I think above all – you need to learn how to properly install and maintain these wheels for safety. Dennis sells a special spinner wrench for KO’s. Hope this helps.Comment
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Re: 66 KNOCK OFF WHEELS, REFINISH??
I think thease were removed from a low mileage car, I don't see the egging on the mounting holes, but they sat in a damp garage for over 30 year so the aluminum looks bad.Comment
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Re: 66 KNOCK OFF WHEELS, REFINISH??
Bill,
I have refinished two sets of originals. One set of 66 knock offs and just recently a set of 67 bolt ons.The 67 boltons had set for years and the aluminum was tarnished as you described yours. Very few small nicks. I used 400 grit wet sand first going around the rim several times until the tarnished appearance was gone. I finished up with extra fine steel wool soaked in Wendals metal polish and they came out great.It takes a lot of time and elbow grease but the end result is well worth it.I used a rubber sanding block for sanding the fins and hand held the steel wool.I had to repaint between the fins on the 66 set and used 1/4" masking tape on the fins and around the outer rim than used 1 1/2"tape to completely cover the outer rim before painting. Mask off the slots in the rim in the back so no overspay will get on the back.
I did not want the wheels put on a lath and turned as many wheel restorers do.
Good luck on what ever method you decide to use.Comment
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