History or Repro Knock Offs...

[Jim V.]

Pulled my repop KOs yesterday and noticed the stampings on the back side of the wheel: "KMC Wheel", "15x6", "DOT-T", and "306065"

I know Western Wheel has also made the repro knock off in the past. Anybody have the history on who has, and who is making these things?

I understand Auto Accessories of America owns the molds, but apparently licenses out the production to numerous manufacturers.

[Duke W.]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

The first repros were made by Western and became available in the mid to late seventies. I bought a set circa 1979. It's gotten complicated ever since.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

I seem to recall in the mid 70's there were some urethane knock off look alikes available as well. They were pretty pricey, too. haven't heard anything of them in years.

[Duke W.]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

Yeah, I vaguely recall those way back when. They were basically "wheel covers" that looked like KOs.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

I think those things pretty much died when the real KO repos became available.

[mike mccagh]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

duke is right on as usual. the urethane critters were not much more than hubcaps. they were ugly at 200 yards and are only acceptable on hay wagons. mike

[Duke W.]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

The first time I saw those abominations I recall thinking to myself, my God was a POS.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

Goes to show ya, times haven't changed much. Make some sort of "upgrade" for a Corvette and some fool will buy it. No matter how poorly designed it may be.

[John H.]

Re: History or Repro Knock Offs...

Those were "Polycast" wheels, where the decorative portion was urethane, molded onto a steel wheel; there were several versions of them available on Monte Carlo, etc. They deteriorated pretty quickly.