Static collector question for wheels.

[Terry F.]

I have a set of static colletors that are used under the grease caps for the front wheels. I am trying to figure out there possible application. I am familiar with a wheel hub change in 1969 to a larger outside bearing and dust cap. These are larger than my 68 static collectors and would not fit the mid year application. Any ideas on there application would be appreciated. C1, late C3??? Just wondering. I also have some other grounding stuff that came with them in a kit. Terry

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: Static collector question for wheels.

They were used in C1's from 1956 through 1962.

[Dave Suesz]

Hmmm... I have the originals in my 55...

Is there some difference between these and the 56-62?

[mike mccagh]

Re: Hmmm... I have the originals in my 55...

dave: i believe all the c-1's had them. my 54 has them. our 49 and 50 chevy's also have them. mike

[Jack H.]

Re: Hmmm... I have the originals in my 55...

The use of static collectors was common practice across GM's car lineup back in days of yore. Different sized/shaped collectors, all looking pretty much the same, were produced for different cars/trucks with the exact size depending on vehicle axle specifics. This was NOT a Corvette-only item.

As synthetic rubber improved over time, the need for static collectors evaporated (tires with later era polymerization will self-dissipate static charge obviating the need for discrete static collectors) and so did the use of static collectors inside the wheel bearing covers. While the static collectors are factory concours correct for C1 and C2 cars, unless you're actually driving on original non-DOT tires from the era, they're pretty useless components....

[Terry F.]

Re: Hmmm... I have the originals in my 55...

The collectors on my 68 wheels measure 1 7/16 diameter (edge to edge), the one's on this other set I have measure 1 13/16 diameter. Any idea on there application? Thanks, tERRy

[John H.]

Re: Hmmm... I have the originals in my 55...

In the "good old days" back in '64-'67 at Willow Run, my guys on the Chassis Line popped the dust caps and put those things in every Chevy II and Corvair that came down the line; the one for the left front of the Corvair was unique - had a boss in the center with a square hole in the middle, as it drove the speedo cable (outer speedo cable housing tab screwed to the backing plate, and the cable itself went through a hole drilled all the way through the spindle)