1963 Steel Wheels

[Collin MacDonald]

I am very interested in purchasing a set of original steel wheels for my 63. Currently I have the reproductions that I got from Coker. Go for Top Flight judging, what would be the maximum amount you would spend and does anybody have any they would want to sell? I have worked hard and long the past 5 years to get this 63 in shape, my bank account is the car now.... I am so frustrated on trying to find wheels...can anybody help a fellow member?

Many Thanks
Collin

[Collin MacDonald]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

Oh yeah, from those who have been judged in the past, is it worth it to purchase a set of original steel wheels or can the wheels that Coker sells pass with a minimal point loss, about how many points will you loss. I got a set of MINT original wheelcovers, and both Coker Firestone WW Bias that are correct, but does have DOT on them....Can somebody help me understand is it worth it or not to purchase the original 63 wheels?

[Joe S.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

Collin, if planning to get it judged, I would get the real thing. My understanding are the coker wheels are generic for early Corvettes and do not have the slanted back, dimples by the valvem, and curved slots. Perhaps someone else could verify this.

Call Andy at 732-583-5378. I Purchased one for my spare from him along with many other 63 only parts. He has a large inventory of various parts but don't know if and how many wheels he has left.

Might also try several vendors such as Paragon, JT Pipers (www.pipersauto.com), and the Doc.

Joe..

[Ray C.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

You have mail

Ray

[Steven S.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

I had problems finding original wheels for my '63 as well. I found that places like Chicago Corvettes was buying all of them up at the swap meets then powder coating them and selling them for $150 each. Problem is that the powder coat is a problem in getting the hub caps on and off - too thick. Also $150 per wheel is a strong price. I bought 5 and paid $50 for 2 wheels and $75 for 1 and $150 for the last 2. Look in the drive line for those with "63 parts, should be able to find some there.

Steve

[Gary B.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

There is a set of 1963 Kelsey Hayes Wheels dated 1963 on e-bay search for 1963 Corvette original 4 used dated KH steel wheels. The seller is bberlen. The current bid is $480. I paid $100 per wheel last year and then had to have them stripped and painted. The 63 wheels as you know are unique and originals are very hard to find.

[Collin MacDonald]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheels

Thanks to all of you for you advice. Well I will try my luck on the ebay and hope it holds out. I have a set price in mind and thats it. Al at Chicago is a character that's for sure, I just hate seeing these wheels get powder coated.

If things don't work out, I will keep my Coker repros...BTW the new steel repros do have the two dimples near the valve, and they do look identical to the 63 less the bead and cone shape.

I think the rest of the car is in good order, and anxious to have it judged. Work very hard the last 4 years, reading the JM almost every day to assure it was being done correct...heck I even go the "Dill" valve stem covers.....

Every point is precious....Again if anybody hears of a decent set let me know, I really would like to own a pair. Regards Collin