Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

[Richard W.]

Want to install knock off wheels on C2. Talked to Dick at Virginia Vettes and he told me that he is selling more Direct Bolt style wheels than real knock offs. People claim fear of knock offs falling off. I always wanted a set of knock offs, but now have to question whether the direct bolt route would be best in long run. Any help, pro and con? What about judging? Thanks

[Richard B.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

it dose not matter if you have repro knock offs or bolt on knock offs they are still repro and you will have points deducted. If it was up to me I would get the bolt on knock off style wheels so you don’t have to modify your spindles

[Alan Drake]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

Another vote for bolt on's. Since point loss will be the same - go for safety.
I have original KO's and constantly are checking. Back in the 70's a friend's 65 FI lost one; minor damage, however any damage at this time is to much.

What mods need to be done to spindles to use repro?

[Richard B.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

maybe I am wrong but don't the real bolt on require a different spindle. I never looked into knock off wheels since both of my dads cars are 67’s.

[Jack H.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

The bolt-on form of the repro KO wheels bolt directly to the hub and a center cover that 'simulates' the KO spinner installs to cover the center portion of the wheel. Original thread asked for pro's and con's plus judging implications.

Current guidance on reproduction KO wheels is to deduct either 75% or 90% or the available originality points depending on how close to the factory original KH KO the reproduction KO's are. Most will take a 90% originality deduction but still qualify for condition points.

Since the bolt-on versions of the KO don't even come CLOSE to the factory original KO wheels (Installation is TOTALLY different with the center spinners being completely dysfunctional), I'd expect judges to take a FULL deduction for originality which would then dictate a full deduction on condition (less than 10% originality means a mandatory full deduction for condition). This would be similar to having a Corvette Flight Judged with Torq Thrust D aftermarket wheels installed...not even close to the factory original wheel offerings....

So, that's the biggest 'con' issue...expect a full deduction for the wheels...

The 'pro' issues are two fold as I see it. (1) They have little chance of accidentally coming off (note the reason most KO's come off is due to owner mis-installation), and (2) they're a bit less likely to be stolen if you leave the car parked on the street because it takes a bit longer to remove the bolt-on wheel than is does to get a KO off.

[Richard W.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

Is there a visual difference between the direct bolt and the knock off types that can be readily seen?

[John H.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

If both are reproductions, they look the same; however, there are visible differences between originals and reproductions.

[Ed D.]

John H.

John... are all the reproductions about the same? ... or are some better then others?? ... Ed

[Dick W.]

Re: John H.

The newest version of the repro wheels have fins that are visually different that the earlier versions. They are quite a bit thicker

[Mike McKown]

No disrepect meant but,

If you have to ask, I'd go with the bolt on's. Me, I like the KO's for some wierd reason. In my situation, I put them on three years ago and haven't touched them since. I've looked, but haven't had to touch. Some people insist on pulling the wheels every other weekend. If that's your situation, you'll quickly grow tired of the KO's. Safety wise, follow the installation directions and there shouldn't be a problem.

[Michael H.]

Re: No disrepect meant but,

I agree Mike. When I finally brought the 66 down here to FL from IL, it was on an NOS set of GM KO wheels. (and NOS Good Year Power Cushion blacks)I checked the nuts once before I left and didn't bother again for the rest of the 1250 mile trip, much of which was at 90 MPH through Georgia. I worried more about the TI amplifier than anything else. (I should have worried about that left spindle bearing instead)

[Clem Z.]

the secret about the TI amp never

shut off the engine because they never quit while the engine is running,just may not start after you shut the engine off.

[Michael H.]

Re: the secret about the TI amp never

Was funny because it performed flawlessly all the way down here from Illinois. It's one of those things you can't stop thinking about while cruising through remote sections of Tennessee or Georgia at 4:00 AM, alone, with no cell phone. Was a fun trip. About a week after I arrived here in FL, the amp fizzled.

[Clem Z.]

i always carried a spare but i never needed one

i repaired them for years and i found a lot there was nothing wrong with them in my tester.the ground wire attached to the case would get loose or have a bad connection because of the corrosion. i alway told the owner when putting the amp back on the car to use longer bolts so they could put nuts and lock washers on the back side of the amp case. that would allow the bolts to stay tight and the ground would stay tight, then install fiber lock nuts on the bolts after they went thru the panel

[Don H.]

Re: Knock off versus Direct Bolt Wheels

I love my direct bolt knock offs. I'm not sure if there is any way to distinguish between repro knock offs and direct bolt. I have original tires and hub caps for judging. Radials and the direct bolts are the ultimate cruising set up. Don H.