I'm in the process of swapping out two incorect rally wheels on my 67 - replacing B's with DC's. Could somebody tell me what B code wheels are correct for?
Glenn
Glenn
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Re: B Code Wheels
Glenn-----
The only "B"-coded wheels I can find were used for many 1965-69 applications. The same wheel was used prior to 1965 but they were usually not "B"-coded. 65-69 applications include 65-68 passenger car, most 1967 Camaros except SS and Z-28, and some 68-69 Chevy II except those with disc brakes or SS.
However, the above-referenced "B"-coded wheels are a 14 X 5 wheel. I can't see how these could ever have been mounted on a 1967 Corvette.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: B Code Wheels
Thanks Joe. These are definitey 15" wheels. Large "B" at the valvestem. I had a member PM me indicating that "B" is correct for an early 67 corvette. Interesting that my judging guide makes no mention of B code ralley wheels?
My car is a late May 67 build - so I am still quite sure that they are not correct for my car - even pushing to the full 6 month window - but it looks like the I will be able to make some early 67 corvette owner out there happy!Comment
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Re: B Code Wheels
Glenn-----
It's possible, but I can find no record of it. If that's how it is, then it must have been some sort of mistake on the part of GM or KH. The whole purpose of the coding system is to identify wheels. For the same coding to be used for 2 completely different wheels used for the same model year would seem counterproductive and contrary to the purpose of the coding. But, mistakes like this do happen. Perhaps someone incorrectly specified the "B" coding for these wheels, then, at some point, someone realized that the coding was already assigned to another wheel. Thus, the subsequent change to the "DC" coding.
I can tell you that the part number for the wheel never changed throughout the 1967 model year. It was GM #3901697 (PRODUCTION) and GM #3901698 (SERVICE) throughout the model year.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: B Code Wheels
Joe - I referred Glenn to Wendell's article in the CORVETTE RESTORER. Please note that the "B" code wheels have been found on numerous "original" early production 1967 Corvettes. While it is not in the current 1967 Corvette TIM&JG (we're working on that) it is a well know fact and recognized as an acceptable code, again on early 1967 production Corvettes. PeteComment
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Re: B Code Wheels
Hi Glenn, I have an early '67 Corvette, build date Sept. 23, '66 and two of the five wheels are large B code and the other three are large DC code. All are original to the car including the spare tire and wheel. Hope this helps.
DMComment
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Re: B Code Wheels
Thanks for the explanation guys - definitely not the answer I'd expected. Now I have a dilema.... I replaced the non-ralley spare with a DC coded ralley this week. I have two more propoerly painted and perfect DC wheels I was going to replace the "B"'s with. My car is a late May 67 build. Planning to have it judged this summer.
Should I leave the B's or replace them with the DC's - what would you recommend?Comment
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Re: B Code Wheels
Glenn - If you haven't already, confirm the manufacturing production codes (located on the inside of the wheel) on the "B" wheels. The "B" wheels on my car (S/N 1476, 3rd week or so of Sept 66) show 8 66 (Aug 66). If the manufacturing production codes show 8 or 9 66 (I don't think we've seen "B" rallye wheels after then, so far at least), I would not expect to see them on a late production car, but who knows, but it wouldn't be typical. A knowledgeable '67 judge might question these early wheels being on a late production car if they observe the code, so you might want to avoid using one of them as the spare. With the trim rings on it's a little more difficult to see the wheel codes of the wheels on the car.
While you are at it, you might check your other wheels (because inquiring minds want to know)to see where they fall with regards to the cars build date. Have fun. PeteComment
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