Kelsey Hayes KOs

[Hector G.]

I recently aquired a set of original Kelsey Hayes KOs with the hardware including spinners and caps. I also have a set of reproduction KOs which I've had for over 21 years. I compared the two sets and noticed the following. One; I could not detect even a slight difference between the original and reproduction spinners [I'm assuming they're reproductions] Both have the same numbers, same font size, pie symbol, etc. Two; the wheels are exactly identical with the exception of the Kelsy Hayes letters "K-H" and numbers "D-49985". The width of the fins on both the originals and reproductions are .22". I've been told that the reproductions I own are one of the first made of the K-Hs originals. Apparently they stopped making these reproductions because the manufacture did not receive the necessary license from GM in order to reproduce the wheel. I dont't believe they were made by Western Wheel. They do not have the Western Wheel logo on them. They have what appears to be three letters contained in a diamond shape symbol.

Is anyone familiar with these early reproduction KOs? Is there anyway of telling the difference between the original and what I assume are reproduction spinners and caps. Where the caps made by Rockwell? Thanks in advance for help.

[Rob A.]

Re: Kelsey Hayes KOs

Hector,

While I don't have any answers to your questions, I am interested in the information in your post because I'm looking for an older set of reproduction knock offs, which, as you say are much better quality than those made today. I'm in the process of trying to locate a set and I'll use the information you provided to try to find an older, more accurately reproduced set.

[Wayne M.]

Orig '66 KO Spinners (backside)

Hector, these are the only markings on the back of the ears, that I'm aware of.
If there's any other measurements or pics I can provide on originals, let me know.

[Hector G.]

Re: Orig '66 KO Spinners (backside)

Thanks Wayne. I'll post a photo of the spinners [original and what I assumed was a repro] hopefully tonight. Do the caps on yours contain any stampings on the inside such as "Rockwell"? Also, do all four of your original wheels have dates on them. Only two of the five original KO wheels that I have contain dates.

[Wayne M.]

Can't see any stamps on inside of caps ....

I would think that the material (stainless steel) is so thin that an inside stamp would show from the outside as well.

All 5 (a complete set) of my KO wheels have date stamps (Feb of '66).

[Hector G.]

Re: Can't see any stamps on inside of caps ....

The stamp is in blue ink. It is slightly faded.