Knockoff Wheels - Spare?

[Bill S.]

I have a 66 with repro knockoff wheels. Because of the horror stories surrounding these puppies I asked Corvette America to send me installation instructions and now I am wondering what to do if I have a flat. After reading the installation instructions I discovered it never mentions if a regular wheel will bolt on with the knockoff lugnuts on the car or do I remove the adapter and then put on my regular wheel using regular lugnuts. I did notice that after removing the center cap that the repro wheels do not have the the ability to use the anti theft pins - possibly being early style wheels or made by another Company??? What do you do when you get a flat??? Thanks Bill

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Knockoff Wheels - Spare?

If you don't have a 5th knockoff spare (first choice) you can remove the adapter and use the knockoff adapter bolts to retain a steel wheel and tire. It will work just fine, but I recommend getting a 5th knockoff. The originals didn't need locking pins and I don't believe the repros do either if tightened properly.

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Knockoff Wheels - Spare?

HI Bill:

Buy a fifth, ( knockoff ) the hub can be a chore to remove with available tools at roadside making you wish you had a fifth, ( not knockoff ).

jer

[Tom B.]

Re: Knockoff Wheels - Spare?

Bill,

I'll reaffirm Bill C's belief that the knock-off wheels can be safely driven when correctly installed and properly tightened. I also agree that it would be better to have a knock-off spare.

Please do two things first: 1) If you don't have them already, find the correct installation and spinner tightening instructions / procedure (the Archives is one source), and 2) in advance, work out the details for carrying a spare tire with a knock-off rim in the spare tire carrier. Your tire size may also affect the carrier's "spare use", or you could inadvertantly wind up with your flat and knock-off riding inside the car with you on the way home. TBarr #24014

[Jeff]

Who gets flats? Plus it's only flat on the bottom.

If you have repro knockoffs you probably also run radials. When is the last time you had a flat (or know anyone who has) with radial tires? I wouldn't put too much effort or expense into worrying about the ultimate set-up for flats unless you drive around a scrapyard or your wife is having an affair with a carpenter.

Tom's point about a larger tire size not fitting in the spare tire carrier is valid but my experience is that almost anything you'd reasonably run will fit into the well if it's flat. I used to run 7.75s on my 64 and had to either leave the 7.75 very soft, use a 6.70 spare or use a 65 carrier to fit the 7.75 aired-up.

JP

P.S. Ever notice most flats are on the rear tires? Ever wonder why?

[Everett Ogilvie]

Flats on the rear...

I remember it well - we are towing the '66 to last year's Waco regional, and of course we get a flat on the trailer rear tire. While we are having it fixed at the local garage, the guy tells us that of course they are almost always on the rear, b/c the front tires kick up the objects, and the rears get it, especially on trailers or big rigs. (I did not know much about this having not trailered much, nor having ever driven a big rig, but that is what they say happens)