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I had a near disaster with a spinner going airborne but I could stop before the wheel left the hub. Not fun. I remember the pins being aluminum but that doesn't seem like it would be very strong. Are the pins aluminum or steel?
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
I should have looked in the archives first but just did and see they are in fact aluminum. I assume I can get some stock rods at a hardware store but we'll see. One other question though, one posting said the wheel should NEVER be on the ground while tightening the spinner. This I never heard of but I assume is true. Any comments? -
Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
As for KO pins, they are only effective if your KOs themselves are in good shape, and the "locating holes" where the big drive pins seat are not elongated. Then, whack the snot out of the spinner, use anti-sieze on the mating surfaces to gain maximum compression, and line up the pin cut-outs to the next forward position. I would also point out that the little center caps essentially keep the pins in there (aside from whatever interference fit you have) so ensure those are seated.
As for "one posting said the wheel should NEVER be on the ground while tightening the spinner" - I see this thought posted from time to time, and have to wonder if whomever posts that even OWNS, much less have ever installed, a KO - for one thing, just how would tighten the spinners on the front wheels, with nothing to stop them from spinning if off of the ground? As for me, I tighten the spinners (as described above) while the wheel is in the air by hand, and give them one love tap or two, then bring the car down and let the big lead hammer do its work with the wheel on the ground. I myself use a 6# lead hammer of the "****** Thumper" variety shown below. I am also quite shy about allowing anyone else to install my wheels - I don't think today's tire jockeys are at all familar with the process required.
The above is just my own little opinion; views vary on this topic.
65 MM Convertible, L76 (365 hp)Comment
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
Bill Sangrey wrote an article for the Restorer a while back which was very informative regarding the process for getting knock-offs tight. Sorry I can't remember the issue but you could check the Restorer index or use the CD which is available through the NCRS store.Comment
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
I agree with Jack's comments above. If you really want to tighten the knockoff's, the final blows with the hammer should be with the tire on the ground to stop rotation. It also absorbs much of the shock. You don't have to let the full weight of the car down, but enough to hold the tire.Comment
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
Thanks for the suggestions which I will follow. Tire in the air just didn't make sense to me either. Is it a major issue to use a steel pin before I can order the aluminum ones as my hardware store doesn't stock them?Comment
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
I've driven a LOT of miles on original K/O wheels without the "band aid" pins the repro houses put in. Never had a wheel come loose ever! Just don't be wimpy when tightening the K/O.Bill Clupper #618Comment
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Repro KO's come without instructions...
They rely on the owner/mechanic to have read and understood the GM literature. If installed RIGHT there's no need for safety pins...they only make a poor installation worse!
From the 1965 ST-60, Corvette Shop Manual:
"CAUTION: Tighten wheel locking nuts every 100 miles for the first 500 miles by striking the wings eight HARD blows with hammer provided."
Since KO's are cast aluminum and soft compared to the spinner & adaptor, they deform slighly and 'learn' a particular mounting location. You HAVE to re-torque the wheels periodically on initial re-install to get out ALL of the 'slop'....
Most simply install their KO's and torque them ONCE...that doesn't get it! Plus, with soft aluminum safety pins, any slop that develops after the wheel is initially torqued results in the spinner 'walking' and distorting the safety pin. If you've ever had to drill one out that was was badly 'squished' from being installed BEFORE the wheel had achieved its final position/torque, you know what a hassle it is!
Basically, the aftermarket KO wheel safety pins are there for product liability reduction. Factory original Kelsey KO's had no similar provision. The burden of due diligence was on the owner/mechanic....Comment
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Re: Knock-Off Safety Pins
As for the Tire jockeys could'nt agree more. In '94 while living in Evergreen Colo. I had Discount Tire put on new tires on my Fake KO's. Given all assurances they could handle the job. While driving home on Evergreen Parkway at 50-60mph in the 63 L-76 ragtop. The Drivers side wheel came off. I did a 360 then a 180 in the middle of the rd. Came to a stop at the side of the rd. Cop was looking in the ditch for me figuring I got thrown out of the vechile. The Ins agent for Discount Tire,who had a Very Lacsidasical (spell ck) attitude about the whole thing. I called the Pres. of Dis Tire in Scottsdale. He had a different take on it. Got new paint and wheels out of it. Now Rally's are for me.Comment
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