1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

[John D.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Harry, Are the welds visible when the rim is installed? John

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Harry, Are the welds visible when the rim is installed? John

I've attached a picture of the weld and a picture of an original 63 drum aligned in the wheel. It is really hard to see. A judge may see it if used on a spare but otherwise I do not believe there is enough room to look in there.

[Brian T.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

The wheels are made in China. No secret here to the member that drew a conclusion. When we were trying to find a plant to produce the 65-66 wheels our preference was USA. That could not happen. There is a company that would deviate from their OEM only requirement, but 50,000 pcs was the minimum run. Another manufacturer expressed interest however the quotes we received would have made the final product cost prohibitive. Seems like in the industry today, the OEMs go to China, Mexico, etc for their wheels. Both steel and alloy. Current specs require better welding procedures, and unfortunately we could not run them with the spot welds. As you are aware, our company produces high quality parts. Unfortunately in this hobby, owners gripe about the prices of good used parts, and wonder why they are not available in reproduction. Often the same people will complain when a quality repro is available, and minor differences can be detected. That small percentage of Corvette owners are not our target buyer, I realized a long time ago. Feedback and sales of our 65-66 wheels have been overwhelmingly positive! The 63-64 wheel should also be the same. Let's face it, when regulations changed to not allow a spot weld, there was a reason. Let's appreciate the fact that the current requirements for welding will be a safety improvement, and if a judge deducts for that, so be it. Should be the same as trying to use non DOT tires!
Wonder where the new Corvette wheels have been manufactured in recent years?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Brian, A big thanks for what you have done for the Corvette hobby, these wheels for the 63/64 are a great job and I myself have waited for these wheels since I heard they were going to re-produced, at the present rate the original wheels to purchase when you can find them is about 400 to 600 dollars each. I have looked closely at the quality and the originality aspect and believe that there will be no way these wheels will receive a deduct the weld cannot be seen when on the car, and to me I think the judges presently are looking at the rear taper of the wheel, I myself had a set of metal stamps and installed my own GM stamp which has the correct size and font. and erased the DOT stamps , Whoops was the suppose say that.

Any of you 63/64 guys looking to save on purchasing Original wheels, save your money.

[Gerald C.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Ed,

I also bought a rim from Brian and I'm very satisfied with the quality!!

Jerry

[Donald H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Brian, A big thanks for what you have done for the Corvette hobby, these wheels for the 63/64 are a great job and I myself have waited for these wheels since I heard they were going to re-produced, at the present rate the original wheels to purchase when you can find them is about 400 to 600 dollars each. I have looked closely at the quality and the originality aspect and believe that there will be no way these wheels will receive a deduct the weld cannot be seen when on the car, and to me I think the judges presently are looking at the rear taper of the wheel, I myself had a set of metal stamps and installed my own GM stamp which has the correct size and font. and erased the DOT stamps , Whoops was the suppose say that.

Any of you 63/64 guys looking to save on purchasing Original wheels, save your money.

Ed, I sent you an email with a u request

Don

[Perry M.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

I am very glad you reproduced them for those that can't afford or don't want to spend the money for originals. I, and many others, however, prefer the originals over reproductions any day. But keep up the good work for others.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Well - I drive my cars - a lot; I'll buy high quality repros of parts that suffer the brunt of regular driving any day.
Original items, if I have them, can go on the shelf for posterity or future judging. Money has nothing to do with it in my case.

[Donald A.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

Well - I drive my cars - a lot; I'll buy high quality repros of parts that suffer the brunt of regular driving any day.
Original items, if I have them, can go on the shelf for posterity or future judging. Money has nothing to do with it in my case.

Agree with you Frank. Repro parts so that we can operate in the spirit of originality and original parts for judging. I'm having a great time showing my car in public and sharing that spirit of what the car looked like when new. 99% of folks won't know or care if the rims are original or a very good quality of repro.

I believe that NCRS plays a critical role in the hobby however we should focus more on education rather than on the actual judging. My take after only three years membership is that NCRS is too exclusive and not inclusive enough. It's a shame because events could be so much more. A missed opportunity.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

I'm hoping the newly adopted judging category will make NCRS more inclusive - I think its a great move.

Back on topic. I applaud all attempts for great repro parts - I understand '63 split rear window stainless is coming soon and maybe the one-year-only coupe side window garnishes.

I've looked hard at the '63 repro shifter console but I've heard both good and bad; so my original is headed off to Andy Cannizzo for a complete restoration. Not cheap, but the best is the best !

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Steel Rims from Corvette Specialties

I'm hoping the newly adopted judging category will make NCRS more inclusive - I think its a great move.

Back on topic. I applaud all attempts for great repro parts - I understand '63 split rear window stainless is coming soon and maybe the one-year-only coupe side window garnishes.

I've looked hard at the '63 repro shifter console but I've heard both good and bad; so my original is headed off to Andy Cannizzo for a complete restoration. Not cheap, but the best is the best !

Agree with you Frank. Repro parts so that we can operate in the spirit of originality and original parts for judging. I'm having a great time showing my car in public and sharing that spirit of what the car looked like when new. 99% of folks won't know or care if the rims are original or a very good quality of repro.

I believe that NCRS plays a critical role in the hobby however we should focus more on education rather than on the actual judging. My take after only three years membership is that NCRS is too exclusive and not inclusive enough. It's a shame because events could be so much more. A missed opportunity.

What!

Education starts at the chapter level, if you feel there is not enough education get involved host a Judging School or Technical Seminar. OJ at a chapter judging meet, become a judge and obtain the manuals. Our chapter hosts about 5 schools or seminars a year. There are a few schools at a Regional and many at a National, plan to attend them.

NCRS is dedicated to restoring cars as delivered with normal dealer preparation. If you feel that T3 headlights, tires or other items should not be required for a top flight, guess what as they are not required. You can receive a top flight without those items. But too many missing parts that have the appearance of original will certainly help you get a second flight or third flight.