1955 Corvette barn find

[Dan A.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

I respectfully disagree. I have collected a number of fuse welded wheels with 1956 dates. I believe as Dale Pearman had said that Corvette wheels were welded with dog bones from 1956 with the introduction of tubeless tires into 1959. One set is from the Jim Frakes '56 that he purchased new. That car was sold after his passing without the originals.

[John S.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

John,

AFAIK, '55, '56 and early '57 Corvette rims were all riveted. Welded wheels were produced in '57. Change over from riveted to welded wheels came about with the introduction of tubeless tires.

Search the archives for Dale Pearman's aka the "Rev" posts about C1 wheels. The Rev published lots of good info about wheels.

Gary
....

I am giving the ncrs judging guide the benefit of the doubt since it states welded wheels might have been used on 55s. it took a while to go to welded rims if they first appeared in 57 since 55 had tubeless tires.

[John S.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

I respectfully disagree. I have collected a number of fuse welded wheels with 1956 dates. I believe as Dale Pearman had said that Corvette wheels were welded with dog bones from 1956 with the introduction of tubeless tires into 1959. One set is from the Jim Frakes '56 that he purchased new. That car was sold after his passing without the originals.

if the dated rims were from a passenger car anything from dated july,1956 or after were probably on a 57.

[Gary C.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

Dan,

You're correct and my recall wasn't. According to my 56-7 research information I have photos of an April 1956 when dog bone welded wheel.

I stand corrected, dog bone welded wheels were on '56 Corvettes.

Some of the previous information I quoted was from the Rev.

Gary
....

[Dan A.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

John I have not seen to date a wheel dated '55 that was welded. I have seen many that are riveted.

As for the welded '56 wheels I am attaching a March '56 dated wheel that is welded, has dog bones, large valve stem hole, the extra contour, and the GM logo and PAT Pend on the face.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

no but this the first 55 I have done, I know welded was available in 56. Thanks Ronnie

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

The wheels I have are welded and I cant find a date code, where would I look. These wheels have the 4 rock guards installed and are copper. Is it possible they are 57? thanks Ronnie

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

anybody know what this means? thanks rdr

[Dan A.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

I have attached a photo as an example of what you are looking for with notes that explain. You will have to remove any tires in order to find the stampings I have given.

The pictures you have posted are of wheels of a different manufacture than Kelsey Hayes.

[Ronald R.]

Re: 1955 Corvette barn find

The antenna base is in the correct place in the trunk. It has been filled in and moved to the fender