65 (and '66) wheelcover spinner emblems (3 items)

[Wayne M.]

Recently bought an original 1965 set for my driver. When cleaning the spinners, the following points came to mind.

First: Do we all agree the detail / intricacy / workmanship of the center emblems is fantastic ? Evidently, they've not been exposed to much sunshine over 44 years . Some silver deterioration evident on the pole of the checkered flag. There are several reproductions out there; do any come close to matching the originals ?

Second: If you're going to reproduce the emblem, why not get it right ? Some have the upper square (and opposite lower corner) on the checkered flag as white, some as black. One outfit offers you a choice. I know the '65 TIM&JG says black, and I'm almost sure the '66 is the same.

Third: Remember the hilarious thread on indexing the cross flags so that the valve stem hole would appear directly below the cross ? Well there is a sort-of indexing of the emblem. See thumbnail of the spinner backside. Notice the 3 black marks I made at the location of the pins that mount the plastic emblem. They are not at equal 120 degree angles. The pin at the top is at a greater angle to the two lower ones. Very evident when you try to install the plastic in the spinner casting. Anyone know why ??

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 (and '66) wheelcover spinner emblems (3 items)

For some unfathomable reason, the black/white pattern on the checkered cross flag seemed to change over the years. When judging I always have to refer to the JG book to see what's considered 'correct' for what year cars and in what part(s) (hood emblem, fender emblems, rear deck emblem, horn button, wheel cover accents). Bottom line, there's no universal 'correct' pattern which is why the differences exist...

[John H.]

Re: 65 (and '66) wheelcover spinner emblems (3 items)

Third: Remember the hilarious thread on indexing the cross flags so that the valve stem hole would appear directly below the cross ? Well there is a sort-of indexing of the emblem. See thumbnail of the spinner backside. Notice the 3 black marks I made at the location of the pins that mount the plastic emblem. They are not at equal 120 degree angles. The pin at the top is at a greater angle to the two lower ones. Very evident when you try to install the plastic in the spinner casting. Anyone know why ??

Wayne -

Styling probably wanted the crossed flags on the emblem insert oriented relative to the spinner ears, and apparently didn't care how the spinner was oriented relative to the wheel cover valve stem hole.

[Alger R.]

Re: 65 (and '66) wheelcover spinner emblems (3 items)

As to the white or black corner in the flag, I recently sold two original 66 gas Lid Doors, one with the white corner, one with the black corner.