1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

[John H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Can I quote you on that?

Sure - especially if the guy had square fingers.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Were 63 Z06 wheels different? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Were 63 Z06 wheels different? Inquiring minds want to know.

The wheels for Z06 were the same as regular production.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Thank you Michael.

[Bob M.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

While reading Corvette by the Numbers an incredibly detailed reference by Alan L. Colvin, I learned that the stamp on the inside of the rim that looks like a "d8b" inside a circle is the mark of the Tire and Rim Association.

From the TRA Web site:

"The Tire and Rim Association, Inc. (TRA) is the standardizing body for the tire, rim, valve and allied parts industry for the United States. TRA was founded in 1903 and its primary purpose is to establish and promulgate interchangeability standards for tires, rims, valves and allied parts."

I've wondered what the mark represented, but Colvin's is the first reference to it I've seen. Minutia, yes, but now I know...

[Terry M.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Thank you Bob because now we know whom to blame for the recent valve stem issues.
Check you valve stems on your driver cars. Dill Corp. has recalled their valve stems (made in China). There are other manufacturers affected. The real problem it that there is no way to identify the valve stem manufacturer once the valve stem is installed.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2008/06/valve-stem-reca.html

http://www.dillaircontrols.com/files/Procedure%20to%20Inspect%20Snap-in%20Valves%20for%20Cracks.pdf

[David W.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Not all wheels were painted black for '64 models. I have documented proof that my very early '64 car came with the wheels painted white just as the car. The proof is a photo of the new owner in 1964 posing with the car upon receipt with the white wheels clearly shown. As was the case in those days, left over parts from the previous year were used up after model changeover. My car is loaded with '63 parts. /David

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Not all wheels were painted black for '64 models. I have documented proof that my very early '64 car came with the wheels painted white just as the car. The proof is a photo of the new owner in 1964 posing with the car upon receipt with the white wheels clearly shown. As was the case in those days, left over parts from the previous year were used up after model changeover. My car is loaded with '63 parts. /David

Thanks David. That's very interesting. It was a blackwall tire car?

I would be interested in hearing about some of the other 63 items that your early 64 has.

[David W.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Michael,
Yes it was a blackwall car, white coupe. Wheels definitely factory painted white, wheels dated coded 1963 although I don't recall the exact month (I have photos somewhere). I will also say the car looks better with the white wheels than the black ones I've seen.

Re the other '63 parts, I learned all the interesting details when I took the car to a Regional meet soon after I bought it. Based on memory (the judging sheets list most items but I don't have them with me - on vacation), some items that were from '63 were; hood brackets, starter motor bracket, door sill plates, wheels. I can look up the judging sheets if you're interested. It's a Sep build car (Top Flight & Bloomington Survivor) that is a perfect example of GM using the parts that remain for model year changes.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Michael,
Yes it was a blackwall car, white coupe. Wheels definitely factory painted white, wheels dated coded 1963 although I don't recall the exact month (I have photos somewhere). I will also say the car looks better with the white wheels than the black ones I've seen.

Re the other '63 parts, I learned all the interesting details when I took the car to a Regional meet soon after I bought it. Based on memory (the judging sheets list most items but I don't have them with me - on vacation), some items that were from '63 were; hood brackets, starter motor bracket, door sill plates, wheels. I can look up the judging sheets if you're interested. It's a Sep build car (Top Flight & Bloomington Survivor) that is a perfect example of GM using the parts that remain for model year changes.

This is very interesting because I have some pictures (somewhere) of brand new late production 63 blackwall tire cars with black wheels. (not black cars)
I suppose a little more research is needed on this.

One remote possibility would be a dealer wheel/tire switch at the sale to a customer. Many times wheels/tires on a new car in stock are changed with another car in stock to make a sale. It wasn't at all a rare occurance.

Was the starter brace 63 without the new for 64 shield attached?

I bet that Sept 64 had 63 front and rear coil/leaf springs.

[David W.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

It would be interesting to see of your photos include any white cars. I suppose that they had wheels left over of some colors and out of others. The NCRS judges didn't give me any hassle about it as I had removed the spare from the rim so they could see the date code and original paint. (It cost me dearly as though as I ended up with deductions for no spare and ended up missing Top Flight by 20 points. I wasn't upset though as I had just bought the car and done nothing to it. It easily Top Flighted next time.)

Yes the starter was the same set up as 1963. Apparently it was a revelation as the judge (Regional) called other judges over to look at it.

[Frank B.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

I'm wondering if anyone is aware of original early '63 wheels without date stamps. I have nice wheels from around serial number 650, but they do not show dates. Thanks

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

I have a couple from a 64 with no visible date stamps.

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

I have a couple from a 64 with no visible date stamps.

Me too..... In fact, there are no stamps at all denoting size or Kelsey Hayes trademarks. They are however the correct configuration for 63 & 64 in every other detail.

tc

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 Steel Wheel Identification Detailed Photos

Do these wheels without the date stamps have GM stamped on one of the rises between the lug nut stud holes?