66 Rims

[Richard E.]

Near the valve stem on the hubcap side of my wheels is stamped "K37" and "AE". Also, on one side of the stem is stamped the number 5 and the other side of the stem is stamped the number 1. At the stem position are two little parallel "bumps" stamped in the rim. Would this indicate that these are original '66 Corvette wheels?
Thanks much.
Rich

[John H.]

Re: 66 Rims

Near the valve stem on the hubcap side of my wheels is stamped "K37" and "AE". Also, on one side of the stem is stamped the number 5 and the other side of the stem is stamped the number 1. At the stem position are two little parallel "bumps" stamped in the rim. Would this indicate that these are original '66 Corvette wheels?
Thanks much.
Rich

Rich -

No. '66 Corvette wheels didn't have any code or date stampings on the rim adjacent to the valve stem, and the K-3-7 stamping says the wheels were made in the Kelsey-Hayes plant in Philadelphia in 1977; Corvette steel wheels were made in the Romulus, Michigan plant.

[Tracy C.]

Re: 66 Rims

Richard,

The stampings near the valve core on what otherwise appear to be 65/6 configuration wheel, indicates a service replacement part. With the wheel cover on, the stamps aren't visible. As long as you have an original spare, without the stampings, you will not get any deductions on the wheels,

tc

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Rims

Thank you John. They seem to be at least very close to the correct size wheel for the car. However they seem like they would be narrow for a car of the late 70's, begs the question as to what they were originally used on. Anyway they work well so we'll keep them on for now. Thanks again!

Rich

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Rims

Very good, thanks much Tracy.

[David L.]

Re: 66 Rims

Rich,

Your "AE" wheels are 15" X 7" and have an offset of 0.30". The wheels are dated May 1, 1977 and were used on Chevelle, Monte Carlo, and other GM models. My 1977 El Camino had "FN" wheels with the exact same dimensions and appear to be identical to the "AE" wheels. My 1981 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Sept. 1980) lists GM # 9590607 in Gr. 5.803 for 76-77 A (Chevelle, etc.) (15 X 7)(stamped AE, FN, TJ).

The 1965-1966 Corvette wheels are 15" X 5 1/2" and have an offset of 0.44". The date codes on the 1965-1966 Corvette are on the rim itself and can not be seen with a mounted tire.

Dave

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Rims

Dave,
Thanks for filling in the details on the rims. The offset information is especially interesting. Appreciate your help.
Rich

[Lynn H.]

Re: 66 Rims

Richard,
Are those "AE" wheels rally wheels or of the "standard" variety?
Thanks,
Lynn

[David L.]

Re: 66 Rims

The 15" X 7" wheels stamped "AE" or "FN" are standard steel wheels. I believe have still have a few in my garage attic.

[Richard E.]

Re: 66 Rims

Correct, they are just standard style wheels.
Rich