I'm thinking of replacing the rally's on my '69 with something custom. I watched "Rush Hour" last night and I really liked the wire wheels on the '72 roadster. I was looking thru magazines today and saw that you can get wire wheels for pretty cheap thanks to the low riders (yes they make classic looking wheels too, and no I'm not going to put low rider style on the 'Vette). I have 2 questions, the first, can anyone recommend a good brand? Secondly, I'm also thinking of the classic Cragar 5 spoke, but I had a friend back in the 80's that had a set on a car he rarely drove and they rusted out sitting in his garage. Are they any better now? Last but not least, what is the size and backspacing on stock wheels? (15x8, right?).
Thanks for all the good info,
Matt

The wheels should be 15x8 and I believe the back spacing is 4". If you decide to go with after market wheels and give up the Rally Wheels let me know. I need to for the front of my 69.

Cragar has improved the quality of the chrome on their rims (or so I'm told). I just bought a set for my '80 last spring so we'll see how it lasts. I store my car in the winter and guys have suggested everything from a coat of wax left on to putting a thin coat of grease on them. I just love the classic cragar look. My rim size is 15x8 with a 4" backspace.

As long as you seal out the air, they will hold up fine for however long. Wax, grease, petrolum jelly, tar, anything that will seal air will work. The tar is a B****H to clean later.

Those Crager classics,are great looking ,I had a set on my old 57 Chevy,I'd like to have a set for my 78

I don't think wire wheels look right on these cars. The classic Cragars are a good choice. Another worth considering if you're going for the classic look is the American Racing Torque Thrust II's...

or Torque Thrust D's...


Both great looking wheels that really work well on the C3

|UPDATED|7/28/2004 9:41:46 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I also need a ralley II wheel if you are getting rid of them. No spare!

I have had a set or Creager STAR-WIRE "Corvette" special
wire wheels on my 79 for well over 10 years...

They have held up darn well...and gave me the Look I was after....(Saturday Night Cruiser...Not a Racy look..)

HOWEVER YOUR NUTS for even thinking of wire wheels...

Those things are a Royal (big R) Pain (big P to clean
takes a lot of time, I would NEVER (All Big Letters)
ever put wire wheels on another car... PERIOD

Bob Griffiths

Hey Bob...

You're retired...you've got plenty of time to keep those wire wheels clean. What else do you have to do with your time? Arrr...arrr...arrr!

had some Keystone wire wheels once and yes they are a pain to clean. never did get them 100% clean around the center hub