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Topic: Spoke Wheels

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Spoke Wheels

Posted: 7/30/06 4:42pm Message 1 of 9
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I have a friend who has a set of "wire wheels" or spoke wheels, which he says are from a Corvette. I was not aware that any such wheel was ever offered (C1-C6).

Can anyone enlighten me?

 




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Spoke Wheels

Posted: 7/30/06 5:46pm Message 2 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
They may have come off of a Corvette, but, if he is stating they are "factory", that's untrue.
There were a few Corvettes that did have spoke/wire wheels, but they were all built for high ups at GM, such as Harlow Curtis(Pres.), Bill Mitchell, etc.
None were ever issued as a factory option.

Now, if it could be proven that these rims were from one of those "special" Corvettes, that would be very interesting...


Joel Adams
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Spoke Wheels

Posted: 7/31/06 5:26pm Message 3 of 9
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Joel,
I spoke with a guy that had a 78 anniversary vette that he bought new that had wires on it. They were a dealer option when he bought the car. It was a few years back but I seem to remember they were sportin the cross flags on the spinners.
He was an easy mark for conversation since he was pullin the car behind his camper and caught me checkin it out in the campground.


Spoke Wheels

Posted: 7/31/06 7:23pm Message 4 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
"Dealer Option" being the operative phrase.
The dealers could install just about anything they, or the customer wanted, such as the luggage racks on the earlier cars, the passenger side mirrors, or even special paint.
GM did not install them at the factory, tho.


OK...so I may be splittin hairs here. My '74 had Ansen Sprint 'luminum rims installed at the dealer when it was new. Did they look kewl? Heck yeah! Period correct? Heck yeah!! "Factory" installed? uh...nope!
There were many Dealer installed "options" available back then, including pin stripes, custom rims/tires, hood scoops, heck, even "Kleenex" dispensers!
Check one of the "accessory" brochures for the period, and you might find a lot of neat stuff. I've got one for 1974, and it does have the luggage rack, pass. side mirror, and even cruise control, none of which were available from the assembly line. Adams' Apple38929.8562962963


Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Spoke Wheels

Posted: 7/31/06 8:40pm Message 5 of 9
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
Joel, You forgot to mention the 45 RPM record players. You had to be a cool cat to have one of those.


Spoke Wheels

Posted: 8/1/06 3:25pm Message 6 of 9
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Back in the '50s (and maybe early '60s), 45 rpm record players were a factory option on some high line Mopars (maybe even Cadillac as well, not sure). For the life of me, I can't figure out how anyone would think that was a practical accessory. How would you keep it from skipping and bouncing across the record and scratching the crap out of it, much less being able to change discs?

The younger generation won't have a clue what I'm talking about...this is loooong before the days of CD's and even cassettes.


Spoke Wheels

Posted: 8/1/06 4:36pm Message 7 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Cassette?
Record player?



How 'bout 8-Track?
And tube type radios...AM only.. Adams' Apple38930.6925462963


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Spoke Wheels

Posted: 8/1/06 5:36pm Message 8 of 9
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Greensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5189
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe, 1989 Coupe, 2001 Roadster Present: 1967 Stingray Roadster, 1976 Stingray Coupe, 1989 Roadster..
Yep, that's what I were a talkin about. No intention of implying GM had done that. Shucks if'n anybody wants to buy mine fer the right $$$ they can say they from a corvette and be talkin truth straight up!


Spoke Wheels

Posted: 8/3/06 12:50pm Message 9 of 9
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
Be careful, my 1st vette came w/spoked wheels, they looked great but besides the crazy maintanence the offset was too much so they used spacers,BOOOOOO!!! Stripped lugs, wheels falling off, NOT GOOD.I gave them away.


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