Question on 1963 Wheels

[c5vetter]

Folks,

I have been searching for a second set of wheels for my 1963 SWC Z06 to no avail. I want to "refinish" the original wheels and put them away for safe keeping.

Will 1967 ralleye wheels fit on my 1963 without any modifications, additions, etc.????? What other alternatives are available to me if they won't fit? Again, I just want to be able to put some radial tires on the rims and put them on the car - no hassle.

[Tom Bryant]

Rick,

In a word, yes. The '67 6" wheels give a lot of clearance, about the same as your stock wheels, and you won't have any problems turning the fronts. You can even run 8 inchers if you watch the tire size but a 6" with a 205 or even 215 radial will fit and look like a '67. I think I ran 215/78 radials on my '67. If you are going to buy new repro wheels you could run 8's on the back and 7's on the front with say 215/70 and 225/70 tires frt/rear and get some added meat on the ground. Snap your '63 wheel covers on the ralleys and it will look stock. Plus you can use '67 caps and rings occasionally if you want to have a different look.

Tom

[c5vetter]

Tom,

thanks for the response! I was thinking I could, but wanted to check - will begin my quest for some 1967 wheels then

FYI - am entering the 1963 in her maiden NCRS show on Sunday - will let you know how the "old lady" does

BTW - I was able to locate a NOS set of front "finned drums" and NOS brake shoes all the way around at the ChevyFest in Chicago this past weekend! Should be getting them in the mail next week (VBG) - now all I need is a set of rear drums

[Tom Bryant]

Rick,

There was several of us there last weekend. I wish I would have known you were there. Check out the vintqage wheel companys.
They have about the best prices on the ralley wheels.

Tom

'68 only 15 x 7 rally wheels also fit the '63 with 225 - 60 - 15 tires both ends no clearance problems except the fronts need 1/4" spacers.

[c5vetter]

Tom,

didn't even think about posting about ChevyFest - it was kind of a spur of the moment deal! some awesome cars on display - and like I said, very fortunate for me that I went! now, if I could find some "elephant ears"

BTW - any particular vintage wheel company I should check out?

[Tom Bryant]

Ricj,

There are at least 3 good sources. Vintage Wheels, Wheels Vintique and Wheels by Paulsen. I have shopped them all and they all offer pretty much the same products. Wheels by Paulsen has a bigger selection and they have been around for a long time. Also the price seems a little lower. You would have to compare to be sure. I just got a new catalog from Paulsen. Get yours by logging onto www.petepaulsen.com and filling out the free catalog request.

They offer rally wheels in every size and bolt pattern you can think of. Even 6 lug for older Chevy trucks. They have them in raw steel, steel center/chrome rim, all chrome and powder coated. In addition to all of the stock sizes they have everything from 14" to 17" and widths out to 16" wide. They sell the stock '67 and '68 up caps as well as the police caps, moons, and a few old Chevy style that are made to fit the rallys, all in stainless.

15X6 in plain steel are $50. ea. They also offer custom backspacing so you can custom fit the widest possible wheel in the wheelwell.

Tom