midas

I just had the wheels off my car for the first time in 20 years for new tires when subsequent to the tire shop work a knock off wheel fell off while moving. While later driving my 63 to the body shop for cosmetic repairs sustained during the incident another wheel nearly fell off.

Has someone got some solid info on how I can prevent a recurrence and continue on my way for the next 20 years?

Very much appreciate any assistance,

Midas

wombvette

Put em on right. You will never have a problem.

wombvette

Make sure they are installed in the correct holes, then use the damn lead hammer and knock $hit out of them. Use a little neverseize on the threads. Its about that simple.

Rimcrew

Buy bolt-on's...

ctjackster

Rule #1 - never let anyone else install your knock-offs, unless you know for a fact that they are C2 Corvette experienced (like a well-known C2 repair-resto shop).

you violated rule #1, and you then violated Rule #2 - double check anyone else's installation of your KOs.

63C2splitter

1. Use anti-seize when installing.

2. Beat the crap out of them.

3. Install the retainer pins. (Aluminum pins - I use steel roll pins cut down)

4. Beat the crap out of them again after driving (remove and reinstall pins).

5. Check periodically.


I have never lost one, but keep an eye on them to insure they are not coming loose. Hope you get it resolved for your own peace of mind.

Dave

Allcoupedup

make sure the holes for the locating pins are not egg shaped or the pins are not damaged.

Brian

crw41

I never had mine loosen:

1. always made sure the threads were clean
2. proper placement on the hub
3. alot of pounding
4. use of marks on spinner and cone to check for movement
5. a quick tap before each drive

However,

everytime I would here a different noise at 75 mph I would wonder if a wheel was loose.

Sold the KOs, bought BOs and that worry is gone.

Piece of mind, plus alot easier to remove and install.

stingrayl76

when you smack the $hit out of them don't use the whimpy lead hammer that GM supplies. Get one of these:

http://www.performanceunlimited.com/...ls/hammer.html

http://shop.rsci.com/industrial_supp...=0000111.00180

hope2

make certain they are on the correct side of the car

JohnZ

There are ten ways to install each wheel, and five of them are wrong and will result in the wheel coming off. Don't EVER let anyone else put your wheels on.

Cobra66

A nice set of American Racing Torq Thrust D's should alleviate the problem.

67L36Driver

Or, some 15 X 6 ralleys.

vettebuyer6369

After my wheel fell off and ruined my '63's new paint, I learned rules 1-3.

1. Sell the knock offs
2. Buy the identical looking bolt-ons
3. Sleep at night

hogan64

Exactly what I did. It just seemed so stupid to have this one big lug nut (with wings) to keep the wheels on. I hated checking them every time I drove the car and I always had this fear in my mind. I was going to move to disk brakes but bought the bolt-on's instead. Glad I did, the drums still stop just fine(for me) and I now have peace of mind.

heycorey

Same things happened to me while driving my '64 ... one front wheel came off the hub, but the inner fender kept it from completely falling off (thus, saving my car from the damage you probably experienced).

I bought a set of Torque-thrust D's the next day. The knock-offs have been sitting next to my garage ever since.

BlueShark29

I drive my '65 coupe as a daily driver (approx. 20k a yr.) with the original KO's (no pins). I have never had one fall off. As previously stated, before I take off on a trip I hit each one with a brass hammer (brass is the next hardest metal from lead, and it lasts longer, also, no damage to the spinners).
In 7 yrs. I have never lost a wheel.

kellsdad

I've been running repro knockoffs on my 63 coupe since 1983. I'd guess I've driven it more than 40,000 miles duirng that time. The wheels been off and on many times during that time. I replaced the spinners a few years ago because they were beginning to look shabby from the beating I give them each time they go on. I've never had one come loose. ... My objective is not to hit the spinner as hard as I can without damaging it. My objective is to hit the spinner hard enough to keep the wheel on the car.

MikeM

I tried something the other day as an alternative to the lead hammer. 1 1/2" section, 12" long schedule 40 pvc pipe and a short handle 5 pound sledge. No big swings required to tighten the spinner. Just choke up on the handle and thump it. It's much easier to "feel" when the spinner is tight using this method as the pvc is much harder than the lead and you don't have to screw with the lead hammer.

Leave the weight of the car on the tire and hit the spinner with a solid head hammer. I wouldn't trust a dead blow, hitting the spinner with a piece of wood between it and a hammer or least of all, a rubber mallet.

But, yeah, I would never let anyone else put my wheels on. Never.

I'm still looking for someone who feels his wheels will fall off in spite of proper installation and wants to sell me his '64-'65 wheels.

Bgriz

Do any of you nice folks who have your KO's off and just collecting dust, want to sell one (yes 1, I need a spare)??

Thanks, Brian