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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 03:33 PM
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Default Wheels!

I have a 63 vette with the original spin off redline wheels. I would like to replace these with 5 spoke, 5 lug wheels. I want to keep the car looking somewhat original. At the same time I want to replace the front drum brakes with disk brakes. Frankly, I don't know where to start.

Thanks for any help,

Tom
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 04:19 PM
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Tommy welcome to the Forum. There are a bunch of us that have been in the same place as you. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions and use the archives. I would keep the drums if it were me, it's a lot of money to convert over to discs and for a driver it's just not worth it.

If you really want to get rid of the drums it's pretty easy though. Pull the trailing arms and have them sent out to a rebuilder and they can just do a disc brake setup. Then for the front you can order the necessary hardware from one of the vendors for a 65 and up car. I personally like Long Island Corvette and they are a forum sponsor now too.

As for wheels the archives can provide you with a laundry list of wheels and tires for sure... Dave
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 04:24 PM
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Here's a good place to start.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1585325

The FAW has links to threads for lots of the common questions organized by category.

Lots of options for wheels. Just browse pictures of MidYears with Wheels you like. Post the picture here and a dozen people will tell you what kind they are.
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 05:05 PM
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when you refer to "spin off" wheels, you might have just found a way to finance your modification. if your existing wheels are original knock-offs, you might be able to get a serious chunk of change for them. we have seen sets go for the 5000.00 to 15000.00 depending on condition.
the forum is a good place to ask before you jump. speaking of jumping, welcome aboard!
chuck
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 02:14 AM
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Thanks a lot for the help! I like the American Racing Torq-Thrust II Series 405 2 Piece. And then get a 16x7 for the front and a 16x8 for the rear? I would just have to make sure to get the correct bolt pattern?

Would this still give a classic look?

Thanks
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 08:19 AM
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Originally Posted by TommyShaw
Thanks a lot for the help! I like the American Racing Torq-Thrust II Series 405 2 Piece. And then get a 16x7 for the front and a 16x8 for the rear? I would just have to make sure to get the correct bolt pattern?

Would this still give a classic look?

Thanks
I would recommend against the 16x8 as you will most likely run into interference problems with either the fender or the trailing arm. A 7" wide rim is about as wide as you can go with out some modifications. Dave
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by youwish2bme
I would recommend against the 16x8 as you will most likely run into interference problems with either the fender or the trailing arm. A 7" wide rim is about as wide as you can go with out some modifications. Dave
If your car has disc brakes, I agree. But your post says its a 63? If it still has drum brakes, and you get the back spacing right on the wheel, 16x8 may fit OK. Ouboard interference will be with the fender lip, Inboard interference with the end of the spring. The later can be fixed with a part from Guldstrand. There is a recent thread on this. Suggest you search the archives. Dave is right though, 7" is a very safe bet. (Be sure you get the back spacing right in any case.)
Harry
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 12:08 PM
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On a 67 a back spacing of 41/4" will accept a 245/60/15 tire on a 15x7" rim with the lip trimed slightly. I'm sure you can do this on a 63 with out altering the wheel well if you use a smaller tire.
Good luck
Russ
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 12:33 PM
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I don't think you can be original and classic at the same time but here's a peek for you (15 x 6").




Last edited by Paul L; Dec 22, 2007 at 12:45 PM.
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by TommyShaw
I have a 63 vette with the original spin off redline wheels. I would like to replace these with 5 spoke, 5 lug wheels. I want to keep the car looking somewhat original. At the same time I want to replace the front drum brakes with disk brakes. Frankly, I don't know where to start.

Thanks for any help,

Tom

KOs and redlines on a 63?
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 09:32 PM
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well, there never was a 1963 EVER SOLD from the factory with KO's - and redlines weren't around then, either!
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 04:51 PM
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Thanks a lot for the help. Heres what I have now



I've reading some of the archives. What do yall think of 17 inch wheels with 50 series?
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 05:21 PM
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Hi Tommy,
Ok, so you've got reproduction knock-offs and modern redline tires - which means you aren't sitting on a wad of potential cash if you sell those wheels and tires.

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Jeff
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 11:10 PM
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I have a disc brake conversion kit never used still in the box if you are interested.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 07:38 AM
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Originally Posted by TommyShaw
I've reading some of the archives. What do yall think of 17 inch wheels with 50 series?
They work great as long as you don't try to stuff to much tire or wheel in there. The 17x7 with 4" of backspacing with a 225/50/17 tire works great.

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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 10:48 AM
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Sorry,
I wrong thread.
Toby

Last edited by theybot; Dec 24, 2007 at 10:50 AM.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by youwish2bme
They work great as long as you don't try to stuff to much tire or wheel in there. The 17x7 with 4" of backspacing with a 225/50/17 tire works great.

Are those wheeel on the white beauty Torq-Thrust II? I love that look. I have rallys on my 65 and want to change the look.
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by 5thvet
Are those wheeel on the white beauty Torq-Thrust II? I love that look. I have rallys on my 65 and want to change the look.
Thanks, they sure are.. Some say they look like rubber bands but it reminds me of the hot wheels cars from when I was a kid..
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Old Dec 24, 2007 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by youwish2bme
Thanks, they sure are.. Some say they look like rubber bands but it reminds me of the hot wheels cars from when I was a kid..
I love them and they do remind you of hot wheels!! Maybe that's why I like them. By the way that maroon beauty in the backround looks just like mine!!! Beautiful cars.
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Old Dec 25, 2007 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by 67Elkhart
I have a disc brake conversion kit never used still in the box if you are interested.
Just for the front? Who is it made by?
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