Paul L

Some of you may remember me from my C2/1967 Goodwood Green coupe days from 2003-2008. Well that car is now gone away to a new owner in the USA.

I was busy in 2008 restoring and driving a 1974 convertible. Nice car and I enjoyed it. It has Centerline-clone wheels from Enkei that I am so-so about. My C2 genes pull me back to knock-offs. I very much like those wheels but in the bolt-on style.

Those were offered by Eckler's in the 1980s for C3s and in the 8" width. I would like to locate a set of those and would appreciate your help. Eckler's corporate memory was not a help nor the Forum C3 folks. So here I am where knock-off knowledge and history is much stronger. Any help you can give would be appreciated!

lakebumm

Hi Paul,

I have a set of real knockoff (not bolt on) 8" wheels/tires on my '66 that I may be interested in selling.

If you're interested, let me know.



BILL SR
980-429-6100

vettes1st

The 8" knock-off wheels were made before the bolt on type became available.

lakebumm

CORRECT.

THE ONES I HAVE ARE WESTERN WHEELS, I BELIEVE.



BILL SR

Paul L

I'm a bit shy about the "real" knock-off wheels. There have been many threads on the subject with both horror and trouble-free stories. There doesn't seem to be a consensus. It seems that proper installation is the key??

I hadn't thought about it but yes, perhaps the Eckler's/Western offerings came before the advent of bolt-on, knock-offs. That would certainly explain why I can't find them in the 8" size!!

Bill,

If you wouldn't mind, send me a couple of pics, description of condition, and price. Thanks.

platour@rogers.com

Paul L

I really have concerns re the safety of those "real" knock-off wheels. Sometimes pins, sometimes not, hitting with a hammer before driving, wires to hold them on, etc. I'll just torque down an "ordinary" wheel at 80ft-lbs and be content. No disrespect intended for those who enjoy these rims. But I would be ill-at-ease with them on my car. If the 8" bolt-on versions do not exist then so be it.

Please consider this thread ended. Thank you.

toddalin

Sure they exist! They were used on the '82 CE. Of course the offset is not quite right for a midyear.



And, you can get these Western Wheel Turbine-style bolt-ons in 6", 7", 8.5", and 10" widths at a fraction of the cost (these are 7" wide with 225/60/15s).







These have 30 spokes (as opposed to 36), more open area for brake cooling, lighter weight and are wider for better performance.

Paul L

I very much enjoyed the progress on your car when I was driving a 1967 and hung out here. It sure turned out well!!

Now of course I have a 1974. You speak of the bolt-on Western wheels in various sizes but not of the source??

toddalin

The 'bay, Recycler, swap meets, junkers, etc. I know of two 7"-wide sitting in a tree in Hemet. I also have two spares should I need one. Got to keep your eyes open.

Do searches for "Western Wheels", Western Turbine Wheels, Turbine Wheels, and Z28 Camaro wheels as they were used on those in the late '70s.

And, looky here, 8.5"s! Talk about a coincidence! Price is up a bit though. Still alot cheaper than real or reproduction knock-offs/bolt-ons.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corve...Q5fAccessories

Paul L

I'm not impressed by that set but I'll keep looking throughout the winter. Thanks!