1961 spare tire question
 

I removed the spare tire from my 61 and it appears to be a dog bone style welded rim but is painted on the face side to match the car.
The face also has the four tabs for the whell cover .

Were spare tires painted to match the car ?

I do not think this is the correct wheel for a 61 though

Thanks

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...81187913_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...51855105_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...48301943_n.jpg

All wheels, including the spare, were painted to match the exterior color in 61. They were dip painted black and sprayed in the exterior color on the front of the rim (rear remains black). 61 rims don't have the rubber shown on yours. You do have the provision for the smaller hubcaps but IMO not a 61 wheel.

I believe the 61-62 wheels were welded but not the dog bone style. The weld is a smooth weld(not sure of correct name), but should look like these photos.
John

:iagree:My original spare wheel is one of the few places that still retains the original Honduras Maroon paint on the '61.

They look like 55-56 Chev full size wheels, with the rubber inserts. Exactly like on my 56 Belair. :thumbs:

Thanks for the pics, so where do I find 5 of these?

They show up occasionally on EBay, but usually bring a pretty good price. I bought 4 of them a few weeks ago on EBay, thought I did ok paying $510 plus shipping. The 4 wheels were dated good for my corvette, so I was probably a little more inclined to go higher than others were. I then sold one extra one I had with a 61 date for about $175. I got what I wanted when I found the four wheels that were dated for my Corvette and helped out a fellow forum member that wanted my extra one! Greg

Think you did good, talked to a fellow yesterday who wanted $250 each. So just where do I look for the date code?

12 58 From my '59:

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/u...e/100_3294.jpg

The problem with used vintage wheels is that if they are out-of-round for any reason; beyond the range of the usual techniques to balance them - almost nobody will touch them anymore. I think there is maybe one company in Detroit that will still fix old steel wheels.

Got to go, but one last questions for now, pic looks like its on the outside of the hub???