Original wheels ?

[Canlib]

How can I tell if the wheels on my 68 GT are original? I've looked at the photos and info about them on the forum and they look like they are stock, but they also look like old Chev. truck wheels. Are the wheels marked someplace so I can make sure they are trailer wheels with the correct load rating?

[RickDavis]

Old chev. truck wheels off 4 wheel drive 1/2 tons were the same bolt pattern but had a slightly smaller center hole. I have put them on my 69 by heating the center hole edge and tapping a hammer were there were nubbins on the drum.
Chances are you have the original wheels as I think they stopped using split ring rims a few years prior to 68. They still had the split in 64

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Canlib

How can I tell if the wheels on my 68 GT are original? I've looked at the photos and info about them on the forum and they look like they are stock, but they also look like old Chev. truck wheels. Are the wheels marked someplace so I can make sure they are trailer wheels with the correct load rating?

Most of the original wheels, had the load rating stamped into the wheel.

Unfortunately, the tire had to be removed to see it.

The original rating was 2800 pounds, per wheel.

In later years, Airstream dropped that to 2600 punds, per wheel.

Andy

[kevinb]

Somewhere in the deep dark murky recesses of this forum, I think Andy also said that a rim rated at the proper 2600lbs would weigh in at 25lbs. So lighter is bad. Of course still need to have the tire removed.

kevin

[Action]

Originally Posted by RickDavis

Old chev. truck wheels off 4 wheel drive 1/2 tons were the same bolt pattern but had a slightly smaller center hole. I have put them on my 69 by heating the center hole edge and tapping a hammer were there were nubbins on the drum.

Heating the metal on a wheel runs the risk of taking the strength out of the metal. The area being heated may not be critical on a wheel.

However I would subscribe to the thought process related to structure and load carrying parts, if it doesn't fit it was not designed for the application. Don't use it. Especially when so many of the correct parts made for the specific application are available.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[RickDavis]

Originally Posted by Action

Heating the metal on a wheel runs the risk of taking the strength out of the metal. The area being heated may not be critical on a wheel.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Actually the only area being heated is a few small spots around the bead of the center hole which are then dimpled about 1/16 inch. Not likely to affect the strength.

That being said, after market steel wheels rated at 2600 lbs can be purchased for less than $ 50.00 so why mess with questionable ones??

[Canlib]

Thanks everyone. There is no sign of the center hole being altered so I'll look inside for markings when I change out the tube tires.

Ian