C3 original rims-need advice on value

[SR7D1]

Hello gang.

I am selling the vintage Ansen rims off my 71 C3 and would like to buy 17's but I don't have enough dough right now.

The tread on the tires on the Ansens are like new but the sidewalls are showing signs of age. So I will be replacing those anyway. Not that the choices in 15 inch tires are very good, but I should be able to make due.

My GF's brother-in-law will sell me a set of original Corvette 15 X 8 rims and derby caps for $160. They are pretty rough and need blasted and painted and 4 trim rings, but they seem to be true and straight.

My question is, is $160 reasonable for a set of vintage rims that need some work? I know reporduction rims from summit or online are $60 each.

Thoughts?

 

[Stingray6974]

Hi,
It depends on the trim rings and caps. The trim rings should each have four mounting clips. If they don't then they are repro's. The caps should be all metal and check for pitting. On the wheels look for curb damage and elongated holes. If it's all original and good condition then $160 is a good deal.

Mike

 

[SR7D1]

Thanks Mike. He does not have any trim rings, I have to buy those. Everything is a rough shape, even the caps. I was wondering if saving the $40 would be worth the trouble. I have to take it to a bead blasting place and they want $10-15 per wheel. By the time I am done, I wonder if it would be worth it. It's not like I am going to "show" the car or anything NCRS.

 

[GaryS]

IIRC, repro rims are $80 and that was more than a year ago. If the rims are true then this is a bargain. Oth, hope for decent trim rings and caps but plan on using repros. I can't imagine that the rings and caps are decent.
Gary

 

[SR7D1]

Gary, he has no rings. The caps are rough. The wheels are rough but he says they are true. It's $40 per wheel and $15 to blast. That's $55 per rim and not including paint. New from Summit they are $60, but they are not "original". So I was just wondering if it was a good deal.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

New from Summit they are $60, but they are not "original". So I was just wondering if it was a good deal.

If the date code is not correct for your car, they're not really 'original' anyway. They should have the 'AZ' stamping near the valve stem, plus a date code that's no more than 6 months prior to your car's completion date.