Early Sharks' Spoked Wheels

[Stallion]

I have to say, those are hot. I knew about them, but I just saw a picture of an early Shark, and it has the spoke wheels on it, and that is a classy look.

But, I don't see them for sale anywhere? All I see around are the rally wheels. Where could one get these spoked wheels?

And would I be able to slap 4 of them on my '78? Would I need to do anything to her if I wanted to get those spoke wheels on?

Thanks!

Stallion

 

[Eric]

Stallion,

Are you talking about the ones that resemble the finned wheels from 67? If so, they were actually hubcaps that mounted on steel wheels. The only other possiblility is that you saw a set of 1982 Collector Edition wheels which also are finned. Check out the photos in the Model Center and let me know which ones they are.

 

[Stallion]

Hmmm...I'm not sure, but I think this is what I'm talking about. You see the spokes? This is what I like.

They are just mounted caps? So they are not really spokes?

Stallion

 

[Macgyver]

Maybe these >>>>http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?dept_id=257&pf_id=37123&mscssid=CPBABWPEP0DM9H9GJGG2TGKFCWTJ27C2


Or these>>>http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?dept_id=257&pf_id=A7280&mscssid=CPBABWPEP0DM9H9GJGG2TGKFCWTJ27C2

All in Ecklers

Steve'O

 

[resto75]

I have a set of real chrome spoked wheels that fit a vette. One wheel has about two broken spokes that need to be replaced. I'll sell all four for a hundred bucks but you need to pick them up.

 

[Tom B Hargrove]

It sounds like you saw the PO2 option wheel covers. They were offered for several years on early C-3's. There is a set of these on e-bay right now, with a starting bid of 50.00 dollars, for the set. They came on my 72, and I agree that they look good on it. Hope this helps, Tom

 

[jonstr]

Hmmm...I'm not sure, but I think this is what I'm talking about. You see the spokes? This is what I like.

They are just mounted caps? So they are not really spokes?

Stallion

The car in the photo has the optional RPO P01 ('68) or P02 ('69 and later) wheel cover. It's just a cap on a stock steel wheel - so they're not really spoke wheels. It's been a while since I've seen them close-up, so I can't remember whether what you are seeing are spokes or solid vanes on the cap.

Here is a better photo:

Later,
Jonstr

 

[Tom B Hargrove]

The PO-2's are spokes. They can be removed to restore the wheels. I think that the PO-1's are spoked also.

 

[Stallion]

Ehh...I guess they weren't what I thought they were. So not only buying the spoked caps, I would also need to buy the rally wheel that the spoked caps go over? Is that how that works?

That sounds like that could get expensive. What do you think?

 

[Stallion]

So am I right? This could get expensive? Especially if I would need to buy those rally wheels. Which I would...

 

[jonstr]

So am I right? This could get expensive? Especially if I would need to buy those rally wheels. Which I would...

I don't know for sure, but I believe those covers would fit a 'generic' steel wheel, which I'm guessing you could pick up pretty cheap. But in general, yes - you would need to get the covers and the wheels to put them on. Not knowing what you have on your car now makes it tougher to answer too.

Later,
Jonstr

 

[Stallion]

Right now I have the stock '78 wheels on. The Alum. 8-slot wheels.

 

[jonstr]

Right now I have the stock '78 wheels on. The Alum. 8-slot wheels.

I'm sure the covers would not fit on those, so you would have to buy wheels too. Exactly what kind of wheels, I can't say - I've never had a car with the P02 wheel covers on it. Maybe someone else can tell you what kind of wheels they will fit.

Jonstr

 

[Tom B Hargrove]

They fit rallys, and probably others with the same type build. You can buy replacements for about 45.00 plus shipping on ebay.

 

[Gunther]

Hi
I have real spoke rims on my 68 convertible.
Theyare 8x15 from TRUSPOKE and I can use tubeless tires on those.
Sometimes you can find spoke wheels where the spokes are welded. This rims where speecially made for C3, but are not manufactures anymore.
The ones offered for sale are second hand and often very rusty.
Some companies ofer real spoke wheels in 16 and 17 inch to be able to use decent tires.
I like my spoke wheel look, but still have the original 7x15 ralleys laying around.
Good luck. Gunther.
Trouble, still can't attach any pics

 

[Stallion]

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying, Gunther. You put replacement aftermarket spoked wheels on your '68? That would be nice. How much did you pay? And, those aren't caps, right? They are right on the wheel...?

Thanks!

Stallion

 

[Eric]

Stallion,

One point to keep in mind if you decide to go for the early Shark style wheel covers, there are two styles. The same basic style appeared on Vettes and passenger cars of the time. The difference is that the center cap portion (with the crossed-flags logo) on the Vette cover sticks out about 1/8" from the center of the cover. On the passenger car version, the logo and surrounding trim is flush with the center cap. Both look essentially the same and since that cover wasn't even available on your Vette, you could go with the passenger car style and save some money. They show up at swap meets all the time and some more unscrupulous folks try to pass off the passenger car models for Vette style.

- Eric

 

[Eric]

Trouble, still can't attach any pics.

Gunther,

The site where your pic is stored does not allow photos on their server to be loaded on other websites. You can only view it on their site or by itself.

- Eric

 

[Stallion]

Stallion,

One point to keep in mind if you decide to go for the early Shark style wheel covers, there are two styles. The same basic style appeared on Vettes and passenger cars of the time. The difference is that the center cap portion (with the crossed-flags logo) on the Vette cover sticks out about 1/8" from the center of the cover. On the passenger car version, the logo and surrounding trim is flush with the center cap. Both look essentially the same and since that cover wasn't even available on your Vette, you could go with the passenger car style and save some money. They show up at swap meets all the time and some more unscrupulous folks try to pass off the passenger car models for Vette style.

- Eric

I see what you. Say I get good condition used passenger style like you say, with the wheels (that I'll need), and a set of tires. How much would this come to?

Thanks!

And you would suggest that aftermarket spoked wheels are out of the question?

 

[JohnZ]

True wire wheels (especially old, used ones) are a PITA, as they are usually 1) Rusty/corroded, 2) Chrome flaking off, and 3) Out of true; they're very difficult to keep clean, and truing them (followed by re-sealing them for tubeless tires) is very expensive.