Possible Complete loss of my Corvette...

[bill81vette]

tatortot..sorry to hear bout the vette!!!! Glad to hear everything looks like it will work out for you!!!keep the faith and good luck getting the vette repaired!!!!kepp a CLOSE eye on the repairs if someone else is doing them!!!!


bill

 

[22229stingray81]

Wheel Spinners and emblems?

Okay, so here are the wheels I have on my vette http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CRR%2D470%2D5815

Before the accident I had three spoked wheel spinners sort of like the ones on C-2s, except no angle to them, just going straight out of the center. Then in the middle there was the "sunburst" corvette flags (from 75-76 I believe). Seeing how these were on the car when I bought it 4 years ago, and with at least 5 previous owners, I have absolutly no idea what brand, or size or really anything about them, so they will be impossible to replace, and they need to be replaced because one was destroyed in the accident. My question is does anyone know of any spinners like them that would fit these wheels? I need the bolts and the attaching cones (thats how the others were attached) too, and also I would like '81 emblems instead of the sunburst. Money is really no constraint right now, since I got a fat insurance check, so anyone have any ideas or links where I can get good replacements, including mounting hardware? Thank you for any help.

-Tatortot

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Tatartot

I think you made a great choice. I had the same wheels on my 78.

Gary

 

[Evolution1980]

Okay, so here are the wheels I have on my vette http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CRR%2D470%2D5815

Before the accident I had three spoked wheel spinners sort of like the ones on C-2s, except no angle to them, just going straight out of the center. Then in the middle there was the "sunburst" corvette flags (from 75-76 I believe). Seeing how these were on the car when I bought it 4 years ago, and with at least 5 previous owners, I have absolutly no idea what brand, or size or really anything about them, so they will be impossible to replace, and they need to be replaced because one was destroyed in the accident. My question is does anyone know of any spinners like them that would fit these wheels? I need the bolts and the attaching cones (thats how the others were attached) too, and also I would like '81 emblems instead of the sunburst.
-Tatortot

Actually, Tatortot, you are probably not SOL like you think. Summit sells (or used to) a kit from Gorilla that includes 4 posts and 4 blank spinner caps. I have them on my car. The posts are universal. However, I believe your rim should come with it. You only should need the possible a replacement spinner and correct emblem.
All the major Corvette catalogs carry the assortment of spinners and correct caps that you are looking for.

CorvetteCentral.com, p/n 643325
Ecklers.com, p/n A2414C (and/or p/n A5616)
MidAmerica (madvet.com), p/n 603251
ZIP Products (should have 'em, didn't see 'em. ZIP-Products.com)

Let me make you this offer... I have my old posts and caps in the garage. I'm sure that between the four, I can find a decent condition, working combo. I'll donate it to your cause. You just need to supply the emblem then. Let me see what I can come up with. If I find it, I'll take a pic of it and throw it up here for you to see.

 

[22229stingray81]

Thanks buddy!!!! The ones at ecklers look almost exactly the same ones!!! The only problem I'm having is finding a decent emblem set, they take a special 1 and 3/4 inch size, and the ones they have look kinda... well crappy.. Ill have to just keep shopping around though, thanks so much for the help! And Id love to take a look at the picture of the one(s) youve got.

The overwhelming support of this CAC community is amazing. I have gotten so many offers of free parts and time and help you wouldn't believe. I am etournaly greatful for the heart and soul everyone has put into all my Corvetteing needs, most people charge for such advice!! Let me know if I could ever do anything for anyone. Thanks Rob for keeping up this fantastic sight, thanks Bud for keeping this L81 registry going and keeping it top notch, and for the kind words, and thanks everyone else (toooo many to list) for all your advice and help and offers of free parts.

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

Thanks buddy!!!! The overwhelming support of this CAC community is amazing. I have gotten so many offers of free parts and time and help you wouldn't believe. I am etournaly greatful for the heart and soul everyone has put into all my Corvetteing needs, most people charge for such advice!! Let me know if I could ever do anything for anyone.
-Tatortot

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/subscriptions.php?

:cool

 

[22229stingray81]

It was already on my list of things to do, $5 is nothing compared to the value of the CAC.


-Tatortot

 

[22229stingray81]

Help again!

Well I need your guys help again. I got an email from summit saying that my cragar 470 series wire wheel 15X8 was on backorder. That was 2 weeks ago. So I emailed them today and they gave me some crap answer of "with wheels we have to wait for the manufacturer to begin making them again, and they wait for large quantities to be ordered" so basically what they were telling me is I could be waiting for the rest of my life. Anyways, does anyone know of a place that has these wheels in stock?? I can't find a place anywhere, all I need is one, and work can't start on my corvette until I get it. The tires are in, but no wheel, very frustrating. Thanks for any advice and help.

-Tatortot

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

´wish I could help. I am afraid that you are correct in your assumption. We have parts on backorder that have been on back order for 21/2 years.ad I know that this is not comforting but you need your car back on the road. Try eBay, swap meets or one of the used part locating services. If you can’t find the wheel in a week or so go back to the Insurance Company and demand that they either find you a wheel or pay for a set of 4 new matching wheels.

Remember YOU are the victim. The Force is with you. Do not give up and do not despair, what seems like a life time is really only a moment or two of your life or as Einstein said, ¨Driving your Vette for an Hour feels like 10 seconds while your Vette being in the shop for a weeks feels like 10 years¨.
Bet you didn’t know that Albert drove a Vette, how else could he have approached the speed of light?:L

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Well I need your guys help again. I got an email from summit saying that my cragar 470 series wire wheel 15X8 was on backorder. That was 2 weeks ago. So I emailed them today and they gave me some crap answer of "with wheels we have to wait for the manufacturer to begin making them again, and they wait for large quantities to be ordered" so basically what they were telling me is I could be waiting for the rest of my life. Anyways, does anyone know of a place that has these wheels in stock?? I can't find a place anywhere, all I need is one, and work can't start on my corvette until I get it. The tires are in, but no wheel, very frustrating. Thanks for any advice and help.

-Tatortot

Summit Racing is one of the worst suppliers I have ever dealt with--Simpson Racing is the absolute worst. They frequently pull these backorder stunts AFTER you have ordered what you want. They lead you to believe it's in, and it's only after you check back that they say it's back ordered. Frankly, the high performance autoparts aftermarket has to have the biggest percentage of creeps working in it. Enough of lecture, do this: I have had a lot of luck with an outfit in Lubbock, Texas called Scoggins Dickey. They are a GM dealer and have a terrific aftermarket suppliers performance parts operation, and will call suppliers directly and get a discount quote for you. Call 1-800-456-0211, and ask for ext. 352. The person to speak to is called "Tim", and mention my name, Chris Kennedy, the guy he helped out to get the Red Line Synthetic Oil earlier this week. Be careful about getting used wheels---I used these in an old IROC I used at a driving school and about 90% of the time they seem to be bent or damaged in some way. E-bay is a good place to look, though.

--Chris Kennedy
Houston, Texas

 

[80convertible]

I did not have the time to read all the post, so my apology if I'm repeating what someone else said. My dad has owned his own insurance agency for nearly 40 years. I have heard all kinds of stories about insurance companies. Remember, the claims adjuster's job for the insurance company of the driver that hit you is to settle for the least amount of money possible. Some companies are more fair than others. Know your rights under state law. You may want to speak with your family insurance agent to better understand the process.

 

[22229stingray81]

Thanks for the extra advice everyone. This has got me so bummed out. I have emailed a lot of places that have the wheel listed, but do not say if they have the wheel in stock. I guess all I can do is wait for there responses. I found this on ebay though http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43955&item=2465094363

My wheels are by no means perfect, but I don't think they have rust faking off of them like this one does. Now that I look at it again it doesn't look THAT bad, but if I'm going to get a new paint job, I can't have bad looking wheels, you know? I emailed this guy to ask the size, so maybe if its 15X8 I'll buy it regardless, his "buy it now" price was only $55 a few days ago. What do you guys think??

-Tatortot

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Blasted and re-chromed that wheel should look good. When we were restoring the ´63 most of the chrome was much worse than this. A good chrome shop can work miracles.

¨When you are up to your butt in Alligators it is hard to remember that your primary objective is to drain the swamp.¨ Gov. Edwards on the gambling fund raiser in the ´80s.

Do not get so involved in the details that you lose focus on the overall picture. Put any wheels that will fit on the car and get the body work finished. Then you can shop for the wheels at your own pace. DO NOT let the Insurance Company off of the hook until you are 100% satisfied with the repairs.

 

[Evolution1980]

Do not get so involved in the details that you lose focus on the overall picture. Put any wheels that will fit on the car and get the body work finished. Then you can shop for the wheels at your own pace.

Exactly what I was just about to say! Who cares what wheel is on the car. The car is banged up already! No one is going to notice or care. Just put the spare on and drive it to the shop. I think you're fretting over a minor detail at this point.

Anyways, since you are having body work and painting done, I wouldn't suggest having your good rims on it anyway. When I had my car painted, I took it to the shop with junk wheels. No point in running the risk of getting my good wheels sprayed (even though they were covered.)

 

[22229stingray81]

I wish it were that simple. It is at the shop right now, and they want the wheel so they can properly align it. I asked about just putting a spare on and they said the wanted a matching wheel so everything read correctly. The shop is going to take the wheels off when painting anyways, so it doesn't matter much. Thanks for the reply.

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

It would seem logical to just tell them to do the alignment last. Why does it have to be done first??

 

[vette-dude]

It would seem logical to just tell them to do the alignment last. Why does it have to be done first??

Because they're DORKS???

Randy

 

[22229stingray81]

We both agreed that it would be best to get everything mechanical done first, then move on to the paint. It makes sense to me. Plus before I get any body work done I want to be able to bring it to my mechanic, and have him give it a good look over, he's the only one I trust. If there is a problem then I can talk to the insurance company again, and make them pay for whatever has been broken. While the body work and some of the paint is covered by the insurance company, I am getting it totally repainted, which I will have to pick the bill up for, and we have to make a sperate estimate for, so I'd like to get the insurance work out of the way (minus paint), then move on to the full body paint. This course of action seems logical to me, am I doing something wrong?

-Tatortot

 

[Evolution1980]

While, yes, paint it usually the last thing you do, an alignment job (being held up by a wheel) shouldn't be holding up the entire works. Everyone gets their car aligned from time to time. Ideally yes, it's nice to get it all done in one shot. But I wouldn't let an alignment hold up the rest of the car getting repaired. It almost sounds like some type of stall tactic for some reason. I'm sure you can still get the car aligned under the insurance coverage after the car's been painted, or the insurance co. can simply cut you a check for the price of a 4 wheel alignment and you can get it done on your own time.
My 2¢...

 

[Thumper]

Aren't all four wheels and tires the same on your car? If so, put your front wheels on the rear, have it aligned and then tell them to get busy on the body work. When your new wheel comes in your car will be ready for it. My $.02.