Page 1 of 1

Corvair knockoffs

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:08 am
by AZScott
Could someone from the forum help me with a question I have on Chevrolet offered knockoffs. I understood that knockoff wire wheels were an expensive option offered Chevrolet for several years. What years were they offered and did they come in 13 and 14 sizes ?

Re: Corvair knockoffs

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:51 am
by bbodie52
Here is some info on the Kelsey Hayes wire wheel option for the EM Corvair...
Kelsey Hayes wire wheels were offered as an option on Corvairs from approximately 1962 through 1964. While I have yet to see any reliable source for the number of Corvairs so equipped between these years, I have seen numbers reported as low as 300 sets to as high as 500 sets. It is important to note that a full set of Kelsey Hayes wheels consisted of five wheels, four active and one spare. Regardless of the actual number of Corvairs equipped with Kelsey Hayes wheels, most sources note that as a $495 option on a $2,810 car, this option was a major expense and few owners appeared to be up for the expense.

Kelsey Hayes wire wheels as a package on a Corvair, consist of the following parts:

1. Five Wheels
2. Four Adapters
3. Four Knock-Offs
4.One spare tire adapter
5.One lead hammer
Image

Image
Corvair Kelsey Hayes Wire Wheels Value
:link: http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.php?1,412911

Corvair of the Month SEPTEMBER 2017
:link: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=13294&p=91768&hili ... sey#p91768

Image

Image


Image

Re: Corvair knockoffs

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 8:30 am
by AZScott
Thanks Brad,
It looks like from the picture the adapters would work with either 4 bolt or 5 bolt wheels. Since the years offered were 62 through 64 I would believe most (maybe all) would be 13" wheels, but do you know if a 14" was offered also through Chevrolet ? I thought a 14"' was available, so maybe this was only an aftermarket thing.

Re: Corvair knockoffs

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 9:40 am
by Wagon Master
The picture is deceiving. The "extra" holes you see are to fit over the rivets used to fasten the drum to the front hub on an Early. As far as 13" vs. 14".....you're on your own.

Re: Corvair knockoffs

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2018 10:37 am
by 64powerglide
If you look close you will see 4 holes & 4 studs & nuts. Actually you can only see 3 of each, the hub hides the other ones.