I’m considering a set of ’53 style chrome wire wheels and would appreciate comments about them. I already know about the cost and cleaning issues. Are there any performance issues? Do they remain true and round with typical cruise car use? Do they hold air or leak down slowly? Is there any difference between those advertised with 48 and 54 spokes? Any experience would be helpful.
Any suggestions about a reliable vendor? ....You can send me negative feedback by PM.
Thanks,
Ralph
Ralph,
If the wire wheels are original you will need to run tubes or they will leak.
I've had them on my 53 for a year or so with no problem. I had them checked, trued, and the bad spokes replaced.
Picture attached.
The Johnny
Ralph, I am no expert but am in the middle of restoring 2 sets of 1954 Kelsey Hayes 40 spokes wheels. I have 14 of them. They make repops in the 48 and 52's. The more spokes the stronger they are. But that being said the more you get way from the 40 spokes the more it changes the looks. Stainless spokes are a must in my opinion. They are stronger and are needed with the radial tire. The Wheel Smith in LA makes nice wheels. You should not have to do anything to them. The new ones can be ran as tubeless. They seal the spokes. If you buy used drop me a line. They have a restored set for sale on eBay that I think you can buy for $3000. They were on CL for $3000 anyway.
http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=127665.msg249383;topicseen#lastPost
Guys,
Thanks for your replies. I should have clearer in my first post.
I'm considereing a set of new, reproduction Kelsey Hayes style wheels for my '66. That part of my inquiry was perfectly clear in my mind when I wrote the post. Too bad I didn't write what I was thinking....... :-[
Ralph
Ralph, I have some photos for you of a 66 with 48 spokes on it. That's my sons 61 with KH 40 spokes on it at good-guys. Enjoy. Dave
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1216.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd362%2Faa010175%2F083b7cbaeb29000579d5ad6ecf67e25e_zps9aeb6d1b.jpg&hash=817e165a4c4811810d40018c9fe5f4c72644a8bc)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1216.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd362%2Faa010175%2F84c7a2650e13397f5b44fec2188aa6ee_zps745ec06a.jpg&hash=2ef5d023030087a92a3006ea22c12915595d867e)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1216.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd362%2Faa010175%2F20273af1fed343eb41cc30550d107f57_zps11cdb734.jpg&hash=6672d712d61ccdc5afa5e3e84406269b943656af)
Ralph -
My 66 has the repro KH style wheels from Mac Daddy. I think they are 52 spokes. I had them trued and balanced 3 years ago when new radials were mounted. Have had no leaks, problems, or issues. I just drove the car 150 miles on the tollway @ 70 MPH and it was smooth. The wheels are fine for normal driving. Most people like them - but sometimes I find the wheels to be overly flashy and would prefer the stock wheel covers. Also, the '53 style logos on the center caps don't suit the car and I want to replace with 1966 logos, but haven't found any that fit so far.
Regards, Paul Nesbitt