Wanted: Classic-style Cadillac Wire Wheels

[benrobertson]

Wanted: Chrome Wire wheels-15"- to fit a 1959 Cadillac Coupe De Ville. Not the old 1950s factory Kelsey Hayes wires, but modern ones (classic styje) with the large hubcaps. Must be in like new condition, no broken spokes, lifting chrome, rust, curb rash, damaged rim edges, etc. Must be American-Made, no Chinese or Third World made junk.

Ben Robertson, 713-772-2140 or ben.robetson@sbcglobal.net. Member #25852.

[Otto Skorzeny]

Hi Ben,

Try this company. 100% hand made in USA reproductions of Kelsey Hayes wire wheels.

http://www.cadillacworld.net/CadillacKelseyHayesWheelsforsale.html

[benrobertson]

Forrest,

Thanks, I checked those out. Kantor has American made wires for $1200 a set. Do not know how they compare to each other.

As I am going to do the Coupe De Ville in Candy Apple Red and all white leather, I thought a set of wires would set it off nicely.
I have a brand new set of Goodyear American Eagles, LR78x15, still in the paper wrapers, with blue on the twin white wall lines properly stored with no dry rot, set aside for this car.

I had American Eagles (correct me if I am wrong on the make) on a triple white 1958 Eldorado Brougham I bought in Dallas in 1962 (had 11,000 miles on it-cost $4295). Those tires had an inner tire you filled with air on the sidewall like airing up a basket ball. Blew  a front tire  out at speed and they did as advertised. Stopped straight, not in the bar ditch. I remeber they were extremely expensive to replace.

regards,
Ben

[Otto Skorzeny]

At half the price, Kantor's set looks pretty appealing. I don't know anything about them but I'm sure someone will chime in. So much of Kantor's stuff is made in China these days I'm surprised their rims are made in USA. Who knows, though?

The $1200 set that Kantor sells isn't really correct for the '59 though. They are the 70 spoke style from the 1970s.The center medallion is smaller diameter and not correct for '59 either - plus they charge you an extra $200 for them.

Kantor's other set compares more favorably to Mac Daddy with 48 spokes and correct looking caps for $1700. Still a lot less than MacDaddy.

[Ben Robertson]

Forrest,

The extra cost of 4 extra spokes or stainless steel spokes would be worth the extra money. In 1960,I bought a 1954 Eldorado Convertible that had factory wire wheels. I ran it for 3 years before moving up to an Eldorado Brougham. The convertible,for such a heavy car,  would break spokes a lot. Enough to put you off wire wheels.

\Regards,
Ben

[XGLEGAL]

Ben/Forrest:  Perhaps you should check this source out as well....

http://hobbycar.com/cadillac.html