77 Seville Wire Wheels

[Bigb1064]

Does anyone know if the 77 Seville was offered with a factory optioned wire wheel? If so was that wheel a "Dunlop" from UK? Or were these simply dealer options/add ons? Considering replacing my hubcaps with wires, would like to keep it correct.

Big B
77 Seville
85 Eldo
99 STS

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Genuine wire wheels became a factory option in the 1978 model year and were standard equipment on the Seville Elegante which also appeared in the same model year.

I believe these wheels were manufactured by Kelsey Hayes.

Technically wire wheels would not be correct on a 1977 model however wire wheel covers were definitely optional on a 1977 Seville. The Seville wire wheel covers would have the crest w/ wreath insignia; crest-only is for DeVilles.

HTH, Eric

[Bigb1064]

Thank you for the help! That will save me some $$

[cadimec]

The 1978 Cadillac genuine wire wheels were made by Dunlop of England - however, the spokes were sourced from India (Commonwealth country) and the wheels' quality was so-so.  They require the use of inner-tubes, also.  (ref: Falconer's book: "Cadillac Seville 1975-on")  The 1978 Shop Manual Supplement in fact warns they are not to be used on "prior model Cadillacs" (meaning full-sized cars) as they weren't strong enough.   Interestingly, the manual also states that it is permissable to have "up to three" broken/missing spokes before wheel replacement is mandated.  From 1977 the Seville had the regular Cadillac PCD bolt pattern, so factory wires from 1978-92 will just bolt on.   You would need to find a really good set, as they are almost impossible to restore.

[Glenn R. McLeod]

Wire wheels were offered in 1978, and were initially supplied by Dunlop in the U.K. They were capable of being dismantled for repair and rebuilding if necessary. However, Cadillac changed to Western Wheel Co. which had welded in spokes, and were not capable of being dismantled for repair. This was simply for production line cost reasons.