RE: [Chrysler300] 300 H wire wheels

Additional points:

The original Motor Wheel brand wheels that were installed on ’55-’56 Chryslers and Imperials did not have logos on them. Just a simulated knock-off hubcap. The caps were being reproduced recently. Owners sometimes apply small Chrysler 300 medallions to the center.

The chrome plating process is likely to introduce elemental hydrogen into the steel-setting it up for cracking failure. This problem can be at least partially solved by baking the wheels after plating. This can drive out most of the free hydrogen before it does its damage.

A local wire-wheel repair shop told me it costs more to restore an old chrome wire-spoke wheel than it does to buy a new one. Plated steel spokes are typically replaced with stainless-steel spokes.

Cleaning wire-spoke wheels to show condition consumes a lot of time, Claims of spray-on wheel cleaner effectiveness are grossly overstated.

Personally, I loved them on our ’55 C-300—on later letter-cars-the newer the year, the less I like them.

Rich Barber

Brentwood, CA

From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Carl cbilter@xxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2019 6:40 PM
To: mark love <marklove@xxxxxx>; Tom McMahon <tmcmahon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] 300 H wire wheels

Not only are the wire wheels factory incorrect after 1956, (1957 and later were dealer installed accessories only while supplies lasted), but the repops are not identical to the original Motor Wheel rims. Differences are subtle but evident in the short spoke shapes and “nipples.” Chrysler used 48 spoke wheels on a 5 bolt by 4.5 inch pattern. Imperial and Chrysler wagons (with Imperial suspension) used 52 spoke wheels on 5 bolt by 5.5 inch pattern. Repops might vary as to number of spokes; check carefully if of concern.

This has been addressed in the past but I thought needs repeating. John Lazenby taught me all the subtle differences.

Carl Bilter

From: mark love marklove@xxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2019 7:18 PM
To: Tom McMahon
Cc: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] 300 H wire wheels

Tom:
Tire Rack and the like will sell the classic sizes. I’ve seen Cadillac and Buick logos but not Chrysler. I also tried American Racing Wheel directly. And I think even Coker and Black Diamond handle wheels too when they’re trying to sell you tires. The originals were made by Motor Wheel long gone. Sometimes you’ll see them on ebay or a member will have a set to sell but they usually need to be restored. And some of us would not put them on the car, preferring the correct wheel covers. I have them on Imperials but not the F. Just one opinion. Mark.

On Jun 6, 2019, at 4:09 PM, Tom McMahon tmcmahon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300] <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Does anyone have suggestions for reproduction wire wheels for my 300H? I’ve seen some nice photos but nothing to identify the wheel. I wouldn’t mind something a bit wider than stock width.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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Posted by: "Rich Barber" <c300@xxxxxxx>

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