Re: IML: ventilated wheels on 65's

Hi there,

I have to respectfully take issue with Paul's response to your wheel cracking problem. First, let me tell you that I worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber for 10 years so this is not not just an "off the cuff" response. Paul is correct in telling you that the stresses of running radial tires probably cracked the wheels. This happens because the wheels on your Imperial were not made to be subjected to the pressure that radials put on the center of the wheel. Later rims were reinforced so this would not happen, but it has nothing to do with the idea that the "cars were never meant to last this long." The truth is, they WERE! The mentality of auto manufacturers at the time was overkill, if anything. The rim's age has nothing to do with these problems (there are cars out there 100 years old on their original wheels) it's the radial tire causing issues. Remember, in those days, cars went out of style, they were not disposable. Paul's comment about the leaking rims because of rust happens on Suba rus that are 5 years old or less. One solution here is to find a later model car (preferably a Mopar) with the same lug pattern, width and size as an older car. You will find that most companies kept these dimensions the same for years and thus, will fit an older car. AS a result, you will have the same wheel, really, but it will be made for a radial tire. I have a '68 Impala and a "66 Pontiac Catalina that I wanted to put radials on. For the Impala, I simply ordered 4 wheels for a '78 Chevy Nova, (made for radials) and they were the same width, size and bolt pattern as the older Impala. For the Pontiac, I went with wheels from an 80's Grand Prix. Hope this helps!

Steve Coan, '58 Crown hardtop

-----Original Message-----
From: RandalPark@xxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 22:38:46 -0500
Subject: Re: IML: ventilated wheels on 65's

This has been discussed before, so others have had the same problem. Some say 
that it happens due to the stresses of running radial tires.

My experience has been that corrosion from "fix a flat" or just moisture in the 
tire has damaged the rim from the inside and caused it to leak. I also had one 
corrode behind a balance weight and make a leaking hole. Try to remember that 
the cars were never meant to last this long.

You should have your rims checked for structural integrity. If they check out 
okay, clean them up good and install an inner-tube. The vented rims are 
necessary to properly cool the brakes. If you have to run without them, try to 
at least keep vented ones on the front where you need them the most.

Paul

In an email dated Sun, 13 3 2005 2:06:45 am GMT, Cebuisle2@xxxxxxx writes:

>Has anyone but me experienced trouble with the steel wheels on 65's? I have  
>had several crack in the center while in use, releasing all the air, of  
>course. Two cracked on the same trip one time, had to abandon the car and  rent 
a 
>car to get home to pick up extra wheels, and then return to claim the  car. 
>Never had this happen with the wheels from my 55, ended up installing  earlier 
>wheels on my 65 convert before parking it eight years ago-
> 
>Was there a bad batch of wheels? I think they were Budd manufactured-
> 
>                                                                              
>              Ted
>

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