Gauging interest in repro 15x8 6-lug steelies!

[joeydurango]

Hey 60-66 crew, I posted this in the 67-72 forum yesterday. At the suggestion of another member, I'm reposting this here because I hear many of you use these 15x8, 6-lug steelies as disc-brake conversion wheels. If that's the case, this may be of interest for you along with us 67-72 owners:

Okay. We all know the 15x8, 6-lug, 4-nub wheels are insanely expensive right now - even for rusty wheels that've been sitting in a field for a decade. So I've been wondering why no one has made repro versions. I wondered that for long enough that I decided to make a call, and now I'm seeing how many folks might be into the idea.

If there were a reproduction steel wheel that looked like the following photo, was pre-finished in white (or primer for whatever color you want), was 15x8, 4" backspacing, 6x5.5 lug pattern, 4-nub for disc brake and 10.25" dog dish compatibility, and cost ~$100-125/wheel (whew, that's a mouthful): Who all would be seriously interested?

If we can get a large enough group together, we might be able to make a case for these... so speak up!

[GMDad]

I have 4 on my truck and a spare so not in need of a set right now but should be popular enough to sell a few sets. I really like them with the small cap and narrow ring.

[dodgiesdad]

A year ago I would have jumped at this. I have found a set of originals and put a lot of work into them to make them rightish. At your price point I would expect them to be quite popular. I could see me with a set next time I need tires.

[andyh1956]

I just bought a set of 5 a couple of months ago for $50 each. Got them from Ted's Trucks & Stuff in Alabama. Great folks there! I found them all over & priced all over so they aint rare-yet!

[Captainfab]

I would think there would be sufficient interest. I am not in need of a set right now, but I would definitely consider new wheels. Also, if someone were to setup and reproduce the 15 x 8's, why not make some 15 x 10's as well?

Even if a guy could find them for $50.00 a wheel. Then by the time you have them blasted, or clean them up yourself and painted, you are close to the cost of a new wheel.

Right now in the '60-'66 classifieds there is a set of four that are all rusty and nasty for $425 plus shipping.

[zach_carver]

I have 5 of OE ones for my truck currently, up until a while back I was looking everywhere for these. Id buy a set just to help you get started. Someone needs to remake these, I think all of them have been scrapped. I live in North Ga and traveled to Charlotte NC to get them and paid entirely too much. But I was just glad to find some!

[sambrutay]

I would say a price point of $90 to $110 you would generate a lot of interest.

[joeydurango]

Awesome, good interest on this side too! Keep it coming, the more the better as far as convincing the powers that be to jump on it.

Andy, I don't know where you're finding them "all over" for decent prices, but that doesn't appear to be the norm...

[zach_carver]

Yea I agree, I looked for months to find mine in the next state over. They are for sure not common here.

[61K10]

Out here on the west coast Stockton wheel make them or did. goggle-------

[NVS-C10]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Right now in the '60-'66 classifieds there is a set of four that are all rusty and nasty for $425 plus shipping.

Ouch!

[jasonmiddlebrooks]

I would be interested

[joeydurango]

61K10, thanks for the lead. I called Stockton Wheel today and they do not make these. The closest they will come is this: Customer provides a 15x6 3-nub wheel, they cut out the center, build it up to fit a new 15x8 outer ring with disc clearance. Cost for a bare steel wheel is $195, plus the cost of the original wheels, plus the cost of paint. Ouch. Could buy the most expensive set of OEM 15x8's I've seen for that... bummer. On with this idea!

[Captainfab]

Here in the Northwest the original 15 x 8, 6 lug wheels are quite difficult to find.

[vince1]

I think there would be interest. I didn't like to throw it out but one of mine was so deeply corroded it went for scrap.

[XLCOR_65]

I'd be interested of sure.

[vince1]

I watched them make wheels like that on 'How It Is Made'. Maybe they would use an existing in production outer rim and only have to re-tool for the center piece.

[joeydurango]

Vince, that's what I was thinking as well... I'll follow up next week with what I find out.

[aotte1]

Would you also make them with the correct 60 to 66 style centers?

[Crazed]

I would be interested in a set

[Johns66]

If this would happen in the next few months I would buy a set.

John

[La Zona Imagery]

I would be very interested in a set of those wheels. If I could get them in black pre-powder coated as well, that would seal the deal.

[Crazed]

Originally Posted by La Zona Imagery

I would be very interested in a set of those wheels. If I could get them in black pre-powder coated as well, that would seal the deal.

Even Better

[jchav62]

These should be a hit. I've had to hunt 8" wheels before, and they are never too easy to find.

[theastronaut]

I've been looking for a set for a couple months now. I need a pair for my '66 and a pair for my dad's '66. Just found a pair of what might be reversed original wheels that have a deeper look. I'll know what width they are after I pull the tires off.