1969 oem style wheel options

[Tired Sheep]

What are the options for 69 wheels?

I know about Legendary (china) and the offering from Coker (USA)

Are there others?

[69 GT350 Vert]

There is also Paradise Wheels at this link.   http://paradisewheels.biz/power/wheels/

How do the 69 Shelby rims from Coker (Specialty Wheels) compare against the Paradise wheels?

[Bob Gaines]

Coker has a steel lug put into the center aluminum casting and that lug is welded to the steel rim.  I am not sure if Paradise does the welding or if he uses cap screws to hold the center to the rim like he does when he restores originals. If he does the cap screw then that would be the one to get. You can do creative camouflage to make the capscrew heads look more like original rivets  .  Or so I'm told 

[DaveB330]

I'm glad this topic came up again. I am trying to decide if I send my 4 original, riveted wheels to Paradise where, from all I have read, he saves the center piece and attaches same to a new DOT-approved outer rim, via cap screws instead of rivets.  The other option seems to be to go with his USA-made repro's, which I have heard are very good, or the Coker/Specialty wheels [also USA made?].  To make it even more complex, I have heard that sometimes the original centers might not even be useable [out-of-true and not repairable?].  So then maybe you went and theoretically 'destroyed' four 36,000 mile [with rusty outers] original wheels for naught.  I think my orig's are not super-bad, no impact damage to them, just the outer rim rust from sitting 10+ years. So I am leaning toward Paradise repro's and saving back the originals to stay with the car, but thought I'd throw this out there for the experts to offer opinions. As backstory, I would like to drive the car sometimes and go to local events/shows. Thanks...         

[Mark500]

I installed repops..on my GT500.. have two sets of originals ..  Works for me.   I have one of those original sets on my faster 408C cougar convertible.. I tear the shit out of that car and the wheels have not flown off yet.

[Bob Gaines]

I'm glad this topic came up again. I am trying to decide if I send my 4 original, riveted wheels to Paradise where, from all I have read, he saves the center piece and attaches same to a new DOT-approved outer rim, via cap screws instead of rivets.  The other option seems to be to go with his USA-made repro's, which I have heard are very good, or the Coker/Specialty wheels [also USA made?].  To make it even more complex, I have heard that sometimes the original centers might not even be useable [out-of-true and not repairable?].  So then maybe you went and theoretically 'destroyed' four 36,000 mile [with rusty outers] original wheels for naught.  I think my orig's are not super-bad, no impact damage to them, just the outer rim rust from sitting 10+ years. So I am leaning toward Paradise repro's and saving back the originals to stay with the car, but thought I'd throw this out there for the experts to offer opinions. As backstory, I would like to drive the car sometimes and go to local events/shows. Thanks...         

I think the paradise repros will cost the same as having the originals restored. Given the restored wheels will not look completely genuine after restoration anyway you may want to buy the repros and keep the original set with the car. If you decide to have them restored which in a sliding scale is better then the welded center repro ones ,Craig's repro centers are identical to the genuine and in the event the original are not usable they can be substituted . I often wonder if the centers are not automatically substituted regardless. I like the capscrew over the welded center. But that is just me. 

[TOBKOB]

I also just put my originals on the shelf and bought repros for my car. Like Bob said the cost is the about the same and if originals are restored they look like the repros anyway, so why do it?   

TOB

[69 GT350 Vert]

I spoke to Craig at Paradise Wheels a few weeks ago.  He said the center sections are cast at Buddy Bar. 

[markl350]

I just got my new wheels from Paradise. I'm very impressed with the quality and service. After speaking with Craig who was very helpful I decided not to attempt getting them restored due to the corrosion between the center section and rim. Better yet I got them on the East Coast in just a couple of weeks.

[shelbymann1970]

Craig restored 2 sets for me in early 1990. They were both put back on 1970 Shelbys from which they came from. The set on my vert still look good after 30 years. Gary

[Bob Gaines]

I put 18" Halibrands on my GT350 w modern MICHELINs & BAER brakes.  I love the look.

I suppose to each their own or is your intent to Troll with your post? You have been quite busy posting recently.  

[Bob Gaines]

Just showing options.

I'm new I post a lot when I can't race

OK so ether a admitted CAR guy who races and has a lot of high profile cars is so clueless that he doesn't know what "OEM" in the subject line means (FYI -Original Equipment Manufactuer ) OR you are trying to be a internet Troll and malisiously provoke some kind argument on purpose by posting a picture of your clearly non OEM polar opposite after market wheels on purpose. Which is it?

[Forum Guide]

I'm new I post a lot when I can't race

Things must be slow at the old oval.

Try and let detailed tech discussions stay on topic, especially those covering the finer points. Save the diversions for other non-tech topics

Thanks....

[HUBBELL RACING]

Ok, sorry. Just excited to show off my new wheels.  Road courses just opening up. It's been too long.