65 GS Skylark Ralley Wheel Centers

[Gold65GS]

Been going through a number of 65 GS Skylark pics. I noticed that a fare number of 65 GS cars have the black-out section of the ralley wheel painted argent silver instead of black. Was this an option back then? And/or why are some painted argent and some painted black?

Thanks

[Mark Ascher]

The silver or gray is correct for the center sections of the 65 wheels.
I'm not sure if anyone has a paint match for this, but I'd sure like to know.
Some 65 wheels I'm sure were repainted black, or later wheels were used.
Real 65 wheels are pretty tough to find these days.

Mark

[wkillgs]

Mark, are the centers different on the 65, or is it just the paint?

[SpecialWagon65]

Subscribing to thread- I have an opinion on this but no facts!:laugh:

[Nailhead]

My memory is the 65 GS had tri-shield centers and the regular Skylarks had the "fat bird" in red. Might be visible in 65 sales brochures.
John

[Mark Ascher]

Walt,
I think the centers themselves are different, but I'm no expert on these.
The centers also have a different finish, like they weren't polished before plating.
I also have been told that the welds on the inside are different for 65.
I don't know about the 66 wheels however.

Ted, opinions please!

John, I think the discussion is about the wheel centers, not the actual caps.
I thought all the 65s had the "bird" center caps.

I'll try and get some pics posted of mine later.

Mark

[Gold65GS]

Thanks to all for your thoughts.

My question is focused on the actual wheel center where the lugs are, not the center cap. Why are some 65 GS wheels argent silver and some black?

Not to derail my original question but as far as I knew the 65 center caps were red with the bird's wings in the down position, while the 66 center cap was red with the bird's wings in the swepted back position.

[gofastgs1965]

The first 65 wheels were done in the dark charcoal or argent, the centers are polished then chromed, not shot pinned like the later ones, most restored cars do not have the original wheels on them, this expains why most are black centers or they are painted when restored. Also 65 center hubs are placed right on the edge, no off set ( disc brake wheels have a deep offset!) If you are looking for 65 wheels they will be stapmed 810 (813) for the 66's and have the motor wheel logo on them, also will say uni-style jk on them! Some early 66's also have these wheels. when the 65-66 came with factory ordered wheels there will be 5 wheels (spare is also road wheel). Only about 6000 of the 65 specials, skylarks, GS had factory ordered wheels on them out the 100 thousands built! A special with factory road wheels is very rare only around 30 built.The special used the tri-shield emblem out of the 64 hub cap in the center caps, instead of the bird.! Many cars had dealer installed wheels, most of the time only 4 on the car, they did not want to spring for the spare! I saw a 65 gs that was not sold till august of 66, and they put the wheels on to dress it up, ( selling point). Hope this helps!I can send some pics if the stamping will show up in the pics E-mail me gofastgs1965@aol.com

[Mark Ascher]

Jon,

Great Info! My wheels are stamped with "14 x 6 JK Unistyle". Also stamped with "813C".
The Motor Wheel logo on the one I checked was pretty hard to make out.
They also have the chrome centers as you describe.
Mine also had the chrome wheel for the spare.
I took photos and will post them later.

Mark

[SpecialWagon65]

I think I have 3 65 wheels- they still are the grey color similar to the 65 Wildcat wheels.
Mark- you said "I also have been told that the welds on the inside are different for 65" and the wheels I have have 4 welds @ 4" and the 68 wheels are close but the welds are continuous. Contour of the rim is slightly different I think. I got to get me camera out!
Ted

[Mark Ascher]

Ted,

That what my wheels have - 4 welds on the inside.
I was told that later wheels are welded all the way around.
I'll get pics up tonite.

Mark