Looking for Rallye wheels - '66 Electra Hi folks. Long time no see! I'm still around and yes I still own the Electra. I have a set of rallye wheels but they are the wrong offset and the fronts are too far in (close to the chassis). The rears are ok as they are better if they are closer to the chassis but the fronts scrub on hard turns (especially when reversing) so they've got to go. I'm in Australia but shipping isn't difficulty and I can guide you through the process or I have local US contacts who can take the wheels for me and ship them to me down here. These must be the correct wheels (backspacing) for a 66 Electra/Wildcat with the correct offset and they also look a little different I believe. A long time ago there was a thread that showed the difference but a search didn't find it for me.
Bill, The correct wheels can be easily identified because they are the only 15" Buick chrome wheels with 5x5 bolt circle that have a 2-1/8" center hole. They can also be identified by the rim code if no tire is mounted--look for 802 or 853 stamped inside. The 802 rim code was used 66-67, and the 853 was used 67-70. The difference is the 853 can be used with disc brakes. Both wheels have the same backspace. Are you sure your current problem is the wheels and not the tires?? John :beer
Hi John. The same tires on the stock wheels don't have a problem and although I could use skinnier tires to ease the problem a little bit I'm guessing that the correct rims will do the trick. Thanks for that info on the numbers. I do remember seeing somewhere that the backspacing is different for different rallye wheels. The earlier versions also look slightly different.
Hi Bill The good news- I've got 11 of the wheels you need :TU: I think even the best ones would need to be rechromed though. I've found the '66 wheels have an "X" stamped in the face of the hub. The way I think its an X to say the '65 centers do not fit... p
Hi Ted, The local chromers don't really want to do the job which is why I was after some really good ones. How bad are the best ones? I'd take two of the best if they were good enough but I don't really want to mess around with re-chroming. Unless you can have it done for me or sent to someone proven to do a good job. If that was the case then I'd get a full set re-chromed and sent over.
You need this style One big difference in the older style rims is the a BIG VALVE STEM. It was used on the first generation Buick rims. The older ones also have the hub ecsentric welded on the back, but that was used up until 1970.
Bill, I spoke with Gary McLean last year (rallyamerica.com) and he said he would still do a set for me. At that time it was $135/wheel. Hopefully he's still at it! Let me get some pictures together. This is a picture of Gary's work:
Jarrod - that is a 71 and newer wheel....or I've gone blind. Can you measure the center hole on that wheel?
Smartin I think your going to need to get your eyes checked. :laugh:. Here is another picture of the rim from the side. The #802 is just like the one pictured above in the 6th position of this thread. I should also point out that the rim on the left is the same looking design in the area shown up to 1978. Although this one has the escentric ring welded in, which has a different offset for 69'-70'.
Buick actually made 4 style rims for 5 on 5 bolt pattern for us Big Buick lovers. People mistake these all the time. I'm going to get picture's later to show all the differences again. I know everyone usually goes by the center hole, but I go by looks. It makes it so much easier to distinguish between them once you see what i'm talking about.
Oh yeah :TU: I can get a couple pics together- I've got 15 x 7's and probably every style in house like you.
Thanks for pointing that out Jarrod. I didn't even see the center ring...should've been a dead giveaway:laugh:ou:
That is one beautiful car. I love the 4 doors. They get little respect but they stand out in a crowd. I just sold my 69' Electra and I was kind of sad but I know it is going to a good home. I also told the guy that if he sells I want first shot. He agreed and since he frequent our place regulary, I will still see it evey now and then.
Some Photos of the wheels for you Bill: :beer you can see 2 of the wheels are not with proper retaining ring- one looks like its been enlarged, the other is missing altogether.
