Hi, I was planning on ordering a set and before I do wanted to ask. I have researched multiple threads and looked at documentation. WG’s have ~4 3/8 back spacing, 71 and later have the same back spacing and why they don’t have the same ~1” reveal on the lip (the qtr test) is attributable to the 71 and later center having a deeper lug nut recess which looks to be much deeper (~1/4-3/8”) than a 70 wheel. The repops have a 4” backspace with the correct wg 1” reveal but since using the 71 and later center is why w a 4” backspace they have the same reveal. My plan is to use these wheels this year while I get my WG’s re-chromed. Any advice or corrections to my assumptions would be appreciated. Or if some has pictures of one of these wheels would be great too. Wheel Vintiques 57-573404 - Wheel Vintiques 57 Series Buick-Style Chrome with Black Powdercoated Slot Wheels Wheel, Buick Style, Steel, Chrome, 15 in.x 7 in., 5 x 4.75 in. Bolt Circle, 4 in. Backspace,
I believe in addition the '70 vs. '71-up centers being different as you noted (a dead giveaway), that the rim itself is also different - I have some of both here & will have to check/illustrate when I get a chance. Wheel Vintiques probably made the decision to make the "WG" lip/ reveal look correct at the expense of the offset/backspace (offset being a better way to measure) being different because they could not get a rim/center combination to work correctly and achieve both and figured (correctly) that ppl would rather have the WG "look" but now you've changed the steering geometry for better or worse.
The aftermarket wheel manufacturers use the same rim for their 70-72 wheels and “slide” it in and out to create the different looks for the outward facing part of the wheels, and yes that will change the back spacing. All the original 70-72 15” rims had a 4 3/8” backspacing. Duane
I had Wheel Vintiques build a pair of wheels a few years (or more) back using the later centers. I specified an 8" rim with 4-3/4" rear spacing, and they ended up looking remarkably close to the WG wheel outwardly. Once you know what to look for on the early centers however, the later centers stick out like a sore thumb.
Back in 2005, I purchased four Rallye (code 57) from Wheel Vintiques. From installation, there seemed to be a vibration. A few years later, my buddy & I jacked up the rear end & used jack stands, & wheel blocks on front wheels. We ran the wheels upto ?? mph. U could see that the rims were out of round & laterally displaced for a wobble. Swapped front to rear & ran test again. Similar problems. I had Steve Caruso replace the rim shells on all the wheels. They are spot on!! Beware.
