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FOUND - NO LONGER NEEDED - THANK YOU - WANTED: 1969-1972 OEM Paintable Rally Wheels. SS2's (4) 15"x7. Close to Massachusetts so I can pick them up in person. Thanks
WANTED: 1969-1972 OEM Paintable Rally Wheels. SS2's (4) 15"x7. Close to Massachusetts so I can pick them up in person. Thanks
I think the only 15" wheels matching your description are 69 H/O wheels. All other SS II and SS III wheel (the same wheels with different paint) are 14". The 75-77 wheels are all 15" with push on caps. If you want 15" with bolt on caps you're either going to have to fork over big money for H/O wheels, or have someone put early centers into late barrels and have something unique.
Well, the picture he lifted is a 74 15x7 one year only rim. It has a trim ring. The 69 is a chromed rim. Either way, prepare to pay big big.
68 and 69 SSIIs were 14x6. 70-73 were 14x7. They went to snap on caps in 75. Recommend OP goes for smaller rims, or the 15x7 snap on center rims, unless both car and wallet are worthy.
Well, the picture he lifted is a 74 15x7 one year only rim. It has a trim ring. The 69 is a chromed rim. Either way, prepare to pay big big.
68 and 69 SSIIs were 14x6. 70-73 were 14x7. They went to snap on caps in 75. Recommend OP goes for smaller rims, or the 15x7 snap on center rims, unless both car and wallet are worthy.
The picture he posted is a 1975-up wheel with snap-in centers.
Ok, so the wheel I used was just a google photo I found. I have a 1969 442 that came with brand new 15x7 & 15x8 Cragar wheels. It also included (4) 14x7 said to be original rally wheels that in need of a repaint. I thought 1969 442's had painted wheels? I'm still debating just having the stock 14x7's painted and find new trims & center caps and forgetting the 15's altogether. This is my car as she sits now with the 15's. Show me if you have a picture of what the correct wheels are for a 1969 442?
The only SuperStock II wheels that were factory-available on the 1969 cars were 14x6 argent-painted wheels. Body color SuperStock III wheels were not offered until the 1971 model year.
Best solution is to order repops from Wheel Vintiques or some other recommended aftermarket supplier. 15 × 7 is easy-peasy, clears discs if ya got'em and will look great. I've had WV chrome SS I's on my '69 4-4-2 convertible for about 15 years and they drive great and have held up well.
They won't be exactly correct for your car but they will look beautiful and be just what you want and a lot cheaper than unobtainium H/O wheels which, by the way, won't be correct for your car either.
Here is a picture of the 14x6 rim from a 1968 442. The only difference between the 68 and the 69 is the inclusion of the five stainless inserts you see on most other SS II/III rims (80's inserts were more squared off than rounded) and the trim ring has more of a satin finish.
SS II/III rims were 14x7 from 1970 until 1974, when the rare 15" ones were introduced alongside the 14x7. Note that 1969 H/O SS II were chrome around the outside instead of using a trim ring, I believe they were also 15x7 instead of 14x6.
These use the bolt on center caps used on all SS II/III from 68-74. As Joe P. mentioned, snap on caps were used from 1975-1988
All SS II/III rims will clear stock disc brakes regardless of what you might hear/see otherwise.
My car is a 69 Cutlass S with these wheels and a disc conversion kit. No issues with clearance.
Last edited by joes_olds; Nov 21, 2024 at 05:04 PM.
The picture he posted is a 1975-up wheel with snap-in centers.
Regardless, my information is accurate. The picture was off a thread that Fun71 made about his 15x7 wheels.
a 74 15x7 one year only rim. It has a trim ring. The 69 is a chromed rim. Either way, prepare to pay big big.
68 and 69 SSIIs were 14x6. 70-73 were 14x7. They went to snap on caps in 75. Recommend OP goes for smaller rims, or the 15x7 snap on center rims, unless both car and wallet are worthy.
This is correct information. Disbelieve if you wish.
So what I'm getting from the comments posted is that a 1969 Oldsmobile 442 came with 14"x6" rally wheels painted Argent Color as shown in post #14 by Joes_Olds which is the same photo I copied here. Am I correct? I also don't think it would be wrong if I had the 14"x7" rally wheels painted Argent and put those on the car, just my opinion. I might even go Black just to match the Stripes, Vinyl Top and Interior. I think it would like nice.
You are correct, but you do you. If you're not planning to enter it in judged shows, that certainly opens up more possibilities.
Be aware, however, that if you go the factory correct 14×6 route and want the SS I, there was a running change in design mid-year '69 that enables the wheel to accommodate disc brakes (I think you have those ...?) -- early model year SS I's (and prior) won't clear. I believe @Koda has an older post on this phenomenon but I can't seem to locate it.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Nov 22, 2024 at 09:52 AM.
It's really up to you and what look you're going for. I like the 14x6 wheel because it's not as recessed as the 14x7, but many others like the extra width for a wider tire. Either way I think you'll pay a little more for 14 tire over the 15 tire with less options.
Lots of people use the 15" wheel with the snap on caps on these cars to good effect as well.
More people seem to paint their wheels other colors than argent than not.
There's a plethora of aftermarket options like you have with the Cragars in many sizes to suit your style.
These are the Stock 14"x7" Rally Wheels that came with the car that I'm going to sandblast and repaint. I think these are SSII's if I'm not mistaken, just not sure of the year? I test fitted the wheels today and they fit the car with the front disc conversion. I'll most likely be buying from FUSICK Automotive Parts unless there's a better source. Also thinking about going with 245/60/14 Front and 255/60/14 Rear. Thoughts on sizes?
Your proposed tire sizes with 14" wheels will result in a short, fat tire that, while it will provide a good footprint with a possible effective lowering of gearing, may look kind of awkward trying to fill up those big wheel wells with a wheel/tire combo whose diameter is significantly smaller than OEM.
The tires on my own '69 are 235/60/14 and are still somewhat dwarfed by the large wheel well aperture. I will probably go to a 70-series aspect ratio when it's time for new tires. Either that, or go to a 15".
Your proposed tire sizes with 14" wheels will result in a short, fat tire that, while it will provide a good footprint with a possible effective lowering of gearing, may look kind of awkward trying to fill up those big wheel wells with a wheel/tire combo whose diameter is significantly smaller than OEM.
The tires on my own '69 are 235/60/14 and are still somewhat dwarfed by the large wheel well aperture. I will probably go to a 70-series aspect ratio when it's time for new tires. Either that, or go to a 15".
Sounds fair. It's really hard to decide, to be honest. It'd be nice to see an actual 1969 442 with the tires I'm proposing, not having any luck thus far. Now that I decided on the size that I'd prefer, I can't find any. I have an opportunity to purchase 4 15" Rally wheels, but I have no idea what they're from. Pictured below, any idea what they came off of and if they'd fit? They are 15"x7". I may have to do that instead. I just don't like the Cragars that are on the car at present time.
If you want to go ahead with the 14" wheels (which will look great) the usual recommended tire size is a 225/70/14. That, in conjunction with your wheels should provide an overall diameter within 1" of OEM, IIRC.
Last edited by BangScreech4-4-2; Nov 22, 2024 at 03:02 PM.
You are correct, but you do you. If you're not planning to enter it in judged shows, that certainly opens up more possibilities.
Be aware, however, that if you go the factory correct 14×6 route and want the SS I, there was a running change in design mid-year '69 that enables the wheel to accommodate disc brakes (I think you have those ...?) -- early model year SS I's (and prior) won't clear. I believe @Koda has an older post on this phenomenon but I can't seem to locate it.
Ok, this is to the best of my knowledge.
The 66-67 SSI will not do disc brakes.
The SSII was to be introduced for the 68 year, but dragged a little, so the SSI was continued. The SSII CAN do factory disc (all sizes and types of SSII can) and the small amount of 68 SSIs cannot (because they are 66-67 type). So, SSI is ok for drum brake 68s. You will not see a 68 H/O with them as they are disc brake cars.
The SSI was briefly made by another vendor, in 69, still all chrome and no trim ring, but with a disc brake compatible hoop. Still 14x6. These are pricey.
Special SSIIs that were all chrome, no trim ring, are 15x7 for 69 H/O only. I don't know if 69 H/O only came with these wheels.
In 70, SSI and SSII went to 14x7, both with trim ring, both disc brake compatible. These are good wheels. SSI sunsetted in 71, I believe, and was not available for 72.
74 had 15x7 trim ring bolt on cap SSIIs.
75 went to Snap On cap, still trim ring, and that continued for many years.
83 and 84 H/O and the 442s, I believe, had all chrome, and black, and there was a pin stripe, special SSIIIs. These clear even more disc brake setups, like Wilwoods.
Those 15x7 snap ons will fit ALL Olds A bodies. The snap on 15x7 is an excellent, affordable wheel. With good chrome, it looks just as great as the older ones.
Buy 5 if you can. The trunk looks better with a nice SS wheel in it, too.
The 66-67 SSI will not do disc brakes.
The SSII was to be introduced for the 68 year, but dragged a little, so the SSI was continued. The SSII CAN do factory disc (all sizes and types of SSII can) and the small amount of 68 SSIs cannot (because they are 66-67 type). So, SSI is ok for drum brake 68s. You will not see a 68 H/O with them as they are disc brake cars.
The SSI was briefly made by another vendor, in 69, still all chrome and no trim ring, but with a disc brake compatible hoop. Still 14x6. These are pricey.
Special SSIIs that were all chrome, no trim ring, are 15x7 for 69 H/O only. I don't know if 69 H/O only came with these wheels.
In 70, SSI and SSII went to 14x7, both with trim ring, both disc brake compatible. These are good wheels. SSI sunsetted in 71, I believe, and was not available for 72.
74 had 15x7 trim ring bolt on cap SSIIs.
75 went to Snap On cap, still trim ring, and that continued for many years.
83 and 84 H/O and the 442s, I believe, had all chrome, and black, and there was a pin stripe, special SSIIIs. These clear even more disc brake setups, like Wilwoods.
Those 15x7 snap ons will fit ALL Olds A bodies. The snap on 15x7 is an excellent, affordable wheel. With good chrome, it looks just as great as the older ones.
Buy 5 if you can. The trunk looks better with a nice SS wheel in it, too.
Great information Koda - Can you answer my question in post #22 which is a picture of (4) 15x7 wheels, what wheels are these and will they fit my 1969 442 with Disc brake converion? Also, what center caps will go with these wheels? Thank you
Great information Koda - Can you answer my question in post #22 which is a picture of (4) 15x7 wheels, what wheels are these and will they fit my 1969 442 with Disc brake converion? Also, what center caps will go with these wheels? Thank you
I can answer question #1 -- they will definitely fit your '69 with discs as long as it's a factory-style conversion and not 13" Wilwoods or something like that.
Great information Koda - Can you answer my question in post #22 which is a picture of (4) 15x7 wheels, what wheels are these and will they fit my 1969 442 with Disc brake converion? Also, what center caps will go with these wheels? Thank you
Originally Posted by Koda
Those 15x7 snap ons will fit ALL Olds A bodies. The snap on 15x7 is an excellent, affordable wheel. With good chrome, it looks just as great as the older ones.
Ok, so you're referring to the wheels I pictured as "Those 15x7 snap ons". Which center caps will work on these wheels? I'm assuming the one's I circled, correct?
Ok, so you're referring to the wheels I pictured as "Those 15x7 snap ons". Which center caps will work on these wheels? I'm assuming the one's I circled, correct? https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/classicoldsmobile.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/pxl_20241123_175411649_mp_559d88ee9b78744a10a4844e 355e5a4c735f5148.jpg
Yes, push-on is usually called "snap-in" by everyone else. Note that Fusick also has the SS II vs SS III thing wrong. Also the years of application.
Great! Now I'm totally confused. Oh well, I'll keep looking
I can see how all the bits of info can be confusing.
The bolt-on vs snap-on thing is readily apparent when you see a wheel. Your picture of 4 rims are snap on center caps. The bolt-on rims are hub centric just like most of the common steel rims you've ever seen.
Availability chart for SS II/III (easy to hard to find)
14" w/ snap-on centers Correct for 78-88
15" w/ snap-on centers Correct for 75-88 (mostly)
14x7" w/ bolt- on centers Correct for 70-74
14x6" w/ bolt-on centers Correct for 68-69
Common variants - harder to find clean ones
14" outer chrome band snap-on centers 84-88
15" outer chrome band snap-on centers 83-88
IMO, it comes down to 15" w/ snap on caps or 14" w/ bolt-on caps. These are the easiest to find for your car. You could get a 14" snap on, but why when the bolt-on look better IMO
Where can I find these wheels new or used? There's a set for sale on Market Place but the person has a buyer for them. I asked him to let me know if it falls through.
That is a purely aftermarket wheel. I believe the Wheel Vintiques guy is out of his noncompete and is making wheels again after selling to jegs or summit or whatever. Things come up for sale various places, or you can have new ones made.
Where can I find these wheels new or used? There's a set for sale on Market Place but the person has a buyer for them. I asked him to let me know if it falls through.
As Koda mentioned, WV appears to have undergone a change of ownership. It may be more difficult to find those wheels now but I'm pretty sure you can if you fire up your Google machine.
Yes I looked on their website but didn't see those wheels. Thanks
Year One appears to carry them in a fairly wide variety of sizes. There is a generic disclaimer about possible "supply chain delays" so I would call them up and talk to an actual human before forking over my CC number. In my own experience with YO I have found them to be a reliable and conscientious vendor.
I remember when I was shopping for my wheels WV was a supplier to YO, but no idea if that's still the case.
Year One appears to carry them in a fairly wide variety of sizes. There is a generic disclaimer about possible "supply chain delays" so I would call them up and talk to an actual human before forking over my CC number. In my own experience with YO I have found them to be a reliable and conscientious vendor.
I remember when I was shopping for my wheels WV was a supplier to YO, but no idea if that's still the case.
Thank you. I've checked YO and they only have 17" wheels for Oldsmobile from my search. I will make some calls this week. I have a local wheel dealer who has many wheels & connections. Thanks for the information.
