Bernhard

Hi
Did any 68 wood wheels make it into the 1969 model year?
I know you could still order it in 1969 as my Dad ordered one for his 69 Cutlass. The wheel was replaced with a deluxe wheel by the factory because the wood wheel was discontinued.
What is the price rage of these wheels with hub?
Thanks

joe_padavano

The 1969 steering column is larger in diameter than the 68 column due to the locking feature. The 68 hub is too small in diameter. No, you can't put a three spoke wood wheel on the larger four spoke wheel hub due to the fact that the three spoke wheel requires a notch in the hub to clear the third spoke where it overlaps the other two.

MI68442W30

A 68 wood wheel uses a one year only hub that is hard to find if you need one , hub is smaller than later hubs and you would have to use the later hub on a 69 column ,for a wheel with no cracks w/ hub expect to pay $750.00 to a $1000.00 .complete that is w/ horn parts/cap . less for a cracked wheel of course.

MI68442W30

Joe beat to it ,but you can use the hub from a 69 Buick 3 spoke , I had one on my car until I found a 68 hub. to clarify I used a 69 hub on 68 column ,it worked but did rub while turning . my original 68 hub was too damaged to use, I found a original replacement eventually.

joe_padavano

It was one-year-only for Olds, but not across all GM. Chevy and Buick both used the same hub for 67-68. They fit 67-68 Camaros, so they are reproduced and available from Camaro repro houses for about $45. Of course, it still won't fit a 69-up column.

JohnnyBs68S

Wow, I had no idea these were so valuable. Glad mine's not cracked!

MI68442W30

thanks Joe ,yes 68 Olds only. aftermarket wheels do not look as original . I don't buy repop parts ,only as a last resort. I can't fathom why anybody repops parts and doesn't make them accurately. too many junk unuseable repop parts out there! making originals worth good money.

joe_padavano

I'm not talking about the aftermarket wheel, only the hub.

MI68442W30

Lighten up, I realize you said hub. it's about value of original parts. these wood wheels specifically and my computer was malfunctioning.

Bernhard

Hi
Thanks for all the reply's.
Its funny how the wheel was still listed as a option in 69 but could not fit the 69 column. The 1970 Buick GS came with a 3 spoke wheel that looks similar to the 68 wheel,I wonder if that hub would work on the 69?
Thanks again for all the great info !

Gary's 2 442-S

A member here recently posted one for sale.
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...urst-olds.html

rob1960

Eckler's camaro & chevelle sites show the notched hub for '69-up. I think it was around $45. If you're handy you can add the notch to the '70 & up Olds hub, they all use the same 6 screw pattern.

joe_padavano

The hubs for all 1969-up columns will interchange, and the six hole screw pattern on the three spoke wheels is the same as on the four spoke wheels. The only difference is the notch.

droldsmorland

Clarification...It's simulated wood-grained plastic. The 68 vette has a similar (if not exact) simulated wood grained wheel with the overlapping 3rd lower spoke. Im not 100% sure but I believe the dish on the vette is slightly deeper. At least rumor has it deeper. I dont see a difference. Same hub same style horn button etc...One of these days I will pull the Olds and Vette wheels and put them side by side.
I have a thing for 68s.
FYI there is a 68 wheel for sale in the classified ads.

Bernhard

Thanks for all the reply's
The wheel in the classifieds lead me to inquire if a 68 wheel ever made it onto a 69. As most know the 69 standard wheel is very prone to cracking.
The 68 wood wheel is also very sharp looking wheel and would have been another option to another very cool wheel the deluxe wheel.
My Dads 68 had the wood wheel that's why when he placed the order for his 69 he checked the wood wheel option.
I don't wont to put the 68 wheel on my 69 if it never could have been factory or dealer installed.
I always learn something when posting questions on Classic Oldsmobile
Thanks

droldsmorland

I believe the 70-72 4 spoke wheel will work on the new style column, 69+ Then theres the rare rim blow wheel for 69.

Bernhard

Back when it was an acceptable practice we installed a 70 wheel on a 69. Today I think differently about mixing years.
I never thought about it until you brought up the 70 wheel. We did this back in the early 80's thanks for jogging the old memory

droldsmorland

Memory is the second thing to go...