hadafew

I haven't been here awhile, but hoping I can get some info from the board.
The '71 Cutlass I owned years ago was Viking Blue with the same color used on the wheels. I have always liked those wheels, and thought they were some of the best any OEM ever came up with. What was the correct term for those? Sport wheels?,... or was that only the steering wheel.....?
Also, what years used the 14" and the 15" wheels, and were they the same quality? If I recall correctly, the 14" wheels were quite nice, but I wanted 15's and for some reason didn't go that way. I seem to recall they got "cheaper" looking as time when on, not to offend anyone here. Is there any aftermarket supplier making wheels that look the same and use the OEM stainless rings and center caps? Lots of question....

OldsAl

Depends which wheels you are referring to. SS1 or SS11's. They were both 14 inch rims in 1971 but many people will go to a reproduction in the 15 inch size. Go to Wheel Vintiques. Al

4speed455

If they were body color they are SSIII wheels. The SSII wheels were the same rim only painted argent. They early ones we're bolt on center caps. Then they changed to the snap on center caps. Both wheels were available in 14 and 15. The 15 bolt on center caps were only used a couple of years so they are hard to find and command top dollar.

hadafew

Thanks for the response. I am thinking of the bolt on center caps, and 15" wheels then.
I will shop around to the specialty wheel companies that make the steel type custom wheels. Maybe they can build me a set of 15 or even 16 inch wheels if I supplier cores.
Folks here may not approve, but I think they would look great color coded on a '56 Chevy I have.

4speed455

This picture shows the difference between 14 bolt on cap on the left, and 15 snap on cap on the right. Notice in between the lugs. That's the main difference. When shopping realize that the the only difference between SSIII and SSII is the color, however a lot of people call the snap on caps SSIII and the bolt on caps SSII

2blu442

hadafew, good to see your still around! The bolt on center 15X7 wheels were only made as an option in 1973-74 so they're hard to find. But years ago I had the centers cut out of more common bolt on center 14X7's and welded into 15X10 hoops, they worked out great. That company is out of business (I guess it was back in the 1980's) although I'm thinking you should be able to find someone who could do that today. Even the factory used the same center on 14" and 15" wheels, the 15's just had a step in the hoop.

John

hadafew

Even more good info, Thanks! I'm saving that photo for reference.
Yes, still lurking here. It's hard to get those old Cutlass cars out of the system.

Fun71

Hey, I'm glad to see my photo is useful.

Jamesbo

I have a set of 15" bolt on centers, pm me if you're interested. They are painted argent No beauty rings or centers

4speed455

I knew that picture looked familiar. I found it on google.