Feedback on repro 'N89 Bolt-on wheels for '67
I'm wanting to 'enhance' my '67 coupe with a set of reproduction Bolt-on wheels. Of course I'd love to have an original set, but the asking prices for these are now stratospheric. I'm looking for info on which are the closest, most accurate reproductions of the original N89 K-H wheels available today. I'm not trying to fool a judge. I just want the wheels to complement my car by being a close facscimile (tribute) to the original N89 wheels. I see older repros out there, some pretty clumsy looking with thicker fins. I want wheels that are not like that.
It seems the only two choices for new repro bolt-on wheels today are those made by Corvette America (CA), and America's Finest (AF).
The CA wheels are readily available from a number of vendors. I've heard the current ersion (Gen IV) of these wheels are superior to the older repros, with correct thinner fins and gray paint. The CA wheels use the OEM starburst attachment system of 4 spring clips to a hub bolted to the wheel face.
The other repro N89 wheels are sold by America's Finest Corvettes, in Ramona CA. I spoke to the owner Mike Mermelstein who went on at length about how his wheels are superior because they're the closest copy to the N89 wheel on the market and because the starburst retention system is superior. In his wheels, the starbursts are bolted to an adapter instead of held on with spring clips. All sounded good to me, but I realize he wants to make a sale. I note his wheel set is hundreds of dollars more expensive than the CA wheels.
So, can anyone commment on which vendor sells the most accurate N89 wheel reproductions today?
Is the higher cost for the AF wheels justified in their quality, accuracy, and starburst retention system?
Anyone willing to share their experience with either the CA or AF bolt-on wheels is appreciated!
Thanks,
It seems the only two choices for new repro bolt-on wheels today are those made by Corvette America (CA), and America's Finest (AF).
The CA wheels are readily available from a number of vendors. I've heard the current ersion (Gen IV) of these wheels are superior to the older repros, with correct thinner fins and gray paint. The CA wheels use the OEM starburst attachment system of 4 spring clips to a hub bolted to the wheel face.
The other repro N89 wheels are sold by America's Finest Corvettes, in Ramona CA. I spoke to the owner Mike Mermelstein who went on at length about how his wheels are superior because they're the closest copy to the N89 wheel on the market and because the starburst retention system is superior. In his wheels, the starbursts are bolted to an adapter instead of held on with spring clips. All sounded good to me, but I realize he wants to make a sale. I note his wheel set is hundreds of dollars more expensive than the CA wheels.
So, can anyone commment on which vendor sells the most accurate N89 wheel reproductions today?
Is the higher cost for the AF wheels justified in their quality, accuracy, and starburst retention system?
Anyone willing to share their experience with either the CA or AF bolt-on wheels is appreciated!
Thanks,
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