Rob -
Not to get off-topic, but are there plans to do another
run of the Stockton wheels in the future ? Was the mould for these wheels put
in storage, or was it destroyed after the run was completed ?
Ron
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 3:15
PM
Subject: [Chrysler300] Wire Wheel
covers and hub caps
Hello 300’ly to all!
Both issues of noise from wire wheel covers and
wheel cover instability have been experienced by me on my ‘66 Corvair and my
‘57 300C. First the 300C. I put Coker Classic radials on Mopsy
in 2003 on the existing wheels. Many balancing, alignment issues were
overcome along with vibration. Then I had wheel cover creep issues to
the point of valve stems being cut. I went so far as to remove the
wheel covers and purchase sand and mix it with semi-gloss black Rustoleum
paint and had it mixed like it was a non-skid surface paint. Then I
brushed this on with a foam tipped hand “brush” on the inner part of the
wheels where the wheel cover tangs would bite. After 6 hours drying
time I re-installed the wheel covers and Voila! No creep! Then
when I had other Coker tire issues and had to replace two tires I had
metal valve stems placed and those wheel covers wouldn’t dare budge.
Fast forward to 2011. Spring Meet. Tony Rinaldi and I make a
deal for the last set of Stockton wheels left that he had in his possession.
They arrive and go in the attic. February 2012, I’m fed up with the
Cokers and replace them with American Classics since the Cokers go out of
round and are losing air. Sure the American Classics are made by Coker
but everyone I queried before pulling the $$ trigger said they perform
differently and are far superior. I buy 5 new American Classics and
mount them on the new Stockton wheels I got from Tony. Inflate them
with Nitrogen. These are the wheels that were designed for radial
tires and have the “knobs”. Rubber valve stems with plastic
extenders. Totally different car instantly noticeable when backing out
of the tire shop. Hunter Road Force balanced. Wheel alignment
not changed when American Classics mounted. Wheel straight, hands at
9&3:00 going down road ( just like lady driving C wearing white gloves
with husband in passenger seat in 300C advertisement...similar smile on my
face). No wheel cover creep. Smooth as silk at over 100
MPH. Crossed that issue off the list!
Corvair OEM 13” wire wheel covers with triple winged
center spinner cap. Brand new in original boxes and GM plastic
wrappers....installed and on a car first time 4/27/13. After a month
the left rear cover sounded like a clanking/clicking sound at low speed and
when turning right. Removed wheel cover and tightened all nuts holding
the cover together. Good for 3 days and then noise returned.
Called Clark’s Corvairs and they along with a bunch of Corvair enthusiasts
on Corvair web forums agreed that putting tape around the inner ridge of the
wheel cover that snugs to wheel will make it quiet. Had some black
felt tape with one-sided adhesive and wrapped it in said location.
Voila! No noise. The wheel flex on the left rear wheel caused
the cover to make the noise against the rim surface to which it made
contact. Supposedly there is a weight bias of the power train and
battery box over the left rear wheel that induces greater wheel flex.
Hope this helps! Rob Kern
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