FYI: Kanter also has Imperial wires in their catalog.
Vince, Boston
----- Original Message -----
From: <RandalPark@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: IML: Wheels for '60-'66 Imperials
> Hey Bill,
>
> If you really want to buy new wheels for your car, you could go with the
reproduction wires that are sold through Corky Coker(for one). They are
available in the correct bolt pattern. Yes they are VERY expensive, but
don't look too bad on even a '66. Also, I think that they are made to work
with tubeless radial tires.
>
> Wheels from late forties New Yorkers and Imperials from the mid '50s will
work, but they do not have the ventilation holes for the brakes. This is
crucial. Also, some '57 and '58 Imperials have 14 inch wheels. Even though
they may bolt onto your car, you wouldn't want them.
>
> I have had no trouble with wheels or wheel covers on any Imperials, but I
don't have a '66. I realize that '66 is a one year only style, but
otherwise, I don't know why they would have more trouble staying on the car
than other years. I suppose that the extra heavy cast parts on '66 could
lead to them not being as secure. I am only guessing here that '66 wheel
covers weigh more than previous years. The way that they are mounted on the
wheel was designed for the lighter wheel covers. All of the other years had
cast parts, too, but not as much as '66. This is only a possible explanation
for the trouble that you have had.
>
> I a combination of over 235,000 miles of driving my Imperials, I have only
lost one wheel cover. That was on the
> '56. It was a replacement that I had purchased at a swap meet and didn't
fully check out before installing it on the car. I was running bias ply
tires at the time, so I am sure that radial tires has little or nothing to
do with the problem.
>
> I have never had a rim fail. My '65 Imperial was driven over 80,000 miles
with its original rims and Perelli radial tires. I think that the rims fail
if they have become corroded. This can happen if a previous owner used "Fix
A Flat" and left the stuff in the tire for a long period. It is corrosive
and will ruin the rim. I have seen Imperial rims (and other cars) where this
has happened.
>
> If money is no object I think the reproduction original style '50s wires
would be a good alternative, as long as you store the originals someplace
where they can be replaced by a future owner.
>
> Paul
>
> In a message dated 7/17/2004 3:00:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, "Wm. R.
Ulman" <twolaneblacktop@xxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
>
> >Maybe I'm missing something here, but my first thought at seeing those
> >wheels, was "What about the 5 1/2 on 5 bolt pattern". I was under the
> >impression no one made wheels, aftermarket or otherwise for our old
> >Imperials. Besides the Furd truck wheel interchangeability. I have had
> >to search hi & lo to find replacements for my '66. I think the wheel
> >ran from '60-'66, but it may have gone back as far as '58-'59. Aside
> >from the dreaded failure of the Center Carrier Bearing, or Center
> >Support Bearing, either way you want to call it, I have always felt the
> >Wheels, and at least the '66 hubcaps to be the Achilles Heel on these
> >cars. Wheels fail along the inner weld line from the age, and mostly
> >use of radials (my experience anyway), and the hubcaps on the '66 were
> >designed to become 60 m.p.h. Frisbee's of Death. At the very least
> >insurance liabilities, although for whatever reason, I don't know why,
> >when they have flown, they have never hit another car, but if they did,
> >there would certainly be some damage, and ensuing insurance claim. I
> >have seen some almost severe accidents barely avoided when a wheel cover
> >throws off, down the highway, across lanes of traffic, cars, more scary,
> >SUV's swerving to avoid hitting one. Then of course risking life & limb
> >to stop on the freeway, get out, run after, and retrieve what may be
> >left of said cover, get back to the car, and merge back into 60+ m.p.h.
> >traffic. I have quite the collection of mangled covers. The cover
> >itself is not to bad, but the retaining ring, or backing, is shot.
> >
> >Anyway, I wonder where he got the wheels? Who makes them? Might they
> >make some that had a little taste, style and class? Not everyone wants
> >to look like some Pimp from Pomona in their Imperial. I for one would
> >be interested in a befitting wheel replacement.
> >
> >I hope this has not come up previously, I have been blowing through most
> >emails lately.
> >
> >Bill Ulman
> >Seattle, WA
> >'66 Crown Convertible Coupe - never to be Pimped out, or sold to become
> >a low-rider if I can help it.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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>
>
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