 Finding the correct Rally Wheels, trim rings and center caps for a 68 and up Corvette has always been a problem. Your options were used mismatched wheels and trim rings or the elusive NOS set. Now Zip Products, Inc., 8067 Fast Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 1-800-692-9632, has come to the rescue. They offer the correct 15x8 wheel, the original 4 clip trim ring and correct center cap. Our 73 Corvette had incorrect wheels on it so we contacted Zip Products and they fixed us up with the correct wheels, trim rings, center caps and paint. Follow along as we prepare, paint and install our new Rally Wheels. |
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01: Here are the wheel, trim ring, center cap and paint. |
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02: Start by cleaning the wheel with Pre-Kleano or some type of tar and wax remover. |
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03: After you have cleaned the wheel, use a 3M Scotch Brite Pad #7448 to scuff the wheel before painting. Make sure you get down around the lug stud holes and the wheel lip. You do this so that the paint will adhere better to these areas and it will make it less prone to chip off. |
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04: After you have completely scuffed the wheel, use a tack rag to remove all dust and small particles before painting. Any good grade of tack rag can be used. Do not touch the wheel after you have used the tack rag. Oils from your hand can leave imprints on the wheel and then will cause the paint to flake after it has been applied. |
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05: Shake the Rallye Wheel spray paint can thoroughly and spray light even coats from 10" to 14". Spray from every direction for complete coverage. Let the paint dry for approximately 15 minutes. Then re-coat the wheel again. I like to spray 3 to 4 light even coats. You also may want to rotate the wheel to see if you have gotten complete coverage. |
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06: Remember to spray the outer lip of the wheel. |
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07: After the wheel is painted and completely dry, you can then mount your tires. Here you can see that we have indexed the letter S in Firestone over the valve stem. This will allow you to set the tires in the same position any time you may decide to show your car. It allows the tires and wheels to look symmetrical. You can also use either a 2" or 1 1/4" valve stem. We used the 2" valve stem so that we did not have to use a valve stem extension. |
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08: It is a good idea to install the trim ring while the wheel is not installed on the car. The trim rings we used were the original 4 clip type. To properly install them, place the trim ring onto the wheel and make sure you have clearance around the valve stem. Set the 2 outer clip prongs over the wheel lip. Then take a screwdriver, press the center prong in toward the center of the wheel and press down above the clip with the palm of your hand. The clip will then snap easily into place. Now go to the opposite clip and install it the same way. Do the other two clips and your trim ring is installed without those unsightly dents that are usually caused when you use a rubber mallet to beat them into place. |
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09: Check your tire pressure now before you install the wheels. |
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10: Install your wheels and torque them to factory specs. Now set your center cap into place. Put one side of the cap into the center hub and then take a rubber mallet and gently tap the opposite side of the center cap until it snaps into the center of the wheel. Now take the rubber mallet and gently tap around the outer edge of the center cap to make sure that it is firmly into place. Also notice that we have indexed the word Chevrolet with the valve stem. |
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11: Here is the finished product ready for the show or road. |
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A WHEEL DEAL:
68 AND UP CORVETTE RALLY WHEELS
SOURCE:
Zip Products, Inc.
8067 Fast Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(800) 962-9632
PARTS LIST:
Author would like to thank Richard Gaudio of Greg Donahue Collector Car Restorations, Inc. for his assistance with this article.
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