Author Topic: N66 Wheel Question  (Read 5191 times)

L78 steve

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N66 Wheel Question
« on: February 06, 2010, 04:00:28 AM »
What is the best way to ID the N66 wheel centers as to being true NOS.  Every set I see for sale have GM boxes but the center depression looks to shallow (where SS decal sets). What is the correct depth? Are there part numbers cast in.  I need a real set but don't want to get burned.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120525132748&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
69 Z/28 Dover White. SOLD
67 SS/RS Mt. Green 1W,2LGSR,3SL,4K,5BY,07C. SOLD
70 Nova L78 Blk. Cherry,Sandalwood,M21,02B

william

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Re: N66 Wheel Question
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2010, 05:31:54 PM »
I worked for a Camaro parts business for years. I believe original equipment N66 ornaments snapped into to the wheel via spring clip, making them easy to steal or fall off. GM changed the design to incorporate a retainer that screwed on from the back of the wheel. At that time the appearance may have changed.

The retainer was serviced under #393799, the SS ornament #3956770. The decal was #3956772. These numbers may have been changed.
Learning more and more about less and less...

Mr70

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Re: N66 Wheel Question
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2010, 02:51:14 AM »
Chevrolet released the 1/4" deep SS center cap,(where the embossed SS circle decal sits) first,for 1969 production.
These caps needed a rear bolt on retainer to hold them to the center of the rim.The cap part # 3956770,was cast into the back of the center cap.They were used on 1969 AND early 1970 models with SS 14" wheels..My October 1969 built  70 Chevelle came with them.
Sometime around Feb./March 1970,they released a new cap design,part # 3983323..also 1/4" deep,but now with a built in "spring clip" retainer rivited to the backside of the cap itself.It's believed that this new one piece design was cheaper to manufacturer.Unfortunately they would fall off if you went over a speed bump hard enough,and could be stolen easier too with a lil force.
During the mid to late 1970's,Chevrolet released this exact same later "spring clip" retainer cap,but now in a new shallower 1/8" design as service replacements.As the muscle car parts market became more popular,Chevrolet also re-released the 1st design "bolt on" cap again,but this time in the shallower 1/8" deep cap as well,as was it's recent predecessor.That looks like that's what those are in that eBay auction link you posted.
Vehicles built on the assembly line used 1/4" deep caps for both 1969 & 70,in both bolt on & clip on.
Later on GM service replacements were released in both bolt on & clip on design,but both being only 1/8" deep.
Ron Norman @ Mchenry classic car parts hired a machinist to reproduce the 1/4" bolt on caps sometine around 1998.They were really nice,and he later told me he wishes he doubled the order cause they went like hotcakes..He sold them in a plain white 4 compartment box for a reasonable price.No part numbers were ever cast into his,and you can determine his by the striations in the center cap well & edge ridge,from were the lathe cut the centers down to the proper 1/4".
« Last Edit: February 07, 2010, 03:02:17 AM by Mr70 »

KurtS

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Re: N66 Wheel Question
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2010, 06:12:45 PM »
Rick,
Thanks for the detailed post. And welcome to the forum!! ;)
Kurt S
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L78 steve

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Re: N66 Wheel Question
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2010, 03:36:58 AM »
Good info,Thank you.  Did not realize that the deep style was deleted that far back.  Its no wonder I can't find a set of the deep style.  NOS will have to do.
69 Z/28 Dover White. SOLD
67 SS/RS Mt. Green 1W,2LGSR,3SL,4K,5BY,07C. SOLD
70 Nova L78 Blk. Cherry,Sandalwood,M21,02B

firstgenaddict

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Re: N66 Wheel Question
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2015, 10:46:52 AM »
This is why there was a screw driver included in the trunk with the jack package, to change the centers.
This is illustrated on the 69 Nova SS jacking decal.

In all likely hood this is also why there is a Part# change in the 69 Camaro assembly manual which changes the jack decal, at the same time dropping the screwdriver, screw assembly, and retainer from the N66 parts list, additionally the Cap part# changes at that time as well.

Given the screw driver is the same PART# as included with the 67 Vette AL Bolt On option, which was used to remove the starburst center, I assume the retainer screw is a 1/4 20 pan head flat blade with encapsulated washer.
  
James
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