Rally Wheel Codes

[tim69camaro]

I have seen photos of rally wheels with the code text in opposite directions. The CRG photo of a YH wheel shows the codes upright when the valve stem is at the bottom. Here is a YJ wheel where the text is upright when the vavle stem is at the top. Why the difference?

[9T4Z]

My YJ's are like the CRG pic.  I've not seen enough wheels to have ever noticed this before.... interesting!

[tim69camaro]

I purchased these wheels anyway. Here are some more codes from the wheels.

K1 89   5  18 YJ

They also have a sticker on the inside where the tire mounts. The numbers on the sticker are

KH 82373    X-40290

They don't have the same GM marking as the YH wheel I have. I am wondering if the they are some type of Kelsey Hayes wheels that were made to replicate YJ wheels because of the odd date code and some of the markings. Does anyone know anything about these wheels?

[KevinW]

On original YJs, the code is read from the outside.  Later service replacements are read from the inside.  They are still Kelsey Hayes, but they were used for over the counter sales rather than put on a car in the factory.  Your wheel is a service replacement made in 1989.  I have a bunch of service replacements and a few originals to compare. 

[tim69camaro]

Thank you. That could also explain why it had both an 8 and 9 for the year since it could have been either for a 1969 YJ wheel.

[KevinW]

Tim, after the early 70s (maybe from 70 on), the year code changed to 2 digits.  so 89 is the year.

[Jonesy]

Those are 1989 service replacement wheels.

[nwbalddog]

I have K1 87 11 YJ