Using 1960 wheel on a '61

[MidModCad]

Are the 1960 road wheels an exact interchangeable replacement for the 1961 wheels? 

[Jason Edge]

I deal with 1963/64 Cadillacs specifically and know the 1961 to 1964 wheel rims are unique from other years in that while they are a 15" rims (the bead seat or wheel diameter, see attachment), but the outer lip (flange diameter, see attachment) where the hubcap (wheel cover) attaches is a bit wider (about 1 /4") than 1965 and later rims (100% sure) and 1960 and prior (pretty sure).   This means a 1961 to 1964 wheel cover is too wide to fit on a 1965 and later rim, and a 1965 and later wheel cover is too small to fit on a 1961 to 1964 rim. As noted I am pretty sure this is true for the 1960 and prior. I know this is true for the 1956 rim and believe it is true for the 1957 to 1960 rims.

There could also be the issue of interference of the hubcap to rim face due to shape of the rim. I have attached a scan of the wheel section from the 1965 Master Part Book. Note that for 1961 to 1964 (and other year ranges), the 75 Series/ Commercial Chassis had a heavy duty version of the rim which included rivets and thicket steel (actually weighed more). The standard and heavy duty rims are interchangeable for the same respective year range, just the fact the HD rims were designed for the extra load for the 75 series and CC body styles.

You can see pictures of the 1961 to 1964 rims on the 1963/64 Cadillac Tires/Wheels Help page at www.tires.6364cadillac.com.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Jason...was there any difference in the center hub cutout? Recently when I attempted to use the spare (temporarily) of a 1962 on a 1959, I was unable to get the wheel to mount to the hub. 

[Jason Edge]

Jason...was there any difference in the center hub cutout? Recently when I attempted to use the spare (temporarily) of a 1962 on a 1959, I was unable to get the wheel to mount to the hub.

I have no experience mounting the 1961 to 1964 wheel rim on a 1959 or prior year wheel. Maybe someone else can provide input.