Cragar SS Mags - Old vs. New

[John]

What is the difference between the old "original" SS Cragar mags ...and the "New" mags that you order nowadays?
...I am suppose to look at some ( 15" x 6" )...that are suppose to be "one piece"?
...Is there any difference on the design of the cap?
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[PxTx]

There are a lot differences, mostly subtle but there are changes over the years. I consider the early ones the most desirable/ valuable- say 1965 - 1969.

It will take a little time for me to start to begin pointing out the differences.

The new "one piece" wheels are all cast aluminum, as seen here:

http://www.cragarwheel.com/_img/wheels/large/cragar-SS-1piece-grey-side1240457291.jpg

They don't lok like the old Cragar SS wheels at all. They do share a resemblance to the old GT wheels since the shape seems to resemble the flatter spoke of the original GT and the centers are the unchromed aluminum.

The new wheels look good and stylish, but they are not the real-deal. As much as thye might look good today, they do not have the timeless style than an original wheel of the era. Long term, those wheels will date the car in a negative way.

[PxTx]

neweris wheel http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2297069269_4276189222.jpg

Has the "R" on the centercap, which is newer, but has the older lighter blue in the center cap. Area around the lugs are more evenly chromed which is a later trait. The hub circle is less round and more like a pentagon. You can also see the gussets to support the washers behind the lugs, indicative of a uni-lug pattern.

[PxTx]

http://i.ebayimg.com/16/!Bc!dTcQB2k~$(KGrHqQH-EIEquwH0Ve!BKylyRyre!~~_35.JPG

Later caps, which are currently offered. There are a few type offered now, but these are still available when you order the new rims.

Also worth noting the wheels are offered in uni-lug still, but also dedicated patterns with acorn lugs.

https://www.newstalgiawheel.com/images/inventory/new/CC_1478_250.gif

I really hate the way these acorn lugs look.

[PxTx]

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww101/Plowman7/cback2.jpg

Here are some real-deal vintage Cragar SS wheels. The hub area is more round looking.

Here is the front side, notice the lug specific pattern and lack of gussets for the washers. This wheel has a later cap on it.

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww101/Plowman7/cfront1.jpg

Note how the area around the lugs is more of a flash chrome than the spoked area. This is how they were back-in-the-day.
Here are some NOS early caps:

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww101/Plowman7/PxTx/cragar.jpg

[PxTx]

Carlisle Wheel and tire has been manufacturing the Cragar SS wheel for at least 15 years. The centers are cast in China and they assemble them here in the US. There are some differences from the original tooling, and even now, I've been told by them that they had to revise some thigns from wear-and-tear.

For me, I appreciate the guys who hold out for the real-deal originals. Non-unilug, non- R center caps to start. If you've got a set dated fromt the 60's and after the build of your car- extra points!

[skierkaj]

The old ones are peeling . . . http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[John]

...Wow ..that was a great explantion and the close up photos really helped.
Are there dates stamped in the old wheels?
...Now let me go see what these wheels are... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[rockn69]

Very good info. I can apprieciate trying to find original old style Cragars as there are some very distinctive differances but restoring a set would be pretty pricey I would amagine. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[PxTx]

I think it's widely known, but I mention it again to add to this thread. Stockton Wheel does restor old Cragar wheels.

There is a bit of a risk because that have to seperate the center aluminum part form the steel hoop. The aluminum part can crack, and they take no responsibility for that. I have spoken to several people who have had this done, and non have mentioned loosing a wheel from this risk.

They then chrome each part and re-weld them together. Cost is about $250 per wheel with shipping. Seems like a lot to some, but when a set of Torque Thrust wheels fetch over $1k I think it's totally justifiable. The early Cragar SS wheels are 10x cooler than a TQ- a well known fact which is often forgotten http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[427TJ]

I scored a mint, NOS-in-box pair of older 15x4 (not 4.5) S/S skinnies with dedicated 4.75 Chevy pattern a while back and my wheel guy had a pair of very nice S/S caps without the R trademark and he gave them to me. They'll go on my '55 one of these days. Skinny Cragars rule!

[PxTx]

That is great! Old skinny cragar wheels in good shape are really hard to find. That Ford set my pop and I had went on ebay for $500! The GM patter ones we bought form Forida weren't as nice but I with a little bit of polishing they'll be there.

I'm jelous of you finding an NOS pair. Could you post a pic in this thread?

Also for reference, the date code can only be seen when the tires are dismounted. The date shows the month and year like 1169 for November 1969 if I recall. I'll try and snap a pic later.

[ANDY M]

These are 1971 dated wheels with center caps. 15x7 and 15x8.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a146/ameyers215/SCR12001.jpg

The light surface rust gives it that authentic day 2 look.

[427TJ]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm jelous of you finding an NOS pair. Could you post a pic in this thread?

[/ QUOTE ]

Mine are 1983s, before they went to the 4.5-inch width. Caps have a small R but I have a pair of no R caps that are very nice. I'm thinking of running these with a pair of Moroso front runners and in back a pair of 15x8 black steelies with blackwall Radirs.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/Cragars2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/Cragars1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/Cragars3.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a234/BE427TJ/Various%20Photos/Cragars4.jpg

[chevyman0429]

Yea I realize this thread is 12 years older but let’s give it a bump!
I just bought a set of round spoke 15x8” cragars and was wondering is there a date stamp on the wheel somewhere? Thanks

[cook_dw]

Inside the hoop. Tire has to be off. Post a photo and lets see if we can get a date range if the tire is still on.

[chevyman0429]

I’ll have to run out in the shop to get a couple pictures but here’s a picture of a sticker that’s under where the center cap would be.

[chevyman0429]

Pictures

[markinnaples]

Great to see this old thread revived.

What's everyone's thoughts on the American Racing "Daisies" that used to be the CP200 I think, and now they're the 200S or whatever? I was thinking of swapping out my Cragars for the AR's but dang, they're expensive at between $500 and $600+ per wheel.

[Pro Stock John]

Someone sell me their newer skinnies, I'll rock 'em.

[Pusher_Man]

I have a pair of old school round spoke redone mint 4s if anyone is interested. Won’t be cheap though, unfortunately.

[GrumpyJeff]

I thought i may have set the market by paying what i thought was dumb $$$ a few years ago for a few rear nice pairs of OG 15x4"s ? , And everybody said that once Cragar started making the newer style in skinnys again it would kill the value of the Old round spokes. But it seems just the opposite is the case because Ive be offered almost double what i paid more than a few times within the last few weeks.

[Mr. Chevy]

Set of vintage SS Cragars on my 69 Chevelle.

Rich

[cheveslakr]

Been thinking about selling these...not perfect but show very well. Dated '71, 15x4 chevy 4.75 pattern.

[chevyman0429]

Jer sent u a pm !

[NorCam]

I've owned a few sets of 15" x 4" skinnies and some 15" x 7's and/or 15" x 8" over the past 5 years and like a fool I have sold a couple sets off and mounted another set onto a car I later sold. Each set of them had an ink stamp date code on the inner hoop as seen on the 8" wheels below. The older ones from the 60's to early 70's may have faded or could have rust over the inside of the hoop, but the date codes are often found stamped on the inside.

I currently have a set of 15" x 10's for my Z/28, but I'm still on the hunt for another pair of skinnies to mount on the fronts. Here are a few sets I have owned and or used for a short spell. Direct bolts are cool, but Unilug wheels from the late 70's to 80's are just as nice in my opinion. There's an NOS set of Unilug rears shown below. I think I got those from Dave S. Also think I sold a set of front runners to Jeff. What can I say...I'm a parts hound. (lol)

https://i.ibb.co/X44FbPY/4-Cragars.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0r9LYbP/IMG-7457.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/LJ0810w/IMG-5514.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/XZ0Zm9s/IMG-5516.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/KmBp6tg/IMG-5531.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/pbN9J55/IMG-7516.jpg

[markinnaples]

If anyone has any 14x6's GM 4.75 or unilug, I'm in the market. I can trade a beautiful set of 15x7's or buy outright. Thanks.

[1967 4K]

As I have mentioned before I still have the single NOS 15x4 round spoke. If anyone comes up on a single please let me know.

Thanks

[chevyman0429]

Just score a very nice set of 15x8 unilug cragars! When I say nice probably the nicest set I have ever seen in person. The rims are date stamped 1995 and one says 1996 however there’s stickers on them that both say 1996!

[Chuck_Burg]

Nice set of 15x8s! I have a set of some 90's 15x8s I bought from Dave a few years ago. With the correct lug nuts/washers the unilugs work fine.

[big gear head]

I saw a very nice set of 15 X 4 4 3/4 on Facebook for sale earlier today. I think they were $1300.