Cragar S/S history questions

[copo69]

What is the difference in Cragar S/S wheels used in the 60's/70's and those available today. When did the caps change? Did the spoke shape change? I have a set of 8" from the 70's and know the caps are different from the new wheels in being rounder. I've also seen the older caps that show the "R" trademark emblem. When did that start?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I thought the newer caps had the 'R', and the older caps didn't???

[DarrenX33]

I'd like to get some info on this as well. I had heard that the spokes changed but not sure when the cutoff was.

[ORIGLS6]

I have a couple of early wheels with caps in the garage attic. I'll try to remember to take a look tonite.

[DarrenX33]

Wrong. Just send them to me and I'll look at them. I'll even clean them up for you...

[ORIGLS6]

The spokes are pretty badly pitted and one wheel has a rust spot on the rim. Probably not worth saving, but you know me; never throw ANYTHING away. Plus there's a slight possibility these wheels may still hold two of my original General tires.

[Mr. Chevy]

My understanding of the SS wheels is that they are pretty much the same design with the exception of the unilug pattern today and the newer center caps have the small "R" on them as where the old ones do not. I have looked at many old photographs of the SS wheels from back in the day, late 60s or early 70s either on race cars or from old Hot Rod Magazines & I do not see any differences in spoke design as compared to todays new mags.

The chroming is different. The old mags had more of a "flash style" chroming to them where the new ones today look more "crisp" and the chrome is nicer probably due to todays technology.

Rich

[njsteve]

Today's verison have a different, sharper spoke design and a different outer rim that has an angled step towards the center hub instead of a pronounced series of flat steps like a staircase. They are also more of a blue chrome than the old white chrome that is no longer used. The new ones are also only available as unilug.

Here is a set of 15x4-1/2 wheels in 4-1/2 bolt pattern. The outer 2 wheels are Jan 1970 dated and the inner two that I just found on ebay are from the late 1970's. Note the pronounced series of steps from the bead to the center section. The newer rims have gotten rid of most of the steps and just have a smooth angle inward, depending upon the width of the wheel. I just finally found a 1976 pair of 15x8s to outfit the rear of the Charger so I can finally replicate the original owner's set.







Here is a photo of a new 15x8 cragar. Note the smoother transition from the bead to the center hub. The spokes also seem to have a more "pinched" look where the lugnuts mount. I think they did this to allow for more room to access the lugnuts.



Compare to my old 1970's wheels:

[Mr. Chevy]

Steve, I really can't notice that much of a difference in the spokes of the wheels. Would the bead to the center hub transition be different anyways due to the wheel width size difference?? For example the 15x8 would be different in appearance from the 15x4??

Rich

[DarrenX33]

Geez, I can't tell either..