Kelsey-Hayes Knock-Off Wheels for Chevrolet Corvette
Kelsey-Hayes knock-off wheels (RPO P48) are among the most beautiful and controversial options in Corvette history. Available for the C2 Sting Ray (1964–1966), they were the first aluminum wheels offered on a production Corvette, though their road to the showroom was notoriously rocky.
Listing Details
- Five Kelsey-Hayes Knock-Off Wheels
- 5x 15×6″ Wheels
- Part #D-49985
- Radial Fins
- 4x Toyo Eclipse Whitewall Tires
- 1x General Whitewall Tire
- 5x Bright Center Cones
- 4x Hub Adapters
- 4x Knock-Off Spinners
- Lug Nuts
- Spinner Removal Tool & Hammer
The 1963 “Ghost” Year
While Chevrolet planned to offer these wheels in 1963, a patent dispute and manufacturing issues (porosity caused the aluminum to leak air) prevented them from being factory-installed. While some pilot cars and race cars had them, it is widely accepted in the NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) that no 1963 Corvettes were delivered from the factory with knock-offs.
Identification & Yearly Differences
Original Kelsey-Hayes wheels are distinct from modern “bolt-on” reproductions because they are held on by a single large threaded nut (the spinner).
| Feature | 1964 | 1965 | 1966 |
| Recess Finish | Natural aluminum | Charcoal grey | Charcoal grey |
| Center Cone | Chrome | Chrome | Brushed Stainless |
| Date Stamp | Ink-stamped (often faded) | Hard-stamped (backside) | Hard-stamped (backside) |
| Stamping | K-H D-49985 | K-H D-49985 | K-H D-49985 |
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The 1967 Exception: Due to new federal safety regulations, the “spinning” nut was banned. In 1967, Kelsey-Hayes produced a “Bolt-On” aluminum wheel (N89) that looked similar but featured a center cap (the “Starburst”) covering five standard lug nuts.
How to Spot Originals vs. Reproductions
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The Stamping: Turn the wheel over. Original Kelsey-Hayes wheels will have “K-H” and part number “D-49985” cast into the aluminum.
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Safety Pins: Most modern “True Knock-Off” reproductions (like those from Corvette America or Zip) include a safety pin or anti-theft pin that locks the spinner. Original 1960s wheels did not have these pins—they relied purely on the lead-hammer-tightened torque and the “self-tightening” rotation of the threads.
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The “Bolt-On” Test: Many Corvettes today wear “Bolt-On” replicas. If you remove the center cap/spinner and see 5 lug nuts, it is a modern safety-focused reproduction, not a true Kelsey-Hayes knock-off.
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