How is this reproduction?

How come no close up pics of the stampings or of the back sides?

Wow! I didn't catch that. That's really strange.

This is one of the best reproductions I've seen so far, rim shape and stampings. These were made up from original wheel centers and rims, combined to give the correct appearance, (not new stampings). While there are a couple "Tells" you better know your stuff to spot them! The stampings might look crude but with some paint and primer I'd bet they'd pass scrutiny by some of the best eyes out there.

Stampings

A couple more

Scott - What are the "tells" between those reproduction rims and original 450's? I assume one of them is potentially the Motor Wheel stampings/date codes on the inside of the barrel, which you wouldn’t be able to see unless the tire was off the rim?

As Doctor Diff mentioned, the edge of the drop center is "soft" on the original posters repro wheels. Stands out to me even not looking side ny side with an original. This is because the outer wheel is likely a "new" product. I have made a few "repro" wheel myself using Olds painted SuperStock wheels. I even used a rare AMC "GoPack" wheel as a core 15x7 shell. The olds wheels can be had cheap at $25 each. It's not EZ to find Correct core 14 inch wheels you can carve the center out though. The problem with making them is the WIDTH of the drop center. The wheel center needs to be welded at the very back edge of the drop center to get the correct offset. Now a factory 450 wheel has a drop center that is very wide, say 3 inches. I think the drop an an Olds wheel is say 2.75. So the narrower the drop, the "shallower" your wheel is going to look at the face.

Pic of one I made

The other telltale sign of using a "NEW" China made outer shell is the wide step at the face of the wheel. A China wheel has the step at a 90 degree angle, any original 15x7 wheel whether its Mopar or Olds is going to be slanted back. So if you want the best looking "fake 450" use an original 15x7 rim for a core.

That would have been Curt McKim , owner of McWheels out in Slater , Iowa.

Got my rims from Stockton today, they look great. And for $200.00 shipped to my door, my wallet is one happy camper as well!

Did they use an olds wheel hoop?

Original 14" center and repro hoop, not sure what kind?

The picture of the wheel on the tailgate in this post is one of our reproductions. This is made with the original 14 inch center and GM barrel. It is the closest you will get without spending big bucks.



An accurate reproduction can be made with an original 15x7 MOPAR barrel. This involves cutting apart a set of 15 x 7 ralleys and finding original 14"centers. This is all tricky as you take the risk of deforming any one of the pieces involved. Balance and run out quickly become an issue.

There has been discussion of these being reproduced in China by several people. I have not seen them yet. Supposedly the firm doing them does enough Chrysler products that the licensing fee will not be an issue. Again, this was 2 plus years ago, and nothing yet.

As Scott says, there are certain things to look for, of which many have been discussed in this thread.

I hope this adds value to the post. Feel free to PM me if you are interested in a set.

D

Which 14" wheel centers are the ones to look for?

I recently got this one out of the trunk of a 78 Diplomat at the local junkyard. Paid $10 bucks for it. Guess I did ok.

Go back to the junkyard and see if the registration is in the glove box, ask them where the others wheels are, might be In the garage!

70-71 date coded 14 X 6 are best, but all will work.......

What's with the 78 dip wheel is it the 450s cousin.