What are some thoughts on original vs. reproduction 15 inch rallye wheels. Is it worth sourcing an original set over the reproductions?

Thanks!

Originals are expensive and due to age will likely not be perfect - rust pits, well used lug nut holes,etc..

I have no experience with the repo wheels, but I want to say the backspacing is not quite right (4" instead of 4-1/4") so the trim rings don't fit tight, or maybe it's the trim rings that are made wrong??? This is what I can recall reading on here way back when.

I have also heard of people having out of round issues so the wheels are harder to balance. Again It could be tires instead of the wheels??? I have also heard guys buying aftermarket chevy rally wheels having balancing issues as well. If you buy them have them mounted up and see if they are going to work before the return policy runs out so you don't get stuck.

I never have put side by side originals vs repros, but I can say got 15"x7" wheels from Specialty wheels and didn't have a problem

15x7 reproduction Rallyes are fine if your putting them on a 72 and up car. The reproductions were based on the Canada made wheel which came into play in 1972 model year.

The oval holes have a larger shrouding that once you know about it your eye will notice.
Backspacing is the same as a Chrysler rim and you can even get custom backspacing.
See me attachments and study the oval holes.

***note the wheel with 72 center cap is reproduction but has a correct brushed ring, the wheel with 71 center cap is original and has a correct brushed ring****

Ron

I put the 15x7 road wheel on my sport satellite, instead of reusing the 14" that came on the car. I got my wheels from Specialty Wheel, before they were bought. Have to say, I think they are great !!

I have original and repros on my toys, nothing really wrong with either unless your doing a numbers resto, the repros will need to be repainted as they just can't seem to powder coat them in the correct color, I always buy from Wheel Vintiques, never had an issue with fit or performance, no issue with trim ring/center cap original or repro or a mix of both being fitted/matched

However if you run 15X7 originals with aftermarket front calipers, or rear disc set ups, the welds on originals are rather large beaded (sloppy) and often require dressing the weld or in some cases the caliper or both for fit

I have repos and they're junk. The center doesn't sit square, or maybe it's flat with the hub, so I have to pull it down with the lug nuts. Book calls for I think around 60 lbs torque and I have to use way over a 100 to pull it down. All four are like this.

Well my question is always gonna be , where did you buy them and why didn't they
make them good , what was the problem. Yes the wheels were made after the 72 model
and here lately the color has gotten a lot closer.
Also where did you get the correct brushed trim rings , very nice. I don't know why
they feel the need to brush them to the very edge.

Frank

Glad to hear that there is no problems mixing rings/center caps. That was going to be my next question! I have access to a set of each, but the originals are off of a '73 B-Body which are nice but need some cleaning up. The repros are basically like new. Whatever set I use I will just swap for my original 14's. I was just wondering if either set would add or subtract value depending on which was used. I am wanting to put a set on my '71 Challenger, which is stock but non-numbers.

The only issue I've had with the OE 15x7 rally rims is that they can break at the radius where the OD of the center cap meets.... causing fender damage. That was with Hoosier soft compound road racing tires. Although I love the looks, I personally avoid that design. Possibly, new aftermarket rims would not have that problem due to less years of usage on them vs OE wheels.