Cragar info needed
 

Just picked up a set of SSs like I've never seen before. They are steel hoop with aluminum centers, but, the two pieces are staked together. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks

Cool. I need a set in that size (15x6) :Can-I-Have-It:

Nice score. How do the fronts look?

Those are older ones, your date code is July of 1971. "C.M.W." Cragar Motor Wheels??

I have a 1971 dated Cragar SS wheel and it looks the same as yours. Must have been how they were put together then...

Very Cool!!

Rich

Interesting construction. As a metallurgist there are some interactions that I’m definitely curious about. Please inspect those carefully - I had a mint set of Rocket 15x4s that were staked, and the interface on one of them had loosened to the extent that the hub had a few degrees of rotational clearance. Fortunately I discovered this before I put them on the car.

Staked
 

What do you guys mean by staked? I’ve never heard that term in reference to wheels.

Richard

Instead of welding the wheel center to the rim, there are reliefs cast into the wheel center spokes where they meet the rim. Then a special die tool stakes the rim to the wheel center, deforming the rim like a hammer and punch would do, essentially locking the rim to the wheel center. This is an interesting idea but since aluminum expands at a higher rate than steel, the interface loosens up when it’s cold. And once the wheel center slips relative to the rim, it’s downhill from there.

Staked
 

Thanks Tony, I don’t like that method. Over time that will come loose. Cragar must not have used that method much and good for them.

Thanks

I wonder if those wheel were made by another manufacturer for Cragar, like Carter did for Rochester when they couldn't keep up with demand.

What are your thoughts about having them welded like other Cragar rims?

The other Cragar wheels had steel inserts cast into them for welding. This one doesn't have that.