Cragar S/S history questions

[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: