96 versus 97 wheels

[treed]

Quick question on 96 v. 97 wheels. I know that 96 wheels were cast and 97 wheels were forged. What is the easiest what to tell (obvious enough for a lay person) if I have original 97 wheels on my car? without taking them off?

I have read that there is a weld bead behind the face of the 96's and not on the 97's. Can you visibly see this bead with the wheels on the car? Anyone have up close pictures?

Also, what's the best to polish these with?

Thanks

 

[99 R/T 10]

Look on the inside of the rim, just past the face of the rim. If there is a weld, it is cast. If there is no weld, it is forged.

 

[Toby]

Tim, I found what you are looking for....

This is a pic of a cast wheel...

You must be registered for see images

If your wheels have this...they are the 96, early 97 wheels and are NOT forged.

 

[treed]

99 R/T 10 - I'm not seeing anything obvious that looks like a weld. I'm assuming it's a fairly obvious weld? Would it be smoothed out? When I rub my finger behind the face, it's very smoot and feels like a single piece...

 

[Ron]

Here is a 1996 welded / cast. Early 1997's were no different.... Later 1997 and all 1998 were forged and without the weld bead seen here.

You must be registered for see images

Guess I was slow. Hey Toby, that's my wheel in your post!

 

[treed]

Toby/Ron,

This picture helps! There is definitely NO weld on my wheels... Thanks for digging this picture up...

You guys are GOOD!

Tim

 

[Toby]

Ron,

Yes it is. I actually remember the thread way back when I purchased my 96.



Rons posts RULE!