Myths vs Facts of the IC formula wheel
 

I have heard many thoughts on the IC big and little fonts and the ICX.

The recent one I heard is there is no such thing as a IC NOS wheel.

I can honesty say I've never seen one, and the NOS formula wheel sold don't have the IC on them...

my .02... the only way one would have an NOS IC or ICX Fomula wheel is if the buyer ordered the wheel from Pontiac in the early 70's. Once the next style version began being used in production, there was a lag in time when one could still still get an older stock version, once they were gone, they were gone. Always get a good chuckle, when I read someone posting an ad looking for an NOS IC or ICX wheel.

I agree no such thing. But if someone had one it might just go for lets see........One Million Dollars. ;)

My personal observations are that the IC wheels were used on the '70 and '71 F cars and the ICX was used on the '72 models. Can't comment on the small versus large font (without looking at the ones I've got).

Only if it's MINT....

I have a super MINT 73' fat wheel and will take less than one million dollars for it.

NOS you say? :-)

Here is the wheel that Enrico (the original owner of my SD Formula) made the dealer install when his Formula didn't show up in August 1973 with a "Formula" wheel. You don't say no to a 6'8" tall 280 lb. Master Mechanic.

If you recall, he hung on to the original tan plastic wheel for 40 years until I bought the car and he shipped it to me overnight after our first telephone conversation. What a guy.

He even kept the original box that the Formula wheel came in.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1560.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1564.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1563.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1562.jpg

Steve, i don't see an IC

Exactly!

That NOS wheel is an odd duck. No IC stamps for '73, but they still had the molded back like the earlier years. That one appears to be like the '74 style wheel.

Could very well be since the car was delivered in August and the parts pipeline would have been stocked wth 74 parts, maybe?

August seems pretty late so I suppose that could be the case. But that would also presume that the dealers had no back stock of these items either.

Do nice used fat wheels come up for sale now and then and what might one expect to pay?

Date on that Box Steve?

This is Exactly true and well said OPH !
The Gm system used to search down parts was a very odd deal, and eventually you might find one far away, but be able to buy it in the late 70's, more than likely it would end up open box, and possible a returned item, etc as well.

To further muddy the waters,....I bought a Formula wheel from GM in '79 or '80, at that time not caring (or knowing) about fat vs. thin wheels. But what I was surprised to receive was a wheel that didn't have the black anodized, brushed finish spokes. It had a rough, almost "sand cast" look, although still in black. I assumed that must be the current style '80 production wheel.

Yes, that is the 1980 and 1981 style. They are also heavier than the earlier ones. I believe the "frame" of the wheel was made of steel, rather than aluminum. Should also have scallops on the end of the spokes, on the foam section (semi-elliptical flat spots).

any idea what this one is? It is on Gramma's 75 Firebird. I bought it used in 1992. The molded digits on the back look like "1 1". Just a hair thinner than the 1973 wheel. More of a glossy finish on the foam. Very soft and pliable - not as firm as the 1973 wheel.

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1581.jpg

http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/t...c/IMG_1365.jpg

Does it look like the spokes have been repainted? Doesn't appear to have either the brushed or "sand-cast" rough finish.