Redline Wheel Matrix for all castings, 1968-1972

[Hotwheelz Biker]

This matrix covers all of the castings from 1968 through 1972. While there is no absolute rule as to which wheels go on which cars, I have tried to compile a list of the most common findings for each casting. Also, please keep in mind that if the bottom of your car says “1967” on it, that is a 1968 model. Mattel was hopeful that they would launch the line in 1967, but it did not work out. All cars with 1967 on the base are considered 1968 releases.

There are two basic types of wheels, and they are very easy to tell apart from each other. Those two types are “Bearing” and “Cap”. Here’s an overview:

• Bearing - If you can see a small white or pink bearing in the center of the wheel around the axle, you need a “bearing” style wheels. Bearing wheels come in three “styles”:
  • Hong Kong Bearing - Hong Kong bearing is the most common wheel style found on the cars in 1968, and they have the look most people associate with early redlines. The mag is sharp and clear, and the finish is bright chrome.
  • US Bearing – US Bearing is the wheel style found on about half the cars in 1969. As you will notice in the matrix below, some castings in 1969 were available exclusively with these wheels. It is quite common however for HK Bearing wheels to be substituted for the US wheels. The mag on the US wheel is less shiny, less detailed and less defined than a Hong Kong wheel.
  • Deep Dish Bearing - Deep Dish wheels were original equipment on very few cars manufactured in Hong Kong. These wheels are limited to early castings in 1968. they were dropped right away by Mattel because they were too difficult to make. They are arguably the best looking wheel out of all of them, and many people choose to put these early Deep Dish style wheel on cars that never came with them. The mag is inset to the tire, giving a more authentic tire/wheel look. The mag is less shiny than a Hong Kong wheel, and has more of a silver or argent look.
• Cap - If the wheel is solid black on the backside without the small white or pink bearing, then you need “Cap” style wheels. Cap wheels are the most common wheels used in 1970, 1971 & 1972. The mag is sharp and clear, and the finish is bright chrome. They come in two sizes, and the medium size fits the front of any early Sizzler car.

If you are a purist, go for the historically accurate wheels for your car. If you want the car to look fresh and new, use the wheel style you like best!

Check it out here Wheel Matrix for all castings, 1968-1972


This not my info, found it while researching wheel combos.
All credit should go to Tony (usty00)

[sweet16s]

Thanks for sharing, didn't know Tony had this up too.

jeff

[dmcbttf1984]

thanks for the info i have a HK Deora that has all 3 baring wheel examples 2 HK reg wheels 1 US and 1 HK deep deep dish i don't know if it came like that or over the years the wheels on the passenger side fell off and the person replaced them what they had laying around (US and HK deep dish)

[Redline Redneck]

Hello,

Yes. This information is on my Wheel Matrix. It can be found at:

http://www.bellsouthpwp2.net/f/i/fiv...Matrix%203.htm

[dfoyl]

There are US deepdish wheels also, found on early run combos like blue Silhouette.

[mlbuser]

This answers a question I've had for a long time. Are the HWs factory wheels US or HK. I think this is saying all cap wheels are HK. Sound about right?


Mark

[Redline Redneck]

Hi Mark. While I do imply this in the matrix, the fact is that US casting cars with cap wheels had wheels made in the US. There are subtle differences between the US and HK caps, but many can not tell the difference. I actually offered US cap wheels for a bit, but so many people were confused about it I had to stop. Heck, when you offer over 20 different wheels for the first 5 years, adding wheels with hardly any difference is not helpful! I still do custom runs for collectors when they ask. Right now I am running redline wheels with red mags for a known customizer. Talk about cool!

[Iamredliner]

Hi Mark. While I do imply this in the matrix, the fact is that US casting cars with cap wheels had wheels made in the US. There are subtle differences between the US and HK caps, but many can not tell the difference. I actually offered US cap wheels for a bit, but so many people were confused about it I had to stop. Heck, when you offer over 20 different wheels for the first 5 years, adding wheels with hardly any difference is not helpful! I still do custom runs for collectors when they ask. Right now I am running redline wheels with red mags for a known customizer. Talk about cool!

HK Chrome is shinier than US. The US wheels have more of a silver-paint look to them than chrome. (Just my take on it all)

[Redline Redneck]

HK Chrome is shinier than US. The US wheels have more of a silver-paint look to them than chrome.

That's certainly true for bearing wheels from 1968-69, however you will have a harder time telling US and HK cap wheels apart from 1970-72. The chrome is just as bright and shiny on either one of the cap wheels. It's actually the redline and the shape of the mag that is subtly different.

[Iamredliner]

I'm sure that you are right Tony. I only know about the early "bearing" style wheels. Those are the ones that I had "reverse engineered" and produced by a company "out-East" in the injection plastics business. In fact my tooling is still out there!