The Chevy Owner's Dummy Guide to C-bodies.

[amazinblue82]

Since I never heard of "recall wheels" before 3 days ago, figured I'd look 'em up.

I've never owned a 1969 Mopar of any kind -- never even saw this wheel to my recollection before post #2 from MarPar

Interesting set of events apparently. The excerpt below is from this Hemmings link:

http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2007/05/Total-Recall/1454813.html

Even if they didn't feature then-innovative cast-aluminum construction, Chrysler's option code W23 wheels would be popular for their attractive design.

Although they were involved in a safety recall a mere six days before the cars that would use them were officially released to the public, many sets escaped, and have become the Holy Grail wheels for the Mopar faithful. With modern reproductions bringing the remaining originals even greater exposure, the "recall" wheel is the stuff of muscle car legend.

A two-page letter, addressed to all Dodge dealers, was dated September 13, 1968. Its subject was a replacement campaign for the newly announced optional Cast Center Road Wheel, which was priced at $100.10, and it applied to all 1969 models equipped with Sales Code W23 Road Wheels.

The copy went on to explain the vehicles affected and the reason for the recall, noting the replacement procedure for Darts, Polaras-Monacos, Coronets and Chargers.​

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Lug nuts kept coming loose

 

[goldfish65]

Nice to see a journalist who cares enough to make corrections. I enjoyed the article when I read it just now.

 

[Carmine]

Lug nuts kept coming loose

I think someone thought the wheels had more "crush" and would loose torque. I can only assume they hadn't performed a study. To be safe, they recalled them before (many) made it to the public. I don't believe there was ever any actual issue in testing, and nothing in the field. To be really safe, they just waited a decade to try their next aluminum rim, once it was much more common.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

I think someone thought the wheels had more "crush" and would loose torque. I can only assume they hadn't performed a study. To be safe, they recalled them before (many) made it to the public. I don't believe there was ever any actual issue in testing, and nothing in the field. To be really safe, they just waited a decade to try their next aluminum rim, once it was much more common.

The loose lug nuts was always what I have heard, never saw any "official or otherwise" documents on the nuts coming loose. It definitely spooked engineering enough to wait till 80 or so like you mentioned.

 

[amazinblue82]

Source: Dodge Charger.com Forum

 

[amazinblue82]

One more thing ... just because I found it fascinating. some of these wheel covers i do know of have a lot more separate parts than I knew about.

The post said it was from "1969 Parts Book".
Source: Dodge Charger.com Forum

 

[300rag]

One more thing ... just because I found it fascinating. some of these wheel covers i do know of have a lot more separate parts than I knew about.

The circled one is the wheel cover on my wagon, and not only is it multi-piece, it also weighs around 10 pounds.

 

[fury fan]

Not a terrible article overall, and kudos to the author for having interest to learn more!

Some nitty things for the author:
You mentioned the start of the Fury in 65, then mentioned the VIP. The VIP started in 66. Although you didn't specifically mention a 65 VIP, it kinda reads that way.
The 426 Street Wedge was rated at 365hp, not 385.
65-68 Chrysler 300 coupes with 4-speeds were mentioned. While I cannot say that 66-68 Chryslers were not available with a 4-speed, I have never seen one (but I have seen a handful of 65s). And the 4-speed has been seen in Dodge/Plymouth 4-doors and wagons, not just coupes.

 

[CanCritter]

Since I never heard of "recall wheels" before 3 days ago, figured I'd look 'em up.

I've never owned a 1969 Mopar of any kind -- never even saw this wheel to my recollection before post #2 from MarPar

Interesting set of events apparently. The excerpt below is from this Hemmings link:

Total Recall - Offered, then pulled before 1969 Mopar | Hemmings Motor News

Even if they didn't feature then-innovative cast-aluminum construction, Chrysler's option code W23 wheels would be popular for their attractive design.

Although they were involved in a safety recall a mere six days before the cars that would use them were officially released to the public, many sets escaped, and have become the Holy Grail wheels for the Mopar faithful. With modern reproductions bringing the remaining originals even greater exposure, the "recall" wheel is the stuff of muscle car legend.

A two-page letter, addressed to all Dodge dealers, was dated September 13, 1968. Its subject was a replacement campaign for the newly announced optional Cast Center Road Wheel, which was priced at $100.10, and it applied to all 1969 models equipped with Sales Code W23 Road Wheels.

The copy went on to explain the vehicles affected and the reason for the recall, noting the replacement procedure for Darts, Polaras-Monacos, Coronets and Chargers.​

wouldn't sweat it....as of 4-5 years ago had no idea 70-71 furys existed...maybe it was for a reason...