OK experts, please help me out here. These wheels are cast aluminum with Mehelich cast into the back side and dated 5/4/75. They are 15x7 with a 5x4-3/4 bolt pattern. I am looking at buying them for my 57 Ford pickup. The ask is $1000 which seems a bit high but it has been a while since I have looked at vintage wheels. Although they are slotted they look like spoked wheels on the truck. I am looking for any information I can get on them. Thanks, Dennis
Built by a guy of the name of Dave Mehelich from Seattle. These are his 'later' design, these could also be gotten in a pin-drive knockoff. First set of his I ever saw was a rough-cast 8-spoke design in a chrome rim that used a small baby moon as a center cap. All nice wheels, and rare.... There's a few links on the web (including here) about these.
JD Wheels has a nearly identical wheel, readily available, and a lot less $. Billet Vintiques also makes a similar wheel called Cruzer. Also, I believe 4-3/4 is a Chevy bolt pattern?
I believe the Mehelich wheels went from US production to offshore production, got bought out and turned into Cruzer wheels. But it wouldn't hurt to fact check that.
As someone earlier pointed out Built by a guy named Dave Mehelich from Seattle. They were popular with hot rodder/street rodders in the 70's and 80's Mehelich Wheels are still popular with those that are familar with them. the ones that you pictured have the lug nut covers/knock offs and if they come with tires I would say a $1000.00 is not to bad of a price. If you were looking to re-sell that price would be to high just my 02
As memory serves, Mehelichs suffered from an offset issue. Not enough variations (molds) nor a thick enough casting in the hub area to allow machining. I looked into them years ago for another project, but still liked the look of Hal's better.
Thanks for all of the responses. In the end I have decided for another look on the pickup. If anybody is interested in the Mehelichs send me a message and I will put you in touch with the owner. They have nearly new pirelli tires two are 205 70R 15 and two are 215 70R 15. The wheels are in excellent shape. Dennis