[Anfanuts]

My research in old parts catalogs indicates that Cromodora Daytona's were "magnesium"-based alloy up to about 1985. An IAP 1984-1985 catalog says, "CROMODORA wheels are die cast MAGNESIUM for a smooth finish, attractive appearance, light weight, and extra strength. They are approximately 2/3 the weight of a comparable aluminum wheel." (Notably I paid $362 for a set then.)

They disappeared from the catalogs after this (~86-87) and reappear in an October 1987 Shankle catalog as "new aluminum reproductions" without the CROMODORA name at $88 each. Even Shankle's June 1987 catalog did not list them in any fashion.

I have an April 1973 version (date stamp on back) spare, and photos and records of a December 1976 version (photos below). While the face and back markings were a bit different, they are both 12 pounds. I shipped the 1976 to an aerospace engineer in Seattle who said he could fix it (bad curb rash). I await his answer. I bought the 4 on my car in April 1985 but have not had them off recently to check their date stamp or weight. When I do that, it will establish a later model CD-35 weight for sure (and date stamp).

One could devote a thread to just CD-35's but that's not the intent of this thread. I'm sure someone in the business back then who dealt with this in detail could shed some light on the changeover and some metallurgist on the exact nature of the differing alloys. The bottom line IMO, in my mind there is ~pre-86 magnesium-based alloy at 12#, and post-86 aluminum-based alloy at 16# (for a 6x14). Even the new IAP repros are 16#.

I have corresponded with some who insist the earlier wheels were NOT magnesium. I'll leave that to the experts. That is why I say "xxxxx-based alloy" above. I took some metallurgy courses a long time ago and know you can mix different proportions of aluminum and magnesium to achieve different ends (weight, strength, ductility, etc.). One clear end is 12# versus 16#.

As Joe points out above, the were first seen in 67 on the Ferrari (365 GTB-4) Daytona, so that is an early date point (size and bolt pattern notwithstanding).

Adder: One thing you will note in the photos (and it is clearer in person) is that the 4/73 and ~84 have sharper edges on the star and circle corners. The 12/76 is noticeably more rounded. Interesting as it is in the middle of those two other dates. Markings differ on all 3 also.

OK experts with facts, weigh in here. Thanks, Bruce