Silver vs. Chrome
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Silver vs. Chrome
I'm looking at some wheels in the parts section. They are the wrong offset, so I'll need adapters. That's ok, I don't autocross.
My question is: What are the pros and cons of chrome wheels versus silver wheels? Durability, looks, maintenance?
Thanks.
My question is: What are the pros and cons of chrome wheels versus silver wheels? Durability, looks, maintenance?
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Nevada Missouri
I have the chrome ZR1 wheels 17x9.5. I bought them from Lakeshore tire and wheel with 275x40x17 Sumitomo tires for $1239. Mounted balanced and delivered. They came with the 38mm offset no need for adapters. Great wheels and tires. I looked at other wheels but the chrome is the only wasy to go.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 1
From: Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
Those are beautiful. And a nice looking vette too.
So you chose chrome as purely a personal preference?
You found the best deal overall, or is that just a good deal from a good vendor?
BTW, I'm a Navy veteran too.
So you chose chrome as purely a personal preference?
You found the best deal overall, or is that just a good deal from a good vendor?
BTW, I'm a Navy veteran too.
Last edited by DaleD; Oct 16, 2007 at 02:18 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
I went with the chrome ZR1's and Summitomo tires also. I have owned both polished aluminum and chrome wheels. The chrome wheels are much easier to clean and keep shiny on a weekly basis. Mine is a daily driver. I use Eagle chrome wheel spray once a week and it keeps them shining like new. I also polish them every four to six months which makes them easier to clean on a regular basis and protects them. The aluminum polished wheels I have owned were much harder to keep clean and shiny on a regular basis. They could be made to look like the chrome wheels but I would have to polish them thoroughly on a weekly basis. This was extremely time consuming and a PITA. The polished aluminum wheels seem to last longer on a daily driver. The chrome will start to pit and oxidize after a few years. The chrome ZR1's are cheap enough that I can afford to replace them when this happens. IMO the chrome shines more and are less of a PITA for a daily driven car. When they start to pit and oxidize, probably in about 4 to 5 years, they are cheap enough to replace.
Last edited by rickneworleansla; Oct 16, 2007 at 06:30 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: Nevada Missouri
I retired as Chief Data Processing Tech in Jun 92.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I've always found it depends on the color of the car. I saw another Admiral Blue with chrome (my first choice) and it just didn't match (to me anyway), but silver with that color just looked right in my head.
I also found silver was easier to keep clean than chrome.
Just my two cents. Chrome still looks incredible on the right color.
Good luck!
I also found silver was easier to keep clean than chrome.
Just my two cents. Chrome still looks incredible on the right color.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton Oregon
Direct fit 38mm Offset 17x9.5 from FactoryReproductions.com. 275/40/17 Maxxis Tires from Les Schwab. Spent just less than $1200 total. Never considered anything but Chrome.
Last edited by All2kool; Oct 25, 2007 at 09:50 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I have never liked chrome and always liked the polished aluminum or painted wheels. I recently acquired some Z06 chrome wheels though and I get nothing but compliments every time I go anywhere in it. And I have to say, they are SUPER EASY to clean!!
Now I am just scared they will start to flake away like everything chrome eventually does one day. I guess I will enjoy it while it lasts .,
Now I am just scared they will start to flake away like everything chrome eventually does one day. I guess I will enjoy it while it lasts .,
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: plympton mass
chrome whees
i think chrome is the only way to go i have sawtooth on my 93 if your alumimun wheels are in good shape you can do an exchange at mike corvette.com for about 600. dollars when i order mine thouhgt elkers for 700.00 them came to me with a mike,s corvette sticker on them so i look them at mike.s and found out they where 600 my mistake your gain sorry no pictures yet
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: Albany Oregon
Where did you get those?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
by "silver" i believe you mean polished aluminum.
i'm a fan of polished aluminum, as its more stately and not blingy such as chrome -- which is the choice of hip-hopsters and drug runners.
i'm a fan of polished aluminum, as its more stately and not blingy such as chrome -- which is the choice of hip-hopsters and drug runners.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I'm a polished fan. They just seem to go with my polo vert. You can always bring them back to chrome like with a little polishing. They never rust. Rust is for Rustangs.
You're looking at a 6 year old wheel.
You're looking at a 6 year old wheel.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,727
Likes: 711
From: Bergen County, NJ
My 02
I have chrome wheels on both Corvettes. Some say its too much bling, or whatever. I think an American car should have some chrome, its traditional. Silver painted wheels are for foriegn sportscars like the Porsche.
I have chrome wheels on both Corvettes. Some say its too much bling, or whatever. I think an American car should have some chrome, its traditional. Silver painted wheels are for foriegn sportscars like the Porsche.