polished or chrome
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 98
From: Orchard Park N.Y.
polished or chrome
Is it better to get polished or chrome z06 wheels? Is there a big difference in weight between them? Is anyone using stock c5 tires on z06 size wheels? Pros/cons please. Also, please let me know where you got yours and if you are pleased with the them. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver
2015 C5 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
The chrome looks great but if your getting them professionally polished the place that does them should be able to show you the difference. I like the polished for a couple of reasons. One is that if you scratch one it's easily polished out. Second they won't peel in a few years if you don't take care of them. And I am sure others will say things in favour of the chrome so good luck making the decision. Let us know what you decide. 
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 25,232
Likes: 451
From: Sun Coast of Florida
St. Jude Donor '03-'26
Just had Z06 chromies installed on my stock tires. Completely changed the look of the Vette. Got mine from Bob (House of Wheels). $769.00 plus $80.00 shipping. I am more than happy.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Brandywine Maryland
I agree with stock man any good motorcycle polishing shop can make polish look like chrome 
wish i could post pics of my bike but people always say the chrome is nice i just say THANKS and laugh to myself! Vern
wish i could post pics of my bike but people always say the chrome is nice i just say THANKS and laugh to myself! Vern
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Stock Man
The chrome looks great but if your getting them professionally polished the place that does them should be able to show you the difference. I like the polished for a couple of reasons. One is that if you scratch one it's easily polished out. Second they won't peel in a few years if you don't take care of them. And I am sure others will say things in favour of the chrome so good luck making the decision. Let us know what you decide.
If you scrape a curb the chrome starts to rust underneath and then one day a big piece of chrome will fall off...polished is more work, but you never have to replate them. I've had both..... no more chromies for me.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 0
From: Big Bear City CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
I personally prefer polished to chrome on wheels like the Y2K thin spokes and the ZR1’s. The average do-it-yourselfer can make various repairs on polished wheels where he wouldn’t be able to do so with chrome. However due to the intricacies of the Z06 wheels, it would be too much effort and time to keep them up. Therefore with the Z06 wheels, I would prefer chrome.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 400hp
Chrome, easy to clean and maintain, always look nice.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 68
From: Bowling Green KY
The pros and cons are all valid.
I have chrome HRE 540s and I love them. If your car is kept in a garage, chrome is my suggestion. Chrome is definitely shinier (no matter what someone may say), and it is shinier every day with little or no work. Polished can be very nice, but requires constant effort.
I have Z06 size wheels, and mounted my stock EMTs on them. It is a stretch, but will work. Just stay away from the curbs.
JMHO
I have chrome HRE 540s and I love them. If your car is kept in a garage, chrome is my suggestion. Chrome is definitely shinier (no matter what someone may say), and it is shinier every day with little or no work. Polished can be very nice, but requires constant effort.
I have Z06 size wheels, and mounted my stock EMTs on them. It is a stretch, but will work. Just stay away from the curbs.
JMHO
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
I bought Z06 polished wheels, without the clearcoat. The reason I did was because I liked the look better than chrome. The polished have a softer, more lustrous look, exactly what I wanted. The chromes have a harder, edgier look. They look nice, but I wouldn't trade. Each to their own. BTW, the polished, without clearcoat, are not difficult, nor time-consuming, to maintain.
Ed
Ed
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
I just bought a set of CCW 505a's from a forum member a month ago - He had them triple plated chromed - These things are AMAZING. I am sold on the chrome now!
