Magnesium Wheel Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 301
Likes: 3
From: Marysville ohio
Magnesium Wheel Question
I would like to get some Magnesium wheels to replace my Z06 Motor Sport replicas. I have heard that they tend to chip and peal easily. If that is the case people talk about recoating them. Does that mean a repaint or is there a special type of coating that you use to adhere to Magnesium. Also if anyone has some for sale I would like a PM. I would like to recoat them in a different color if I can so perfect wheels may not be up my ally but PM me just the same maybe we can work something out.
Thanks Guys.
BTW I want to go this route for weight savings is there anyother wheel out there for the money that weighs less than the Magnesium wheels?
Thanks Guys.
BTW I want to go this route for weight savings is there anyother wheel out there for the money that weighs less than the Magnesium wheels?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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17 lbs, front; 19.5 lbs rear - 97-00 OEM magnesium
17.5 lbs,front; 19.5 lbs, rear - 97-00 OEM magnesium
23.5 lbs, front; 24.5 lbs, rear - Z06 Motorsports, polished
Source:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
I think the factory magnesium wheels were about the latest available for the C5. I know a couple of members have had them repainted - one member had them painted black, and one of the moderators (allthrottle&nobottle) had them stripped of all paint and had them polished. The pics I remember were that the magnesium wheels shined up better than chrome.
I thought I saw bottles of touchup paint at either Eckler's or Mid America. I tried a search and didn't find it at either place. You might try looking at your local Chevrolet parts department, they might be able to order it for you.
17.5 lbs,front; 19.5 lbs, rear - 97-00 OEM magnesium
23.5 lbs, front; 24.5 lbs, rear - Z06 Motorsports, polished
Source:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=984927
I think the factory magnesium wheels were about the latest available for the C5. I know a couple of members have had them repainted - one member had them painted black, and one of the moderators (allthrottle&nobottle) had them stripped of all paint and had them polished. The pics I remember were that the magnesium wheels shined up better than chrome.
I thought I saw bottles of touchup paint at either Eckler's or Mid America. I tried a search and didn't find it at either place. You might try looking at your local Chevrolet parts department, they might be able to order it for you.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg Va
I have the Magnesium on mine... although the are more brittle than the other rims.. they are not that been that bad as far as chipping or peeling.. 6 years and 30,000 miles and only a few blemishes.. I have been really happy with them. Just had some new tires put on, Goodyear F1 GS-D3 and the installer did a great job as there were no marks from mounting the new tires. Just be aware the the weights on the front have to be outside the spokes or they will hit the calipers....
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 24
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From: Sterling VA
Originally Posted by John Wiz
Just be aware the the weights on the front have to be outside the spokes or they will hit the calipers....
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg Va
Originally Posted by RunRiot
Not true. That's how they came from the factory, but as long as the shop has the thin weights, they can mount them inside just fine. I was very specific that I didn't want them on the outside, and removed the original weights beforehand to make sure they didn't think they should go there! They placed mine near the center of the wheel, not right next to the spokes like they usually do though. I've had them like this for 2 years and no caliper contact or any noticeable balance problems. Running the GS D3's BTW, great tire!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 580
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From: New York NY
I have the magnesium wheels as well. My vette has about 30,000 miles and the wheels are in prestine condition. I am actually trying to sell mine because I got a set of chrome ones and I dont really care for the bit of weight difference. Let me know if you are interested, ill take a few pics for u if you want.
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Taking another set of 18 x 9.5s to get 4 of these mounted today
Here are a few links to what I use the mags for
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...y.php/cat/1222
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/30s/index23.shtml
I am getting very nice ones for ~$250 ea. for 18" and IMHEO the best bang for the $ period!
These are fine for racing........dragstrip, road race or autoX.
I have put over 50K hard miles on 5 different sets...........only issue(not really) was front wheel paint bubbling from hi heat at a road course
Here are a few links to what I use the mags for
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...y.php/cat/1222
http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/30s/index23.shtml
I am getting very nice ones for ~$250 ea. for 18" and IMHEO the best bang for the $ period!
These are fine for racing........dragstrip, road race or autoX.
I have put over 50K hard miles on 5 different sets...........only issue(not really) was front wheel paint bubbling from hi heat at a road course
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
I have the (original painted color) mags also. Be sure that the tire installer is VERY careful when mounting your tires if you get the mags for yourself. The mounting machine will chip the rims if it is not clean and smooth. Don't let them use the inner rim clamp (Aligator teeth) type of machine either.
There is a Duplicolor touchup paint available that perfectly matches the original paint, and will cover most scuffs or chips. In my area the Les Schwab tire stores have the later machines that will mount tires on wider rims with no damage.
Polishing a magnesium wheel and not clear coating it is a futile labor. Magnesium starts to oxodize before you finish. Polish and clearcoat will result in a slightly gold tinted look. Really nice, I think. And ,of course, any paint color will adhere to properly prepped wheels.
There is a Duplicolor touchup paint available that perfectly matches the original paint, and will cover most scuffs or chips. In my area the Les Schwab tire stores have the later machines that will mount tires on wider rims with no damage.
Polishing a magnesium wheel and not clear coating it is a futile labor. Magnesium starts to oxodize before you finish. Polish and clearcoat will result in a slightly gold tinted look. Really nice, I think. And ,of course, any paint color will adhere to properly prepped wheels.
