Serenity Now

I have magnesium wheels now and I like them, but a local guy has a set of chrome factory originals off a 2003 in excellent shape for $400...... So I was thinking about a 2nd set. I can't decide if I like the look of the chrome or the magnesium better? Also what would my magnesium set be worth if I sold them? I rarely ever see magnesium ones on another vette.

Not mine, but a pic of what the pewter/mag look like:

ruf455

I'm getting ready to buy some magnesium wheels for $500, in very good condition (one small mark). If that helps?
I think the mag looks really good on Pewter. I have chrome now and they look a little too blingy for me...but most everyone one here seems to like chrome.

ICaughtVetteFever

That is a good deal. A nice set with one or no marks is good for $700-800.

cenzo

ICaughtVetteFever

I forgot to add too, you can always get your mags polished, they turn out great and look much better than the thin spokes.

Serenity Now

Hmm..... Never thought of that. Anyone have pics of polished magnesium wheels? Don't think I've seen any.

ICaughtVetteFever

Serenity Now

I like....

Vetteman Jack

The magnesium wheels will look good on pewter, but so will the chrome. If the chrome ones are as nice as you say, get them and you can swap out as you like. Only drawback would be having to get the second set of tires too.

'VETTE PHASE

Do you know if you have to coat them with something after they are polished? Does magnesium tarnish?

Serenity Now

Now that I think about it I have had several dirtbikes with magnesium side covers that I polished out. It doesn't seem to hold a shine as well as aluminum by any means. I would assume you'd need to coat them to keep the elements from dulling it. I think I'm gonna wait until closer to time to buy new tires and then decide if I want aluminum/chrome or magnesium.

mtwalet

Am I to understand that these polished wheels were once the bronze colored Y2K $2,000 option??.............Like I have on my car??

ICaughtVetteFever

If they were the magnesiums, then yes. They were the lightweight option, accually $3,000 in the early years. They have much more personallity than the other C5 stock wheels. I did a set in black for a while before I went to CCWs. They are very light, when you put on aftermarket chromes you will feel the difference, and wish you had the mags back.

They will need coated, yes, they will tarnish very quickly, not unlike the factory thin spokes which are also clear coated

97vetteman

Wow they look great! Has to be a cheaper alternative than a new set of rims for a different look!

Now I wonder if there is someone in the UK who polishes and coats them?

Mine are in good condition so they would plish up well




I know my cars not pewter but does any one have a picture of these on a pewter or silver car or came someone do a Photo Shop pic?
I am seriously thinking of getting mine polished if they look that good!
Because I'm in the UK secondhand sets of C5 alloys are few and far between and the cost of shipping wheels from USA to UK is very exspensive!

'VETTE PHASE

Well, I have an extra set of rear wheels just sitting around. I guess I know what I'll be doing on rainy days.

jrose7004

Finding someone that will polish them is the problem!

ICaughtVetteFever

Magnesium is VERY flamable.

diyguy

Whatever you do, don't get rid of your mag wheels. Keep them as you will maybe want to go back with them for certain types of driving. When I swapped mags to chrome thin spokes, the weight was far disproportional to the handling sacrificed.

The mags are so light, especially with a Non Run Flat tire the difference is like night and day.

Just don't part with your mags... I wish I had mine back.

Good Luck....

old stingray

Hell yes!

Serenity Now

I'll hold onto them definitely, may get the thin spokes also just because I can get them at a good price but I'm still really partial to the magnesium.