I am a new forum member. The last of our 3 kids just graduated from college. So, with college tuition now out of the way, my wife and I, as 60 year olds, just realized our long-deferred dream of owning a Corvette. We bought from its original owner a mint, magnetic red '99 vert (every option available, black top and interior) with only 20,000 miles that looks like it just came off of the show room floor. The car is stock except for its exhaust system. It has the silver-painted aluminum wheels. I would like to "dress up" the wheels, but still keep a "stock" look. Were 99's made with chrome wheels? If so, where is the best place to get them? I also like the polished "thinner spoke" wheels that came on later year c5's. Will they fit on my 1999? If so, what is the best place to get them? Many thanks for any help you can give this newbie. By the way, this car is more fun than an old man should have!

 

First of all, welcome to the forum!

You have lots of options to upgrade from the stock "wagon wheels" installed on the 97 thru 99 models. Some guys chrome their stock wheels, and one of the forum members sells inexpensive plastic inserts that greatly improve the look of the look of the stock wheels.

There were also factory mag wheels available in some years, but understand they can be expensive.

The "thin spoke" wheels from the 2000 to 2004 models are also a popular option if you're looking to retain a stock look. They were available from the factory as painted or polished aluminum. You can also find them available as aftermarket reproductions in aluminum and chrome finishes from several sources. Many forum members sell their stock wheels as they upgrade, so thin spokes are readily available -- check the for sale section. Just be careful of the tire pressure sensors -- they are not interchangeable from the newer cars. Transfer your current sensors to the new wheels, and you will be ok.

Good luck!

 

If you like the look of the wheel you have but would like for them to be chrome West Coast Corvette has a progream where they will sell you OEM wheels that have been chromed and you send them your OEM wheels as a core, catch is they will only do the trade if you are sending them the exact same wheel that they are going to send you in chrome, prices arent to bad either I dont know if you can have them chromed for any less than the WCC deal. good luck

 

Congrats on your new "baby"
As far as wheels go. There are lots and lots of different wheels for your 99. I would do lots of looking before making a decision. I bought my 98 new and I'm on my 3rd set of wheels. Good luck with your choice...........The mods have only just started......
By the way pictures are required here.....................

 

C5's never had a chrome wheel option.

There are many vendors who will do a chrome exchange (you buy chromed wheels, and then send your stock ones to them). But you have to exchange the same style wheel.

The 00-04 thinspoke wheels were factory available painted silver, or polished/clearcoated.
With these too, there are many sources of afttermarket chromed thinspokes. Some are reproductions, some are chromed GM wheels. Price will usually tell you which is which, the repro wheels are always much cheaper in comparison, and as such be suspect of quality (ie; made in China) and weight (repro wheels are typically much heavier than the OE wheels).

If you want the factory polished thinspokes, the best place to find them is probably right here on the forum (parts for sale section). Lots of people sell their stock wheels, it's usually not too hard to find a set of polished thinspokes for sale.

And yes, the thinspokes will fit your 99 perfectly.


Oh, and welcome to Corvette ownership!

 

I'm in the same boat as you 1999 vert. magnetic red. I've been looking at wheels for the past 5 months. I'll give you my opinion on what I've found out so far.

Price is a very important issue. Prices range from $500 to $5,000 and that is without tires.

Are you going to replace tires, mine have 18,000 miles on them but are 8 years old. Check them carefully for cracks or dry rot.

Are you going to stick with stock sizes on wheels and tires?

You have the wagon wheels, as I do and I am leaning towards going with the chrome exchange. Total about $7xx with shipping. I would keep my original tires and sensors. Know that the sensors have 8 year old batteries in them and eventually will need replacement.

Thin spokes do have a slight tendency to crack, but do look nice.

Almost all mid priced after market wheels are made in China. This now includes GM factory. If they are dot certified they are all right for your car. Also they may or may not be heavier than stock. Unless your autocrossing who cares.

$1500 wheels
Cray makes a very nice aftermarket wheel specifically for the C5.
Ruff makes several very nice nice wheels but the offset is less that factory (35mm for front and 45mm for rear) I still haven't gotten a straight answer if they stick out past the top of the wheel will and may cause cracks. This definitely is a problem on the C6

$1500 up......................
CCW SP16, 505A, T10 These are the cream of the crop.

Good luck searching and take your time.

 

Chromed 'wagon wheels' are available from several suppliers. Mid America has them..
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...ame=1.296.7498

 

2000 and up Trans Am had 16" 5 spoke chrome rims. I believe they fit early Vettes. Try ebay. I bought one locally for $100, like new. I believe Cadillac rims will also fit. Many Caddy dealers have new car take offs. I recently bought a like-new polished factory CTS 17" rim for $52 plus $20 shipping on ebay. 7 spokes, including center cap.

If you are in no hurry on ebay on on the Vette and Caddy forums, you can find bargains. I just bought a set of 4 18" BMW factory rims with (like new) tires for $520 including shipping and ins.

If you go to junkyard, wheels are their slowest movers. They ask high $$, but you can negotiate substantially.

 

you can get the thin spokes for about 1000. I sold my set with tires and sensors for that.

 

I have seen a ton of after market Z-06 or thin spokes in chrome on the parts section!

I would suggest trying there as a first stop!

Good Luck
John

 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question. Great info. Much apprecited. Stanfan

 

2004 Thin Spokes.. a great "Option"

 

Chrome C5 ZO6 wheels look pretty good. Look in C5 parts for sale. Lots of good deals to be found.

Paul G.

 

If you have survived the three kids, the wheels will be a piece of cake.
I now have a freshman and a junior, UGH!
Only about 75k/year.
Check out the C6 or C5 Z06 wheels.
Good luck.

 

As an alternative.

Some guys will "Powdercoat" their wheels to match their car color.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ght=powdercoat

Also some guys will get larger and fatter tires.

Lots of choices.......Congratulations on your new ride