totally
Thin Spoke Wheel Tutorial
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Eugene Oregon
Thin Spoke Wheel Tutorial
I'm a new owner and would appreciate some advice on upgrading the wheels on my '99 mag red vert. I have standard "wagon wheels". I want to preserve the "stock look" and have decided I want to buy either polished or chromed "thin spokes" (ie that have the profile of the OEM wheels for '01-'04). I have heard of problems with each type of wheel...chrome flaking off or thin spokes getting scratched/getting dull. I would love to hear from Forum members as to the pluses and minuses of the two options. Also, your suggestions on the best manufacturers/vendors of the two types of wheels would be helpful. Thanks!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
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If you buy imported wheels you may be asking for problems. Many are hard to balance(without the use of excessive weight) and any type of racing will void your warrenty. My z06 replicas used 3oz of lead on each wheel to balance, with the lead on the outter side of the rim. On this type of wheel its hard to hide that much weight behind the spoke.I have read that some after market wheels are better than others , however mine are from Discount Tire and the brand is TOPLINE. I think they are absolute CRAP and I hope a factory Rep reads this and offers to refund me my money. As I will continue to post my opinion of this product indefinately!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have a set of thin 5 spokes (GM) Factory sitting around, Is this something like you are looking for? I replaced my factory with 5 spoke C6 wheels.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I think it's just a matter of personal choice. Some like chrome, some like polished.
I'm just glad the previous owner had the good sense to get rid of the "cheap looking" wagon wheels!
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
An uncoated polished wheel is more work to keep looking pristine, yes.
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From: Denver Colorado
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: La La land cali
St. Jude Donor '09
Took the wheels off. Did NOT take the rubber off. Used a throw-away paint brush and an old mason jar.
Brushed the stuff on neatly, let it set in for about 30 minutes. I could see the coating bubbled up.
Took the garden hose and squirt em' off. I had previously tried with a stripper from Orchard Supply (PAINT stripper that is...)
It didnt work. It just made a mess. This aircraft stuff REALLY works well.
All four wheels took me about 4 hours tops. I took em all off at the same time...
Can't think of anything else...
Oh yeah, do it outside in the open air. That stuff tears up your lungs real bad.
The stuff is made by Kleenstrip or something like that. Cant read the label w/o magnification I guess.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,664
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From: Wellsboro Pa
I have a set of painted OEM thin spokes that I no longer need. As you can see above, you might be able to just strip them as Tricep did. PM me if interested.
Last edited by moserbe; Dec 30, 2007 at 04:54 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,300
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From: yardley, pa 19067
Stanfan, I have a 99 like you..I got rid of my ugly wagon wheels for factory polished 00-04 thin spokes... Ordered them from www.gmpartsdirect.com It's the best mod you can make and reuse your factory sensors and tires...Looks like a whole new car afterwards!!
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Chrome will eventually peel, but not for a long time if you take proper care of them. Plus they just outshine the polished by a considerable margin. If you can find a set of OEM wheels that have been chromed, that may be the best way to go with a chrome set. It will cost you more for the set though than a reproduction wheel.
That being said, the OEM high polished wheels are still a good choice - I originally had them on mine and they were very good looking. They are very easy to take care of since they are clearcoated. The wheels do seem to get a bit dull over time - at least many of the ones I have seen do. Not sure if that is just the nature of the wheel or whether there has been some improper maintenance done on them. I sold mine about two years after I bought the car in order to put a set of chrome C5 Z06 wheels on there.
That being said, the OEM high polished wheels are still a good choice - I originally had them on mine and they were very good looking. They are very easy to take care of since they are clearcoated. The wheels do seem to get a bit dull over time - at least many of the ones I have seen do. Not sure if that is just the nature of the wheel or whether there has been some improper maintenance done on them. I sold mine about two years after I bought the car in order to put a set of chrome C5 Z06 wheels on there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
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From: Midland TX
The day I got my new 2001 C5 (9/23/00), I went to Discount Tire and did the Chrome Exchange Program and swapped out my polished thinspokes for the chrome thinspokes. Both my original set and the replacements set were Speedline Forged (Made in Italy).
I have driven the car everyday now for over 7 years and the chrome wheels still look like the day I installed them (no scratches or peeling). I do however never let the car go to bed dirty.
Wish I could find who sells new Chrome Speedlines just like mine - I might buy a backup set for the future.
I have had scores of positive comments on these wheels over the years.
I have driven the car everyday now for over 7 years and the chrome wheels still look like the day I installed them (no scratches or peeling). I do however never let the car go to bed dirty.
Wish I could find who sells new Chrome Speedlines just like mine - I might buy a backup set for the future.
I have had scores of positive comments on these wheels over the years.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Destin FL
I originally had the chrome thin spokes (see my avatar) and cracked one of the spokes at the base. Afterward, I was surprised at how many people I found on the forums that said the same thing happened to them (surprised because I had never run across any threads complaining about it). I replaced them with chrome Z06 replicas from WCC. I love them. No problems (except brake dust which I'd get with any wheels).