C5 Magnesium Wheels Question . . .
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
C5 Magnesium Wheels Question . . .
A question for anyone running the magnesium wheels (or someone who just knows about them):
I have the magnesium wheels on my '99 Magnetic Red convertible. I'm the 3rd owner (my father was the 2nd). This car has been in the family since 2006.
I noticed that of the four wheels, one (the right front) has the word "Magnesium" as a logo on it but that the other three do not have the logo. Was this how they were originally, with the logo on only one wheel? Or do I have a mismatched set in which the right front was replaced and the replacement was from a set, perhaps from a later model year?
Thanks for any info!
K9Leader
1999 Convertible, Magnetic Red, Light Oak interior
I have the magnesium wheels on my '99 Magnetic Red convertible. I'm the 3rd owner (my father was the 2nd). This car has been in the family since 2006.
I noticed that of the four wheels, one (the right front) has the word "Magnesium" as a logo on it but that the other three do not have the logo. Was this how they were originally, with the logo on only one wheel? Or do I have a mismatched set in which the right front was replaced and the replacement was from a set, perhaps from a later model year?
Thanks for any info!
K9Leader
1999 Convertible, Magnetic Red, Light Oak interior
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 4
From: Roseville Ca.
It is my understanding that the only year that had the magnesium colored wheels were the 2003 50th anniversary edition corvettes (they are actually magnesium painted aluminum), not real sure if they had one cap that was labeled that way, I'm sure someone will chime in and let you know for sure. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
They were actually an option for several years. All 4 of mine have the word magnesium in yellow (albeit a bit worn & faded now) on them. 
Last edited by rpm462; Aug 30, 2010 at 10:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
The car came with the true magnesium wheels, a $3000 option in 1998 and 99, $2000 in 2000 and 01, and $1500 in 02/03, $995 in 04. They were fairly low volume due to the extra cost. Paint chips easily but I like the look - understated and goes well with the Mag Red/Light Oak.
But I do wonder if the mag wheels of a later year had the yellow "Magnesium" logo (it is on the rim itself, not on the center cap).
K9Leader
But I do wonder if the mag wheels of a later year had the yellow "Magnesium" logo (it is on the rim itself, not on the center cap).
K9Leader
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
The car came with the true magnesium wheels, a $3000 option in 1998 and 99, $2000 in 2000 and 01, and $1500 in 02/03, $995 in 04. They were fairly low volume due to the extra cost. Paint chips easily but I like the look - understated and goes well with the Mag Red/Light Oak.
But I do wonder if the mag wheels of a later year had the yellow "Magnesium" logo (it is on the rim itself, not on the center cap).
K9Leader
But I do wonder if the mag wheels of a later year had the yellow "Magnesium" logo (it is on the rim itself, not on the center cap).
K9Leader
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 472
From: Newark Delaware
Yours is an '03? And the wheels were original? If so, that is evidence that I have one replacement wheel from a later model year.
By the way, I lived in Long Beach, Mississippi, from 1989 to 1996 - we were neighbors . . .
Thanks for the info.
K9Leader
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
The optional N73 magnesium wheels were offered on all years of the C5. The "MAGNESIUM" lettering was silk screened on (painted), which is why you'll see varying levels of legibility of them. Once these wheels are repainted, the lettering is usually not as there are no stencils available for them, unless someone makes them custom, of course.
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There should be the word Magnesium in yellow on all four wheels. Perhaps it has worn off over the years on the other three wheels.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
My 2004 had them, lettering faded as well. Take good care of them. If they are the true magnesium wheels most wheel repair shops will not touch them. I have yet to find a shop to repair one that's just slightly bent.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
The mag wheels all had the word magnesium on them in yellow and it is a decal that is put on before clear-coat.
Once the clear-coat is applied it looks like it is painted on, on a side note they also have 2 colors.
Most of them were a light sand drift metallic color but there were some in a charcoal gray metallic also. (Very rare)
Once the clear-coat is applied it looks like it is painted on, on a side note they also have 2 colors.
Most of them were a light sand drift metallic color but there were some in a charcoal gray metallic also. (Very rare)
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 167
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Got an 01 and 2 of my 4 wheels have the sticker...
Would love to find a vendor that makes replacement stickers(?)
I believe they just wear off, perhaps some were applied after the clearcoat or the clearcoat was thinner or didn't cover as well over the sticker.....
Would love to find a vendor that makes replacement stickers(?)
I believe they just wear off, perhaps some were applied after the clearcoat or the clearcoat was thinner or didn't cover as well over the sticker.....
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 5
From: York PA
My 01 has it on all four. I looked long and hard to find a new vert with them - only about 660 2001 verts came with these from the factory.
The Anniversary wheels are painted the color of the true mags, but not lower the spring weight that comes with magnesium.
Could the three have been re-painted?
The Anniversary wheels are painted the color of the true mags, but not lower the spring weight that comes with magnesium.
Could the three have been re-painted?
