Identifyng 00 Thin Spokes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 115
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From: Reading PA
Identifyng 00 Thin Spokes
Need some help identifying my 00 thin spokes as I need to replace a front wheel.
I found the below quoted reference here on the forum
"Remember to specify an early 2000 or late 2000-2004. They were different and did not look identical. The early 2000, through February-March of 2000, will have GM stamped on the back and were a forged wheel. The late 2000-2004 painted rims were cast and had Speedline stamped on the back."
Production date for my car was 10-29-99, making it an "early" car. I have a WTB posted on "Parts for Sale/Wanted" but have not rec'd many replies. Early wheels were thinner spokes than later wheels?
Is reference correct and do I need an early GM Stamped wheel? Where can I get one?
As always, any reply is appreciated.
Bucky Barbour
I found the below quoted reference here on the forum
"Remember to specify an early 2000 or late 2000-2004. They were different and did not look identical. The early 2000, through February-March of 2000, will have GM stamped on the back and were a forged wheel. The late 2000-2004 painted rims were cast and had Speedline stamped on the back."
Production date for my car was 10-29-99, making it an "early" car. I have a WTB posted on "Parts for Sale/Wanted" but have not rec'd many replies. Early wheels were thinner spokes than later wheels?
Is reference correct and do I need an early GM Stamped wheel? Where can I get one?
As always, any reply is appreciated.
Bucky Barbour
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 44
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Hi Bucky,
The reference is correct. Early painted thin spoke wheels are stylistically a bit different - particularly noticeable side by side with a later wheel, which was manufactured by a different supplier. The spoke edges are a little sharper on the early wheels, resulting in a narrower profile. As far as finding one to match, you will just need to keep looking, as the production numbers are comparatively low (and it is unlikely you will find anyone willing to break up a set). Try some salvage operations too; I think there is one who is a forum vendor. Your other alternative, besides aftermarket wheels, is getting a set of the later (Speedline) wheels (which are fairly inexpensive to buy - I've seen nice sets going for $300 shipped here on the forum); then you will be in the catbird seat when someone is looking for the early version
. Good luck.
The reference is correct. Early painted thin spoke wheels are stylistically a bit different - particularly noticeable side by side with a later wheel, which was manufactured by a different supplier. The spoke edges are a little sharper on the early wheels, resulting in a narrower profile. As far as finding one to match, you will just need to keep looking, as the production numbers are comparatively low (and it is unlikely you will find anyone willing to break up a set). Try some salvage operations too; I think there is one who is a forum vendor. Your other alternative, besides aftermarket wheels, is getting a set of the later (Speedline) wheels (which are fairly inexpensive to buy - I've seen nice sets going for $300 shipped here on the forum); then you will be in the catbird seat when someone is looking for the early version
. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 930
Likes: 13
From: Aiken SC
I would think if you looked on the back side of the wheel you need to replace it would say either GM or Speedline, with the part #. Replace accordingly. What wrong with the one you need to replace? Curb rash, cracks, etc?
tracer1
tracer1
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 930
Likes: 13
From: Aiken SC
As Mr Bill said, Corvette Recycling is a good one. VetteNutts are good also. There are quite a few here. And I'm sure some may chime in. I would first do a search on here for "thin spokes". Check the "Parts for sale" section, a lot of times some guys are trying to sell just one thin spoke. I have seen a whole set for $300-$400, which isn't bad. If you do a search, PM some of the sellers to see if they still have them. Some may not have sold. Good luck.
tracer1
tracer1
