Derv1275

I'm trying to get my wheels powder coated and a couple companies say the don't powder coat chrome wheels or there is a different process to it then just powder coating. I'm curious if the stock Z06 "chrome" wheels are chrome or just polished with a clear spray on them? Thanks

~Josh

All z06 wheels are powdercoated gray.

The 2004 z06 with the z16 commemorative package ONLY got polished wheels.

Anything chrome is an aftermarket wheel or (rare) a set of factory ones an owner chromed after it left the factory.

Derv1275

Ok so that being said, how do I know which are which? And are the aftermarket ones able to be sand blasted and powder coated?

Derv1275

Here's a picture for reference. I know you guys know what I'm talking about but why not just incase.

MY03C5Z

02-04 GM wheels were 'Speedline'. It will say this on the back side of the wheel and were cast aluminum. 01's were 'Alcoa', forged aluminum. Anything else was aftermarket.

Ron C!

If they are OEM, they will have "Speedline" cast into the back of the wheel. If not, they are off-shore copies.

~Josh

Derv those are chromed.

Sandblasting would have to be industrial strength. A simple blast cabinet won't really do the job. Usually stripping chrome is a chemical process and very few places are set up for it.

You'd be better off buying a used set of factory wheels in the classifieds cheap and going from there.

Derv1275

Alright I took the driver side rear wheel off. And these were the only marking I found on the back of them. I'm not sure what this means?

grantv

Sticker; Topline = replicas

Derv1275

Well poo, so now I need to know if at real chrome or not I guess. I'm assuming they're not though?

grantv

As opposed to polished you mean? They look chrome in the pic.
I agree with Josh, there are plenty of people who like chrome. Sell yours and buy a powder coated set.

*C7*

As mentioned, those are chrome replica wheels. Very nice looking car and wheels. Those wheels would sell easily.

Derv1275

Yeah, the way you said it makes me sense Well I guess I'll be making a ad to trade or sell me wheels. Thanks for the input

~Josh

Look at all the weight it took to balance them.

Junk wheels aside from looks. I like polished stuff (more than chrome) but you won't find me crying to dump a set of rollers with a million pounds of weight to get them off the balance machine.

Sell.

JETZ

Really? Always thought 'painted'.

My Z16 when new, polished.



frank

doneworking

Sell those wheels and don't look back. Before long the chrome lip inside on the bead will start to peel off giving you slow leaks to chase around. Then for fun weigh those things after dismounted from the tires. You will more than likely see 8 or 9.pounds of difference from a speedline wheel. That's a lot of unsprung weight. Do a little reading up on them if you don't want to take anyone's word for it. Gm did a lot of work to build a class sports car and those aftermarket wheels moved the bar the only direction it could go..down.

~Josh

^ yes, pretty much. Stock polished (or chrome for even more $) is the way to go. I prefer highly polished aluminum, but I'm biased.

I should've said painted, but striping them felt like they were tougher than paint.

Derv1275

Ill probably be doing this option. Id rather have the stock wheels and know what they are then cheap knock offs.

doneworking

Watch the parts for sale section on this forum and you'll find a set for probably in the neighborhood of 500 bucks. They go fast so ya have to be quick. I wound up with two sets but I polished one set and left the other set painted. I paid 425 for the set I polished and 600 for the rears new from house of wheels and 300 for fronts from a forum member. So I paid more than average but oh well . If you don't have any luck hit me up, I might part with the painted set.

97 SC Cobra

Not all replicas are that much heavier than stock. I had both sets years ago and sold the speedlines as the weight difference was about 1 pound. Agreed that the abundance of weights is an indication they may not be the best quality.