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Hi. I just picked up a low mileage 98 coupe with original mint condition wagon wheels. I am considering swapping them out for the newer thin-spoke wheels. Opinions on whether this diminishes resale value (I dont want to store the wagons)? Are the wagon wheels worth anything now?
Getting rid of the wagon wheels is one of the first things many owners of early cars did (and do). Certainly no loss in value, and it's hard to find anyone who wants them.
There are a whole slew of nice looking wheels available for C5's - search on here for the wheel threads. I ran my wagons for years, and then swapped them for C6 ZR1 replica wheels one size larger - 18/19. No regrets whatsoever - except I still have 4 wagon wheels with near bald tires sitting in the corner of my garage. Can't seem to give them away.
Hi. I just picked up a low mileage 98 coupe with original mint condition wagon wheels. I am considering swapping them out for the newer thin-spoke wheels. Opinions on whether this diminishes resale value (I dont want to store the wagons)? Are the wagon wheels worth anything now?
Thanks in advance!
Don't worry about resale, put on what you like. Personally, I prefer original wheels, don't care for aftermarket to be trustworthy.
I don't think that the wagon wheels will add any value. Maybe if you find a purist who wanted as close to a show room floor car as could it could be...... But as far as i know those are not very sought after. I would not pay more for them ( and they are on my car right now.). I'd sell them and recoup some money for a set you want. That's my plan after I upgrade other the suspension. It's just cosmetic to me right now. Hope that helps some
Last edited by Proletariat designs; Jul 17, 2017 at 11:46 AM.
Personally I like the factory look the best as well... I went with Z06 chrome replicas...and I get compliments everywhere I go... I think they are the best money Ive ever spent on my Vette...
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I like the wagon wheels because they are correct. So many 97-99 owners have changed them for newer ones, you just don't see many of them with these. I like them, but I certainly understand why some have changed them.
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Honestly, the wagon wheels really don't add any value to the car - they are not a very popular style wheel. I'd just put in whatever wheel you really like and enjoy the car.
If you really have any concern over dimensing value on the car then just bag them up and keep them in the garage. This way you can just put them back on when you go to resale. I have an office full of stock parts for my Z if I ever go to resale it.
I regularly see wagon wheels for under $200 on Craigslist. Even had one guy selling a set of 4 for $100, I only wanted the rears but he said he'd do $100 for all 4.
The wagon wheels in my opinion are ***. They're the first thing I changed when I bought my 99. Went with 18x9.5 and 18x10.5 chrome Z06 replicas and love them. Many compliments on them.
Thank you for all of the responses. I'm partial to the 2001-2004 "skinny" spokes myself and wondering if it pays to sell the wagons now, since they are currently immaculate (under 4k miles) or just run the wagons for now.
Also, does anyone know what the difference is between the OEM skinny spoke wheels and the mag wheels that were offered in 98 as a $3000 option?
Thank you for all of the responses. I'm partial to the 2001-2004 "skinny" spokes myself and wondering if it pays to sell the wagons now, since they are currently immaculate (under 4k miles) or just run the wagons for now.
Also, does anyone know what the difference is between the OEM skinny spoke wheels and the mag wheels that were offered in 98 as a $3000 option?
Thanks!
Completely different look. Mags are here (the green convertible):
Personally, I think the C5 looks better with 1" larger wheels - it may be we are just used to all cars getting bigger wheels, but you should look at some pics of 18/19 combos before you decide what to do. And, BTW, mags are fairly rare, so they won't be cheap.
Last edited by jackthelad; Jul 17, 2017 at 03:37 PM.
First of all the WW was the ugliest wheel in corvette history. I would equate the look as being dressed in a tux with tennis shoes on. As for the mag wheel, hard to come by in 98 only exported because of problems with the wheel. Not one of my favorites either. There are lots of wheels to choose from. The WW were on 2 years. The thin spoke 10 years, the Z06 7 years.
First of all the WW was the ugliest wheel in corvette history. I would equate the look as being dressed in a tux with tennis shoes on. As for the mag wheel, hard to come by in 98 only exported because of problems with the wheel. Not one of my favorites either. There are lots of wheels to choose from. The WW were on 2 years. The thin spoke 10 years, the Z06 7 years.
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I disagree.
These were the ugliest wheels in Corvette history:
I disagree.
These were the ugliest wheels in Corvette history:
IMO, wagon wheels are ugly. Even with just 4K miles on them, they aren't worth much. I know you said you don't want to store them but perhaps you should if you ever plan to resell.
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New Member: 1998 Wheels Question
