Is wagon wheels technically bad?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 537
They just look so plain to me now. I guess we've been spoiled in the C6 and C7 world, as well as in the aftermarket. But as many have said, nothing wrong with them. I personally would never be "caught dead" rolling around on base model wheels
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
Brand new 21 years ago. had too get these wheels off
A year and a half after this wheel was available. aftermarket. Polished aluminum No clear coat.
9 years later i put this aftermarket Wheel on. This is how it sits today 10 years later. Brought The C5 into the 21 century. Thats 19 years on aftermarket wheels. No Problem
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 386
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
I started to do this with a set of motorcycle wheels. They had basically the same color and finish as the silver wagon wheels. I got as far as stripping off the OEM finish and called it quits and had them chromed. It was just too much work to polish them, and even if I had completed the process, keeping polished wheels looking nice also takes a lot of work, unless they are clear coated when you're done polishing them. I do like the look of polished aluminum though, very classy looking!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 43
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
TCFS, aside from peoples' subjective views, the only knock against them of which I am aware is that they're heavy (at least compared to the '00+ thin spokes). I think the worst part about them aesthetically is the central hub/lug nut cover, but that's just my 2 cents.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
Likes: 555
I know it would be a lot of work but I'm retired and have lots of time on my hands for projects like this. I stripped the thin spokes on my car about 6-7 years ago and they haven't been that much work in keeping them looking good. Polishing the barrels looks like it would be the hardest part because of the ridged surface, I know I could just paint them black but don't like that look. Guess I'm going to have to look into getting a wheel to practice on, anyone want to sell one cheap for me to practice on?
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Old thread, but I am also pro-wagon wheel. I wish I had two sets of the chrome ones, but I like my regular square setup. To each their own. My car never came with them and I sought them out. Bought two sets for $100 each and put together four 18s.
They also weigh less than the thin spokes so that's a win to me.
They also weigh less than the thin spokes so that's a win to me.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
The wagon wheels were it from 97-99. Some did get chromed by dealers as an accessory, but not originally from GM as far as I know. I'd love a chrome set, but I need to stop buying wheels and tires. lol
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
One thing about the wagon wheel , about which I can only speculate , I have no measurements, is that they might be faster, perhaps flexing less than the later thin spoke designs, if one can tell by looks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 4,661
