Thin Spoke Wheels
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Thin Spoke Wheels
I did search, but did not find an answer:
Are the thin spoke wheels polished or chrome?
I have read conflicting information and I have never been sure myself....what say you guys.....????
For the record, I say polished.
Are the thin spoke wheels polished or chrome?
I have read conflicting information and I have never been sure myself....what say you guys.....????
For the record, I say polished.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
The factory wheels are polished and cleared. They are forged polished wheels. A very good strong wheel.
The aftermarket models can be cheap chrome to polished depending on what you pay.
The aftermarket models can be cheap chrome to polished depending on what you pay.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Like I posted above, thought they were polished.
Now.....the OEM wheels on my new to me '04 have a lot of corrosion on them, came from Florida, so I am thinking instead of putting money into them, get a set of C6 base polished wheels, 18/19. I think these will fit without any issues, am I correct?
Now.....the OEM wheels on my new to me '04 have a lot of corrosion on them, came from Florida, so I am thinking instead of putting money into them, get a set of C6 base polished wheels, 18/19. I think these will fit without any issues, am I correct?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
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From: North Coast
Chrome on most wheels are a mess to preserve. Even if driven in good weather the chrome can release and flake off. Even more so today with even more poor chrome due to EPA regulations.
A polished wheel is a bit more but often the best long term choice. I have several sets of OE chrome and had to warranty both sets twice. And they still failed.
A polished wheel is a bit more but often the best long term choice. I have several sets of OE chrome and had to warranty both sets twice. And they still failed.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Not to be a wise ***, but the company name is ARP (Automotive Racing Products), NOT apr. Also, none of the thin spokes are forged. The only C5 GM wheels that were forged were for one year only, on the 2001 Z06, and were made by Alcoa. '02-up used cast Speedlines, which are almost identical to the Alcoa's. There were both painted AND polished versions of thin spokes, but no chrome option. One last, VERY important thing. Thanks to some clever entrepreneur, there is now a wheel company named OEM, NOT to be confused with O.E.M./G.M./Speedlines. Whew!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
I am convinced that the wheels I have are polished...or were, at one time anyways.
I think I am going to continue working on getting the corrosion off of them, working on them myself, try to get them looking presentable.
Perhaps a nice set of base C6 wheels will become available in my area before I spend too much time.
Thanks for the information from everyone......that is what this forum is all about.
I think I am going to continue working on getting the corrosion off of them, working on them myself, try to get them looking presentable.
Perhaps a nice set of base C6 wheels will become available in my area before I spend too much time.
Thanks for the information from everyone......that is what this forum is all about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
I am convinced that the wheels I have are polished...or were, at one time anyways.
I think I am going to continue working on getting the corrosion off of them, working on them myself, try to get them looking presentable.
Perhaps a nice set of base C6 wheels will become available in my area before I spend too much time.
Thanks for the information from everyone......that is what this forum is all about.
I think I am going to continue working on getting the corrosion off of them, working on them myself, try to get them looking presentable.
Perhaps a nice set of base C6 wheels will become available in my area before I spend too much time.
Thanks for the information from everyone......that is what this forum is all about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
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There are some chromed OEM wheels out there but the chroming was done either by the dealer using an aftermarket exchange program or the previous owner using a similar program. The factory did not offer chrome wheels on a C5.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Quote came back at $150 per wheel; $600! I can get a nice set of C6 wheels in that area.
I am working on one of the wheels myself, took 180 grit sandpaper to it, which got all the corrosion off. Now in the process of increasing grit to smooth out the sanding scratches, followed by some metal polish to bring back the shine.
So far I have about three hours on the one wheel....bit of a slow process since I am doing all hand sanding, but I have the time.
I am working on one of the wheels myself, took 180 grit sandpaper to it, which got all the corrosion off. Now in the process of increasing grit to smooth out the sanding scratches, followed by some metal polish to bring back the shine.
So far I have about three hours on the one wheel....bit of a slow process since I am doing all hand sanding, but I have the time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Virginia
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Honestly, $600.00 for all 4 wheels is a pretty good price if they re-clear coat them again after they polish them. You have 3 hours into ONE wheel, and you're maybe a quarter of the way to finishing it. So, let's figure 12 hours per wheel. Times 4 wheels that's a total of 48 hours of labor. If you paid yourself $600.00 to do the job, you would only be making $12.50 an hour. Now, obviously the shop has power tools, and the math works out differently for them. However, you see my point. If you calculate the value of your time, you're likely better off having the shop do the work. On the other hand, if you enjoy restoring the wheels yourself, that's a whole different story. Have at them, and post some pics when you're done.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 1,183
From: Conyers Georgia
Quote came back at $150 per wheel; $600! I can get a nice set of C6 wheels in that area.
I am working on one of the wheels myself, took 180 grit sandpaper to it, which got all the corrosion off. Now in the process of increasing grit to smooth out the sanding scratches, followed by some metal polish to bring back the shine.
So far I have about three hours on the one wheel....bit of a slow process since I am doing all hand sanding, but I have the time.
I am working on one of the wheels myself, took 180 grit sandpaper to it, which got all the corrosion off. Now in the process of increasing grit to smooth out the sanding scratches, followed by some metal polish to bring back the shine.
So far I have about three hours on the one wheel....bit of a slow process since I am doing all hand sanding, but I have the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 2,943
Likes: 1,696
From: North Coast
$600 is where ok wheels start.
Good wheels are not cheap and $600 to refinished the factory wheels is money well spent.
Chrome wheels depending on quality will rust, flake and chip. Generally the wheel under the chrome is no where as strong as the factory wheel is. These wheels are cheap for a reason.
There was a reason GM did not go cheap on C5 wheels.
The days of the $150 good wheel is gone.
Good wheels are not cheap and $600 to refinished the factory wheels is money well spent.
Chrome wheels depending on quality will rust, flake and chip. Generally the wheel under the chrome is no where as strong as the factory wheel is. These wheels are cheap for a reason.
There was a reason GM did not go cheap on C5 wheels.
The days of the $150 good wheel is gone.