OEM vs. Repro Wheels
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Vienna VA
OEM vs. Repro Wheels
I posted this on the C5 Parts by mistake. Sorry about that. I’m looking to purchase chrome thin spoke wheels for my 97 (finally getting rid of the wagon wheels). I drive my car hard (taking it to the track on occasion). My first question is does anyone sell chrome OEM thin spokes? Secondly, are there any reproductions that meet or exceed OEM specifications?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
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IMO, your better off getting a nice set of used wheels. I have seen a few posts here of the "repo" wheels braking and cracking. I have never broken a OEM wheel, But I also have broken a repo wheel, Again IMO
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Check with the following vendors: Xtreme Motorsports, Corvette Garage, House of Wheels, Corvette Mike - they all may sell OEM wheels that have been chromed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Machine Silver Z06 The Golden State......... Bay Area
St. Jude Donor '05
I just received a set of OE GM thin spoke chrome wheels for my '00 coupe from House of Wheels. Very happy with the wheels, these are GM wheels that someone else had traded in and were chromed. I can't wait to put them on. West Coast Corvettes also sells chrome GM wheels. They have an exchange program (I bought my wheels outright, did not exchange) for $795 I believe, check their website. Also they offer blems for $500 (wheels that don't pass their inspection for the exchange program) that have only minor imperfections, heck of a buy if you don't mind a pin ***** size blemish here and there. Any questions send me a PM. 
P.S. I agree with screw991le that OE wheels are better than repo's. They're stronger and lighter and a better wheel IMHO.
P.S. I agree with screw991le that OE wheels are better than repo's. They're stronger and lighter and a better wheel IMHO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,222
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From: Norfolk VA
there was a post a few weeks ago about a set of Z06 motorsports that cracked at the track. What a lot of guys do is get a set of 96 Grand sport wheels from ebay for about $500 and use them at the track.
OEMs are better track wheels, repos are great for the bling factor, but unless you spend some real $$ they aren't ideal for the track.
OEMs are better track wheels, repos are great for the bling factor, but unless you spend some real $$ they aren't ideal for the track.
