Thinspoke Wheel Problems

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Oct 28, 2006 | 11:47 AM

Barrier

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 1,875

Likes: 27

From: Long Beach NY

Thinspoke Wheel Problems

I am about to change my wheels from Chrome Thinspokes to OEM Painted Thinspokes. I have been reading ALL the threads including a description of Forged vs Cast wheels ( I am changing to later model Painted Cast Speedline). In the Article on forging vs casting it appears as if the problems should be with the Cast Wheels not the Polished Forged wheels. All the past threads I have read describe problems with the Forged Thinspoke, as far as I can tell only the Polished ones??
I am wondering if anyone has ever experienced a Cracking or failure of the Painted Thinspokes early or Late, Forged or Cast, Speedline or Alcoa (which I think are marked GM).
Barrier

Last edited by Barrier; Oct 28, 2006 at 11:50 AM.

Oct 28, 2006 | 11:52 AM

largejimbod

4th Gear

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Thinspoke cracked

01 vert 6sp stock
Both real wheels are cracked on one spoke where it meets the rim.
I've been whatching they don't seem to be growing. I plan to replace this winter.

Oct 28, 2006 | 01:39 PM

2KFRC5

Safety Car

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 4,419

Likes: 6

From: Arroyo Grande CA

I've got my original early-2000 forged GM painted wheels. So far, they're still perfect. 48k+ miles, never been curbed.

Oct 28, 2006 | 07:17 PM

IFLUBYU

Drifting

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 1,715

Likes: 1

From: cAshburn VA

I had drag radials on my 2000 forged/painted rear thin spokes. Drag raced like that for two seasons, no issues.

Not making a statement, just chiming in...

Oct 28, 2006 | 11:27 PM

pcfred

Safety Car

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 4,776

Likes: 142

From: North of Atlanta GA

St. Jude Donor '05

A lot of owners like me have the cracked wheel problem, I filed a complaint with GM and was offered half the cost of a replacement which I turned down, I'm dealing with GM cust. service now trying to get it replaced. Some have been successful getting replacements, some not.

Oct 29, 2006 | 01:27 AM

Bill Dearborn

Tech Contributor

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 41,036

Likes: 9,798

From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcfred

Most of the people in my area had the dealer help them get replacements. You will need to replace all 4 since the replacement wheels have a thicker spoke like the 2nd design Y2K painted wheel.

Bill

Oct 29, 2006 | 08:45 AM

TomT

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,024

Likes: 108

From: Ocala, Fl. State of Confusion

I started a poll, some time back, to see if there was a certain production date range that was the problem. I did this as research before my purchase of new wheels. What became apparant to me from the results of the poll, was that the polished forged wheels (not Speedline) were the ones with the majority of the problems. With this info in hand, I bought cast chromed Speedlines. And so far, no problems.

Oct 29, 2006 | 08:56 AM

Barrier

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 1,875

Likes: 27

From: Long Beach NY

Thanks for the responses. I guess I am good to go with the Y2k later model painted thinspokes.
All I need are the tires, (backordered Kumhos), OEM Lug nuts, OEM locks, and nuts and washers for my new TPS.
Anybody have any interest in my current Chrome Thinspokes? (not for sale just asking about interest)?
Barrier