Aftermarket Wheels...Problems???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Aftermarket Wheels...Problems???
Anyone have any problems with aftermarket rims? I've always heard whispers and rumors about bent rims, chrome flaking off, etc... 
Feedback is appreciated!
Feedback is appreciated!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,778
Likes: 1
From: Myakka City Fl
Aftermarket Wheels-Yes/No
Inexpensive wheels are reverse cast which does not produce the dense,strong and light metal of a Forged or spun cast wheel. Of course forged wheels are MUCH more expensive. I have noticed many of the cast wheels are now made in China and their QC is questionable since they have had recalls on Dog food, Toys and Toothpaste.
OGC5
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Depends on the quality of the wheels you are buying. If you buy too cheap, well then you know what you are getting. A good quality wheel should be no more problematic than a stock wheel, plus you can change sizes for an even more dramatic effect with no problems. The single best visual improvement to my car was going with CCW wheels, 18" front and rear. They are highly regarded by many forum members and their reputation is excellent. www.ccwheel.com.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Texas
Some wheels, like my SSR GT3s, have a hollow outside lip. Hit a pothole or turtle too hard, and it's very easy to bend and difficult to straighten. You'll wind up with ripples in your polished aluminum lip. I just let the brake dust hide the imperfections
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Funny thing is, I've got a seat of real cheap chrome rims on my F-150 4x4, and I've driven over logs and through hog holes and no problems yet with 205K miles and counting.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Back in 2004, I purchased a set of C5 ZO6 reproduction chrome wheels from one of the forum vendors. I specifically ask the vendor if the chrome would hold up under normal daily driver conditions. He stated that if normal cleaning care was carried out on the wheels, there should be an issue.
Eight months later I started getting pitting on the inside of the wheels. Yes, I drive the car daily and in the winter but, I keep the wheels clean.
So,,, long story short,, three of the wheels pitted. The forth wheel (which was a front wheel ), did NOT pit.
I complained about the wheels, the vendor (without hesitation) honored the claim that they would hold up (they were GREAT! ) and I got my money back and purchased CCW-505A's from him as replacements! 
The CCW 505A's are fantastic wheels and I have hit some pot holes that scared me and there is ZERO damage to the wheels.
If you want some durable wheels, CCWs are the ones to get!
BC
Eight months later I started getting pitting on the inside of the wheels. Yes, I drive the car daily and in the winter but, I keep the wheels clean.
So,,, long story short,, three of the wheels pitted. The forth wheel (which was a front wheel ), did NOT pit.
I complained about the wheels, the vendor (without hesitation) honored the claim that they would hold up (they were GREAT!
) and I got my money back and purchased CCW-505A's from him as replacements! The CCW 505A's are fantastic wheels and I have hit some pot holes that scared me and there is ZERO damage to the wheels.
If you want some durable wheels, CCWs are the ones to get!
BC
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,113
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Back in 2004, I purchased a set of C5 ZO6 reproduction chrome wheels from one of the forum vendors. I specifically ask the vendor if the chrome would hold up under normal daily driver conditions. He stated that if normal cleaning care was carried out on the wheels, there should be an issue.
Eight months later I started getting pitting on the inside of the wheels. Yes, I drive the car daily and in the winter but, I keep the wheels clean.
So,,, long story short,, three of the wheels pitted. The forth wheel (which was a front wheel ), did NOT pit.
I complained about the wheels, the vendor (without hesitation) honored the claim that they would hold up (they were GREAT! ) and I got my money back and purchased CCW-505A's from him as replacements!
The CCW 505A's are fantastic wheels and I have hit some pot holes that scared me and there is ZERO damage to the wheels.
If you want some durable wheels, CCWs are the ones to get!
BC
Eight months later I started getting pitting on the inside of the wheels. Yes, I drive the car daily and in the winter but, I keep the wheels clean.
So,,, long story short,, three of the wheels pitted. The forth wheel (which was a front wheel ), did NOT pit.
I complained about the wheels, the vendor (without hesitation) honored the claim that they would hold up (they were GREAT!
) and I got my money back and purchased CCW-505A's from him as replacements! The CCW 505A's are fantastic wheels and I have hit some pot holes that scared me and there is ZERO damage to the wheels.
If you want some durable wheels, CCWs are the ones to get!
BC
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Replaced my stock Speedline (made in Italy) thinspokes with the exchange program (at Discount Tire) seven years ago this month. I got chrome Speedline thinspokes (also made in Italy) in exchange. Driven everyday and look just like the day I installed them - not a scratch or a pit. There are a couple small peel areas in the barrels, but they do not show.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
I had about 15k on the ones I got from Corvette Garage with no problems.