Wheel Issue
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 52
From: Norman OK
Wheel Issue
So I had new skins put on Friday and the installer put scratches on all four of my chrome Gumby’s. Took it back today and it does not appear that it will be an issue; I am just waiting on them to let me know what they are going to do to make it "right". My concern is that I will get offered a set of replacement wheels that are "replica or reproduction" wheels which are all over the web for about 1k a set vs. a set of genuine GM wheels.
So tell me what the difference is and should I be concerned? I don't know what they are going to offer me yet should know in a few days but want to armed with all the info I can before I hear what they have to say.
So tell me what the difference is and should I be concerned? I don't know what they are going to offer me yet should know in a few days but want to armed with all the info I can before I hear what they have to say.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
Likes: 211
From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If they damaged them, they should replace them with identical OEM wheels, not reproductions, even if they are cheaper.
You should not have to accept something less than stock because they screwed up.
Repro wheels can be good, but they also have far more problems than OEM. Bent, out of round, difficult to balance, blemishes, etc.
If you get repros, get them from a reputable Forum Vendor that will back you up if there's any problems with the wheels. But again, this should not be the way this is rectified, IMHO.
You should not have to accept something less than stock because they screwed up.
Repro wheels can be good, but they also have far more problems than OEM. Bent, out of round, difficult to balance, blemishes, etc.
If you get repros, get them from a reputable Forum Vendor that will back you up if there's any problems with the wheels. But again, this should not be the way this is rectified, IMHO.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 45
From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
maybe not quite that high, but I'd bet brand new set will be $2.5K at least.
the difference might be that the original equipment "gumbys" are forged wheels and it wouldn't surprise me that any repro is a cast wheel at $700-$1K per set. if I'm wrong about the repros someone will correct me.
the difference might be that the original equipment "gumbys" are forged wheels and it wouldn't surprise me that any repro is a cast wheel at $700-$1K per set. if I'm wrong about the repros someone will correct me.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
I actually had that happen to me at the Acura Dealer one time. Careless scratches after I had to take the car back because of a bad balance job! CSR was most apologetic, understanding and gave me a loaner for a night to get them repaired.
I came back late the next day and honestly could not tell what they did to repair it. Looked as good as new to me. Drove out correctly as well. Just my .02.
Good luck!
I came back late the next day and honestly could not tell what they did to repair it. Looked as good as new to me. Drove out correctly as well. Just my .02.
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: Tampa FL
Yeah, I do not think you are going to get OEM replacements for scratches. If they bent a rim or something, they may replace that one wheel.
My sense is they are going to do what the poster above had done, which is have them repaired.
My sense is they are going to do what the poster above had done, which is have them repaired.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 8
From: Dayton Ohio
Reproduction Gumby wheels look fine but they are NOT forged. I wouldn't accept a cast reproduction wheel in place of forged OEM Gumbys.
New wheels from GM won't be cheap...but you can find excellent used chrome Gumby wheels for around $1000 on this forum. So if they offered you a cash settlement offer of at least $1000, I'd consider it and buy used OEM replacement wheels. Someone would probably be interested in your existing wheels, even if they have a few scratches.
I don't know how anyone could repair a scratched chrome wheel. You can't "touch-up" chrome plating.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I tend to think they'll try repairing the scratches before offering to replace them. They will likely turn out fine.
If replacement is necessary they should provide "like" wheels...not some cheaper repros.
If they damaged them, they should replace them with identical OEM wheels, not reproductions, even if they are cheaper.
You should not have to accept something less than stock because they screwed up.
Repro wheels can be good, but they also have far more problems than OEM. Bent, out of round, difficult to balance, blemishes, etc.
If you get repros, get them from a reputable Forum Vendor that will back you up if there's any problems with the wheels. But again, this should not be the way this is rectified, IMHO.
You should not have to accept something less than stock because they screwed up.
Repro wheels can be good, but they also have far more problems than OEM. Bent, out of round, difficult to balance, blemishes, etc.
If you get repros, get them from a reputable Forum Vendor that will back you up if there's any problems with the wheels. But again, this should not be the way this is rectified, IMHO.
If replacement is necessary they should provide "like" wheels...not some cheaper repros.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 52
From: Norman OK
I actually had that happen to me at the Acura Dealer one time. Careless scratches after I had to take the car back because of a bad balance job! CSR was most apologetic, understanding and gave me a loaner for a night to get them repaired.
I came back late the next day and honestly could not tell what they did to repair it. Looked as good as new to me. Drove out correctly as well. Just my .02.
Good luck!
I came back late the next day and honestly could not tell what they did to repair it. Looked as good as new to me. Drove out correctly as well. Just my .02.
Good luck!
At least almost 1100 for fronts and 1300 for rears.
Thanks hopefully will hear what they are offering today or tomorrow.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,098
Likes: 8
From: Dayton Ohio
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Wheel shops have told me that chrome can be stripped and re-plated, will be good as new if properly done. Something like $350/wheel.
Not every place can do this, I was told the wheels would be sent to a place in California.
And it takes several weeks.
As an aside, my understanding is that GM does not endorse re-chroming of aluminum wheels; but i can't verify that.
Not every place can do this, I was told the wheels would be sent to a place in California.
And it takes several weeks.
As an aside, my understanding is that GM does not endorse re-chroming of aluminum wheels; but i can't verify that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 753
Likes: 47
From: Clearfield Utah
I had my rear wheels damaged during a change out and they replaced mine with factory wheels - look for the GM stamp on the inside of the wheel - you should have the same on your wheels. Most companies have insurance for instances just like this. Discount Tire took good care of me. Oh yea only scratched, in fact unless you were looking for the scratch you wouldn't even know they were there.
Last edited by C746490; May 4, 2011 at 04:46 PM. Reason: information
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 762
From: Lindenhurst, IL
I've had this happen to me twice before, but not with the Vette.
Typically stores will order refurbished OEM wheels.
The paint or chrome may actually be better than what was on the wheel originally.
However, there aren't a lot of Gumby wheels out there, much less refurbished.
It should be interesting to hear what they do for you.
I suspect they will offer to have them professionally restored for you.....which is a hassle, since they have to come off the car.
Typically stores will order refurbished OEM wheels.
The paint or chrome may actually be better than what was on the wheel originally.
However, there aren't a lot of Gumby wheels out there, much less refurbished.
It should be interesting to hear what they do for you.
I suspect they will offer to have them professionally restored for you.....which is a hassle, since they have to come off the car.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 52
From: Norman OK
Update
Well the tire installer has told me that there is a place that will remove the scratches from my chrome wheels.
He wanted me to bring my car up for a few days he would remove the wheels and tires take the wheels to this place and have the scratches removed.
Lots of effort it seemed to me, so I asked for the name of the place and said I would take my car to them and see what they said.
Well when I call the so called repair sho theye told me that there is no repair on chrome wheels, so I called the installer back and told him. The installed insisted that he though this guy could remove the scratches, so I am going to drive up and to the repair shop in the morning and see what they tell me. Updates tomorrow.
He wanted me to bring my car up for a few days he would remove the wheels and tires take the wheels to this place and have the scratches removed.
Lots of effort it seemed to me, so I asked for the name of the place and said I would take my car to them and see what they said.
Well when I call the so called repair sho theye told me that there is no repair on chrome wheels, so I called the installer back and told him. The installed insisted that he though this guy could remove the scratches, so I am going to drive up and to the repair shop in the morning and see what they tell me. Updates tomorrow.
