Painted Wheels
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
Painted Wheels
My 2011 GS convetible needs new wheels as the current ones are aftermarket chrome and in bad condition. I really think I would like the painted black wheels that are available. Should contrast well against the Torch Red paint and the black stripes on the front fenders and the black top. I also think it would look great to have the spoiler painted black. The thing that is causing me concern is how long will the paint on the wheel last with reasonable care? The wheels I've been looking at have a 2 year warranty on the paint. This has been causing me to reconsider the black wheels and go with chrome as they will look good for years with proper care. I really don't want to spend the money again for new wheels in 2 or 3 years if they start looking shabby.
Your thoughts and experience.
After thought: A recommendation on supplier and a brand name.
Your thoughts and experience.
After thought: A recommendation on supplier and a brand name.
Last edited by George Dickel; May 9, 2025 at 06:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,657
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
Black wheels are the only correct choice 
OP - what wheels do you want?, What is your budget? Are you buying tires at the same time? So many questions that need answers.
OP - what wheels do you want?, What is your budget? Are you buying tires at the same time? So many questions that need answers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 2,210
From: San Antonio, TX
So many choices..... and you'll get everyone's response as what they like best or think is best, but it's all opinion.
If you look at facts, like PMPerformance said, the black painted or powder coated wheels would last longer than the chrome. After all, the aftermarket chrome ones you have currently are bad.
I would ask you if your current tires are in good shape or will you need to replace tires soon?
The reason I ask, is if you're looking at new wheels and need tires, you could consider moving up to 19" Fronts / 20" Wheels.
If you don't need or plan on buying tires, then you could stick to the stock OEM sizes.
You could look for Z06 wheels.
I'll post images of my car w/ the original chrome GS wheels, Black Z06 spyders wheels, and the current set up, the Cup Wheels that are 19"F/20"R.
If you look at facts, like PMPerformance said, the black painted or powder coated wheels would last longer than the chrome. After all, the aftermarket chrome ones you have currently are bad.
I would ask you if your current tires are in good shape or will you need to replace tires soon?
The reason I ask, is if you're looking at new wheels and need tires, you could consider moving up to 19" Fronts / 20" Wheels.
If you don't need or plan on buying tires, then you could stick to the stock OEM sizes.
You could look for Z06 wheels.
I'll post images of my car w/ the original chrome GS wheels, Black Z06 spyders wheels, and the current set up, the Cup Wheels that are 19"F/20"R.
Last edited by jbc1995fb; May 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 484
Likes: 309
From: SoFlo
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Just because you get a 2 year warranty does not mean they will only last 3 years?? The car came with a 3 year warranty, did it go to the boneyard in 4??
Buy the wheels you want and can fit your budget and take care of them and they will out last you.
Buy the wheels you want and can fit your budget and take care of them and they will out last you.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 617
Likes: 14
From: Loudon, TN
I'll try to provide answers to all the questions. As far as to what I'm willing to pay, $1,500 or less. The tires currently on the car have a lot of life left in them so I really don't want to replace them if I don't need to. Just replaced the tires on my truck and my SUV in the last month, don't really want to buy another set. As far as style, I like the C7 wheels. Glad to hear that the coating on the wheels is durable and long lasting.
I will do some thinking on going with 19 and 20 inch wheels, even if it means buying new tires.
I will do some thinking on going with 19 and 20 inch wheels, even if it means buying new tires.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 1,934
From: Ulta Vista, AZ
$1500 barely gets you used OEM wheels anymore. People ask wayyyyy too much for their OEM junk.
Look on the classifieds and if you like your current wheels, just not the chrome, look for the standard finish options of the same wheel and swap over.
Look on the classifieds and if you like your current wheels, just not the chrome, look for the standard finish options of the same wheel and swap over.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 832
Likes: 342
From: Galena, OH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 1,934
From: Ulta Vista, AZ
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 12,759
Likes: 10,657
From: Prosper TX/Austin TX
2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
https://www.thewheelexchange.com/col...tte-esi5031797
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 1,934
From: Ulta Vista, AZ
All these guys posting these awesome pics with black wheels, we can’t even tell what kind of wheels they are because all we see is a deep abyss of black. Lol
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
My 2011 GS convetible needs new wheels as the current ones are aftermarket chrome and in bad condition. I really think I would like the painted black wheels that are available. Should contrast well against the Torch Red paint and the black stripes on the front fenders and the black top. I also think it would look great to have the spoiler painted black. The thing that is causing me concern is how long will the paint on the wheel last with reasonable care?
