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Not looking to highjack your thread, but I have a wheel dilemma too. My new WGG Grand Sport has black wheels. I am not a fan of black wheels, but respect those who like them. I love the pearl nickel Z06 wheels and want to get a set. My problem is they have the Z06 logo imprinted on the rim. I know I can get aftermarket, but want to stay all GM/Speedline. Not trying to be a poser and turn my car into a Z, just like these wheels better than Grand Sport options. Not sure what to do. Has anyone done this?
I always disliked black wheels. I thought they looked invisible in photos and more like 4 spare tires. I did give them a try them on my WGG GS and after several months got bored with them. Most of the time they looked extremely dull, especially with the least bit of brake dust on them.
So.....I purchased a new set of the machined faced wheels which I did like much better. A few months later, I saw a forged wheel design that I liked so I decided to upgrade to a set of custom forged wheels and at the same time, switch from runflats to the Continental Extreme Contacts.
I'm finally completely happy with this new setup and it's locked in for now. I think the black does work well on some colors, red especially, but not with the WGG. Heres the progression in case this helps anyone else with their choice:
I bought my Corvette from the #2 Corvette dealer in Canada and my salesman told me that almost without fail if he sells a Corvette to someone 55 and older it has chrome wheels on it and for those 55 and under it's black. He said it was quite rare when that didn't happen, in his own experience anyhow. YMMV
I don't think I ever believe anything a salesman says.
Ha! I wonder when the human race will figure out it is personal preference. Wear what you want people. To be perfectly frank, I like all of them.
Amen, and judging from internet forums, it will never be figured out. The stereotypes applied are comical. It's not an age thing, it's a personal taste thing.
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by VETTE-NV
I always disliked black wheels. I thought they looked invisible in photos and more like 4 spare tires. I did give them a try them on my WGG GS and after several months got bored with them. Most of the time they looked extremely dull, especially with the least bit of brake dust on them.
So.....I purchased a new set of the machined faced wheels which I did like much better. A few months later, I saw a forged wheel design that I liked so I decided to upgrade to a set of custom forged wheels and at the same time, switch from runflats to the Continental Extreme Contacts.
I'm finally completely happy with this new setup and it's locked in for now. I think the black does work well on some colors, red especially, but not with the WGG. Heres the progression in case this helps anyone else with their choice:
Just wanted to say that the middle picture of your car with the machine faced wheels, IMHO, is simply outstanding. I love that look. And that’s worth 2 thumbs up...
Last edited by ExRedRacer; 05-24-2018 at 01:03 AM.
I don't think I ever believe anything a salesman says.
He really had no reason to lie about something like that though, it didn't affect the sale in any way, he was just stating his observation. And judging by the C7s I see on the roads here in my area, he appears to be 100% correct.
I'm not a huge fan of black wheels, but like others have said, it really depends on the car. Adding a stripe can make the wheels interesting enough, especially if you have calipers to match. White will look good with just about any option you're looking at.
My opinion is that black wheels are VERY overplayed. I'm kind of partial to these babies!
These DO LOOK GREAT! Gloss Black is Putrid and is really not used on Sports cars except the vette. It's because people see it as new and think they're cool, when all they are is painted a gloss black with Rustoleum spray paint. They look horrible on All cars IMHO...All classy cars have these style wheels and the Black are an over the top parlor trick that will last about 2 more minutes. If I had a Honda Accord, I'd sure want my wheels black....
These DO LOOK GREAT! Gloss Black is Putrid and is really not used on Sports cars except the vette. It's because people see it as new and think they're cool, when all they are is painted a gloss black with Rustoleum spray paint. They look horrible on All cars IMHO...All classy cars have these style wheels and the Black are an over the top parlor trick that will last about 2 more minutes. If I had a Honda Accord, I'd sure want my wheels black....
Ok you HATE BLACK WHEELS I get it but my can of Rustoleum Black spray paint cost $500.00.
Last edited by Always Red Dave; 05-24-2018 at 07:57 PM.
I'm sure there are those who prefer the black wheels on Rebel's vert, however the chrome elevate the C7 to an entirely higher level for me.
Black wheel do nothing for the appearance of a car IMO, especially from a distance where they just blend into the wheelwell.
Originally Posted by Rebel Yell
Went from these, (see next pic)
to these. I'm one that wasn't happy with the black wheels either. These are the 18/19 combo less than $1000 shipped, and the 19/20's are a bit more. They have approx. 6K miles on them now, and still look as good as the day I installed them. Got them from Docz 1st Rate Corvette parts a forum vendor. If you're interested call Keith. He's very helpful, and will give you great customer service.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; 05-25-2018 at 07:17 AM.
The reason black wheels are so popular is if you nick them...just take out the black touch up paint and you can never see the curbing...
I hate black wheels in photos (@s Its hard most of the time to see them) but in person prefer them.
You can put a silver chrome or polished “Rim protector “ on your black wheels to create the illusion of an actual polished lip with a black center wheel which is also a very nice look...or
Just swap with someone who has chrome or painted silver 19/20 rims and your good to go.
Good luck
Last edited by JerriVette; 05-25-2018 at 05:39 AM.
Thanks EAS! Those are the Z06 replicas From 1st Rate. I had my OEM tires mounted on them last summer. I have my AS3+ tires on my OEM wheels. I ride on the Z06 wheels in the summer! With 1st Rate (forum vendor) you’ll find the right weels at the right price.
Probably not just me, but I absolutely HATE CHROME. Anything that's blingy/shiny in or around the C7. The black Z51 and Z06 19/20s are beautiful on any color C7. I sometimes LOLoudly at C7s with chrome wheels from either 1) stuck in the 70s 2) Atlanta bling 3) clueless. Sorry if all you chrome wheel guys feel jaded by my opinion, but your chrome looks like absolute crap.
just my 2 cents.... black rims don't look good on anything! I found a beautiful 2014 Laguna Blue convertible Z51 3LT loaded up.... only down side was the black rims. I bought it anyway, drove it home and immediately went looking for chrome.... found a set with only 300 miles on them tires included.... bought them and sold my black rims/tires.... best decision I ever made. You will be glad.... next thing I did was to paint the awful red calipers to blue! lol good luck, CJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by ImpliedConsent
Probably not just me, but I absolutely HATE CHROME. Anything that's blingy/shiny in or around the C7. The black Z51 and Z06 19/20s are beautiful on any color C7. I sometimes LOLoudly at C7s with chrome wheels from either 1) stuck in the 70s 2) Atlanta bling 3) clueless. Sorry if all you chrome wheel guys feel jaded by my opinion, but your chrome looks like absolute crap.
I'm trying to remember when I asked for your opinion about my chrome wheels, beautifully displayed below in my sig just for you:
05-23-2018, 10:34 PM
