Can somebody explain this, please
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 3,620
From: Commerce Texas
I agree with those who say the black wheels detract from the design... few people realize how much research goes into color-design compatibility.
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 162
Likes: 51
From: Porter Ranch CA
Not to ruffle any feathers, but can someone please explain how the popularity has risen so well for black wheels?
Absolutely no disrespect to those who own them and like them, heck I have them on mine but just don't care for them, l just can't figure how they became so popular...
To me, and again absolutely no disrespect, they resemble a car that's missing hubcaps.
Is it that they resemble NASCAR racing, or something like that? How did they become so popular? And what is the attraction?
Thanks
.
.
Absolutely no disrespect to those who own them and like them, heck I have them on mine but just don't care for them, l just can't figure how they became so popular...
To me, and again absolutely no disrespect, they resemble a car that's missing hubcaps.
Is it that they resemble NASCAR racing, or something like that? How did they become so popular? And what is the attraction?
Thanks
.
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 710
From: Sunnyvale CA
Like others, I didn't originally like the look of black wheels but have grown to like them. Chrome is too flashy for me. Polished aluminum is about the right amount of bling for some cars.
On the C7 I think the black wheels work with all the carbon flash black accents on the car. But I think they look best with color coordinated calipers and wheel pin-stripe (ala factory red on my Torch Red GS).
On the C7 I think the black wheels work with all the carbon flash black accents on the car. But I think they look best with color coordinated calipers and wheel pin-stripe (ala factory red on my Torch Red GS).
Last edited by Grand Slam; Oct 12, 2018 at 03:08 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 275
Likes: 13
From: South Bend, Indiana
Not to ruffle any feathers, but can someone please explain how the popularity has risen so well for black wheels?
Absolutely no disrespect to those who own them and like them, heck I have them on mine but just don't care for them, l just can't figure how they became so popular...
To me, and again absolutely no disrespect, they resemble a car that's missing hubcaps.
Is it that they resemble NASCAR racing, or something like that? How did they become so popular? And what is the attraction?
Thanks
.
.
Absolutely no disrespect to those who own them and like them, heck I have them on mine but just don't care for them, l just can't figure how they became so popular...
To me, and again absolutely no disrespect, they resemble a car that's missing hubcaps.
Is it that they resemble NASCAR racing, or something like that? How did they become so popular? And what is the attraction?
Thanks
.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
have no idea and I think they are literally hideous on all cars PERIOD. I do not understand the facination as well as all my friends. Nobody likes them. They are money makers at the dealership and they order all their cars with it. 99% of the vettes have them on their lot killing their sales and depreciating the cars right on the lot. The mexican in me wants to paint all my wheels with Rustoleum glossy black paint, paint my toe nails, paint everything like I did with my **** cars in the 70's....
I do still like silver-painted and polished aluminum wheels on some colors and vehicle designs. Chrome, uh no, never. I never did like chrome.
Last edited by Foosh; Oct 10, 2018 at 02:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 690
Explanation is SIMPLE.
The low contrast in black wheels allow the rest of the lines of the car to draw attention, rather than the super high contrast of black tires on silver or chrome wheels. No matter what color the car, silver or chrome wheels are the first thing you'll see because abasing a black wheel wheel encased with black tires, it is the highest contrasting point on any car.
So if you want your car to stand out, rather than your WHEELS to stand out, you go with a darker color wheel (black, hyper grey, or gun metal). If the wheels are the most attractive aspect of the car? Chrome it or silver, no brainer.
On luxo barges, SUVs, or econo-sedans, there's nothing really of any interest in the lines, shape, or form of the car. Heck I can't tell you the difference between a Nissan Sentra or a Toyota Turdcel (do they still make those?). Silver and chrome wheels look GREAT on those cars. Black wheels? Not so much. It just "highlights" how boring those cars look.
The low contrast in black wheels allow the rest of the lines of the car to draw attention, rather than the super high contrast of black tires on silver or chrome wheels. No matter what color the car, silver or chrome wheels are the first thing you'll see because abasing a black wheel wheel encased with black tires, it is the highest contrasting point on any car.
So if you want your car to stand out, rather than your WHEELS to stand out, you go with a darker color wheel (black, hyper grey, or gun metal). If the wheels are the most attractive aspect of the car? Chrome it or silver, no brainer.
On luxo barges, SUVs, or econo-sedans, there's nothing really of any interest in the lines, shape, or form of the car. Heck I can't tell you the difference between a Nissan Sentra or a Toyota Turdcel (do they still make those?). Silver and chrome wheels look GREAT on those cars. Black wheels? Not so much. It just "highlights" how boring those cars look.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 11
From: Cow Lake WI
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25,583
Likes: 16,942
LOL . . . I am being honest that Sebring Orange would look horrible with chrome wheels. Jaysus Christo peeps, it's just personal choice. Get over your personal biases, and respect what others like better than what you like.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,316
Likes: 11
From: Cow Lake WI
I think you would have to have body colored mirrors
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,964
Likes: 6,768
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
In large part circuitous marketing... People buy what the manufacturers make available, and the manufactures sell what people buy. If nothing but green and yellow-polka-dotted cars were available, that combo would "become" really, really popular. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
Really, only old people like chrome wheels and then those not as old like silver wheels and outstanding young and much more learned like black wheels!!! 
Well,if evidence or experience mattered, the reason there even are such things as "chrome" wheels is because chrome is applied to "protect" the base metal against pitting, oxidation and corrosion.
Very simple because most items, whether black or bright chrome will last way longer than painted or even powder coated metal.
Old people "learn" after years of "experience". But whatever "floats your boat" so please get off the "old people" crap. I for one prefer lighter wheels even machined but that's just my opinion. What YOU like is your business, Period!!
Well,if evidence or experience mattered, the reason there even are such things as "chrome" wheels is because chrome is applied to "protect" the base metal against pitting, oxidation and corrosion. Very simple because most items, whether black or bright chrome will last way longer than painted or even powder coated metal. Old people "learn" after years of "experience". But whatever "floats your boat" so please get off the "old people" crap. I for one prefer lighter wheels even machined but that's just my opinion. What YOU like is your business, Period!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,055
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Oct 10, 2018 at 04:46 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,681
Likes: 1,180
From: Raleigh
The original owner of my z51 replaced the black wheels with chrome. I absolutely despise them. This car has zero chrome on it anywhere and the wheels look so totally out of place on it.
Back in the day cars had lots of chrome trim in the interior, chrome bumpers and grills just lots of chrome. Chrome wheels really set them off.
I am going to go back to factory black z51 wheels as soon as practical. Also these are factory chrome wheels and every one of them is blistering and peeling.
Back in the day cars had lots of chrome trim in the interior, chrome bumpers and grills just lots of chrome. Chrome wheels really set them off.
I am going to go back to factory black z51 wheels as soon as practical. Also these are factory chrome wheels and every one of them is blistering and peeling.
Last edited by z06inVB; Oct 10, 2018 at 04:51 PM.
