zrracer

I just tried to buy new centers from them.
They will not sell them to me. Just complete wheels.
IMHO they lost a sale and future business.

leadfoot4

That's unfortunate to hear. The one thing that the "original" CCW was famous for, was customer service. Now that the business has been absorbed into the "corporate world", I'm sure that all the potential liabilities of customers doing their own dis-assembly and re-assembly have been examined under a microscope by Weld's corporate lawyers, so no more sales of "parts".

I know that CCW used to sell a LOT of wheels to race teams, who'd fix their damaged wheels in the field. (race wheels can get "beat-up" some times) If they can't by inner lips or outer barrels, to do in house rebuilds, I'm sure they'll be VERY upset.

A number of years ago, when I had the first set of my CCWs, after I wore out the tires that were on them, I was able to send them back for a re-polish and re-assembly. Probably won't be able to do that anymore, either.

Black 03 Z06

Disappointing news. Hope the centres hold up on mine cause I am not buying another set of wheels.

Come on CCW help this guy out, do the right thing.

leadfoot4

Problem is, the CCW that we've known for years, is no longer in business. The original owner came to a point in life where he wanted to retire, and sold the business. It's now owned by Weld Wheels.....

zrracer

I am not sure I buy the liability issue. I change shocks,brake pads fluids and tire shops remove and replace tires. You need to know one thing. What is the TQ, and apply that knowledge about maybe 40 times per wheel.
I remember calling John because I kept forgetting the correct TQ.my centers are fine they just pitted and won’t look great if they r clear powder coated.
I have never heard of one of these wheels failing.

leadfoot4

Oh, I agree........BUT, in this day of lawsuit insanity, all that has to happen is just ONE guy take a wheel apart, re-assemble it incorrectly, and have it cause a crash. Not only will that guy get his azz sued off, the "ambulance chasers" will be all over Weld.

While I don't agree with their policy of not selling individual parts for their wheels, if THAT'S the reason, I can understand it. I seem to recall one of their representatives posting here, a couple of times in the past. It would be great if that person picks up on this discussion, and provides some information.

clubracer23

tlrskunk

ZZRacer DO you remember the Torque spec you used? I have my wheels apart now and plan to re-assemble this week.

zrracer

32
If u have the apr bolts

zrracer

Thanks club racer

ZO ZICK

Sad to hear because John sold me a few sets back in the days!

He was always helpful and willing to help anyone!

They will loose lots of Corvette Business!

USAZR1

I have a new set of polished CCW center caps, if anyone needs them. I bought an extra set for my SP-551's to have ZR-1 engraved on them but never got around to doing so.
The caps are smooth, with no engraving.

striper

Back in the days when CCW was still owned by John, I purchased several Classic components from him. I used to kid around with him and he'd ask me what I hit. I bought enough outer rims that he gave me what he called the "repeat offender" discount. Subsequently, when I needed another outer rim, I called Weld. They would sell me what I needed but at a grossly inflated price. I was pissed. Last fall when I had an encounter with a rather large pothole on a highway I got the rims repaired instead of buying parts. I wound up selling my wheels and tires and buying something new. That's why I now have Forgestars.

leadfoot4

You bring up a very interesting point. When a small, customer service oriented business is taken over by a larger, profit focused business, it frequently fails. Many of us who bought wheels from CCW in the past, were used to talking directly with the business owner, who happened to have a tremendous amount of knowledge of his customer's needs. And he tailored his business to those needs, therefore he was successful.

Weld Wheels, I'm afraid, is too far into the "mass merchandising" aspects of the aftermarket wheel business. Therefore, I'm afraid that their acquisition of CCW will be far from a successful venture for them. And it will most likely cause a lot of heartburn for current CCW owners.

Black 03 Z06

I had great service from John and crew when I bought my CCW wheels. Sad things have changed. Maybe John can buy the place back for pennies on the dollar when Weld pisses everybody off.

leadfoot4

While many might hope for that, I doubt it would happen. First, if I understand correctly, John is in his 70s, and sold the business so he could retire and "slow down" a little. Secondly, again, if I understand correctly, Weld moved everything from Florida, where CCW was based, to Kansas, where they are based. Probably wouldn't make economic sense.


And again, I'll say this.....there was, at one time, a CCW (Weld) representative that used to step in, once in a while. I'm surprised that they haven't picked up on this topic, and gotten involved. It's not like this discussion began a day or two ago.

USAZR1

As mentioned above, I purchased an extra set of polished centers, without engraving, when I bought my last set of CCW wheels. These are new and never been on a wheel. If anyone needs a set, I'll take $125/shipped for these.
https://image.ibb.co/nF3SF8/004_600x471.jpg
https://image.ibb.co/m3Juv8/001.jpg

SOLD

ElisTwoCents

leadfoot4

That was the nature of the business, as John ran it. For those that remember, his user name here, at CF, was "racewheel", as a good chunk of his business was with cars that were being used in competition, where repairability and quick service turnaround is critical, for the survival of the business.

I could be way off base, but I'm thinking that Weld is taking CCW into the direction of a "boutique" street wheel.

1993C4LT1

I still think the FM5s look better on the C4