[Clarkster]

I just placed an order with my salesman a couple of days ago. I didn't get the Z51 because of the constraints (and for a couple of other reasons) but I really like the split fork chrome rims as opposed to the 5 fork chrome rims I opted for. Does anyone know if I can get the split spoke rims if I don't get the Z51 pkg? I know they're an inch larger but I figure if I'm paying an extra $2K for the chrome rims, I should be able to get the ones I want. Perhaps not.

Either way, I'm just so excited to finally get my order in. I realize I'm a bit behind the power curve, but I'll still have my C7 in time for Spring and my redeployment.

Also, I reckon I can get the mats and center caps through the dealership or that GMDirectParts site that some have touted on here. Any other advice?

 

[glen e]

I just placed an order with my salesman a couple of days ago. I didn't get the Z51 because of the constraints (and for a couple of other reasons) but I really like the split fork chrome rims as opposed to the 5 fork chrome rims I opted for. Does anyone know if I can get the split spoke rims if I don't get the Z51 pkg? I know they're an inch larger but I figure if I'm paying an extra $2K for the chrome rims, I should be able to get the ones I want. Perhaps not.

Either way, I'm just so excited to finally get my order in. I realize I'm a bit behind the power curve, but I'll still have my C7 in time for Spring and my redeployment.

Also, I reckon I can get the mats and center caps through the dealership or that GMDirectParts site that some have touted on here. Any other advice?

you can't get the z51 wheels from gm when you order without z51 but just sit tight - many will be coming on all the sites as people move to aftermarket...Craigslist, eBay and the vette sites...and yes - use the parts direct sites...many around as they are quicker and cheaper than with your car...

 

[ALF01]

Clarkster- I'm presuming from your location you may be in the Armed Forces? If so, THANK YOU! for all you do for us & protecting our freedoms!

glen e is correct - there will be many wheel options soon enough, many aftermarket. I would fully expect to see the style wheels you like (split fork) in both Z51 & "std" sizes, in multiple finishes. And for a lot less than $2k. Usually, you can get a set of aftermarket rims for about $800-$1000, and they're fine, as long as you don't take the car on the track with them….

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Clarkster]

Thanks Glen E and ALF01 for your quick responses. So would you suggest I just get the regular rims and save the $2K and then buy the rims I like aftermarket? Or would I be OK to get the chrome rims then trade them in or sell outright once the rims I like become available?

Thanks again for your advice. And to answer your question ALF01, I just retired from the Army last year after 23 yrs of service but came right back over here as a contractor working with the State Dept. to help keep the bad guys (Taliban) in prison. Thank you for your support and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

 

[glen e]

Thanks Glen E and ALF01 for your quick responses. So would you suggest I just get the regular rims and save the $2K and then buy the rims I like aftermarket? Or would I be OK to get the chrome rims then trade them in or sell outright once the rims I like become available?

Thanks again for your advice. And to answer your question ALF01, I just retired from the Army last year after 23 yrs of service but came right back over here as a contractor working with the State Dept. to help keep the bad guys (Taliban) in prison. Thank you for your support and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

you can do a few things...yes - get the standard stock wheel.....you have a few options:
1. take them off and save them for when you sell - car sells faster if they are stock
2. sell the rims or tire/rims yourself - they will fetch 40-60% of new wheels
3. powdercoat the stock rims that change the look

My plan is I wanted a much diff type of wheel that GM offered, so my stock std wheels are in storage, and I mounted a z51 sized wheel and tire from TSW.com Looks like this:

 

[elegant]

You might periodically check our forum's "parts for sale" section, as members trade up, trade in, sell, trade, their wheels, etc.

Stingray Parts For Sale

 

[glen e]

I'll just throw this up while we're talking about wheels but this is "knock out" looking. It's a silver z51 wheel that is powdercoated between the spokes so you get the best of blackout and silver wheels and makes the spokes pop. I think it's the best z51 wheel I've ever seen - just my opinion:

 

[elegant]

Glen,

How is that process done please? What I am asking is how does a powder coater coat the inside area without covering the front face of the spokes and the "rim?"

 

[glen e]

Glen,

How is that process done please? What I am asking is how does a powder coater coat the inside area without covering the front face of the spokes and the "rim?"

an experienced powdercoater using a mylar tape to cover the areas that stay silver....powdercoat then is sprayed on after electrically charging the wheel, tape pulled and then wheel is baked....it is durable and cheap, maybe $75-100 a wheel...

Powder coating - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Clarkster]

you can do a few things...yes - get the standard stock wheel.....you have a few options:
1. take them off and save them for when you sell - car sells faster if they are stock
2. sell the rims or tire/rims yourself - they will fetch 40-60% of new wheels
3. powdercoat the stock rims that change the look

My plan is I wanted a much diff type of wheel that GM offered, so my stock std wheels are in storage, and I mounted a z51 sized wheel and tire from TSW.com Looks like this:

LOVE those wheels Glen!!! And I never even thought about powdercoating them. That's a damned good idea. I'll look into that. Perhaps powdercoat the inside grey and have the outer edges chrome. That might be the ticket! Thanks!

 

[Lipstic]

I ordered the black....I was thinking of doing the spokes red to match the torch red....either that or the perimeter and leave the spokes black.

 

[glen e]

I ordered the black....I was thinking of doing the spokes red to match the torch red....either that or leave the perimeter and leave the spokes black.

that would look very nice....if you do red on wheels, it's gotta be paint to match as powdercoat comes in red but it's not a torch match in texture or exact color.

here's an alternative too:
C7 Corvette Stingray Wheel Bands

 

[Lipstic]

that would look very nice....if you do red on wheels, it's gotta be paint to match as powdercoat comes in red but it's not a torch match in texture or exact color.

here's an alternative too:
C7 Corvette Stingray Wheel Bands

My husband uses powder coat in his business I wonder how close I could get to torch red...I really like what you did Glen not the whole spoke but part of it...

 

[CruznCorvette]

I ordered the stock wheels. I'll look into aftermarket wheels next year. Maybe have two sets, new wheels with sticky summer tires and the stock wheels with all weather rubber.
That way, I can drive the car on those sub 40 degree days when the roads are dry and free of salt.

 

[mjw930]

When I order it will most likely be Cyber Grey and I would like to match the look of the "Diamond Black" powdercoat on the BBS RS-GT's we have on the dark grey Porsche.

pictured alone you don't notice the difference so here's the Diamond black followed by the silver which would be a close approximation of the stock Z51 wheel color.

And here they are installed on the Boxster

 

[glen e]

The first one would be a great match. Similar to inside spoke gray of my TSW'S ....I like wheels that carry a tie to other colors on the car.....the bbs all have a really nice lip too...pls do this!....

 

[mjw930]

Yes, the BBS wheels are 2 piece that that makes it really easy to have the contrasting look. A good wheel restoration shop can mask off the lip and do just the spokes which is what I'm thinking about doing.

My other option may be working with these guys. They are literally 4 miles down the road from me. Complete Custom Wheel - Forged Aluminum Wheels

 

[glen e]

505a looks interesting