Original wheels?

[Curtis9]

I'm looking a early C5's and wondering if there is a website or book that has images of what the original wheels &/or factory optional wheels should look like, including finish? Thanks in advance for any information, Curtis

 

[XLR8]

Hi Curtis9 and welcome to the Corvette Action Center!

I didn't see any wheel options for the '97 but there was a Magnesium wheel option (N73) for C5's beginning with the '98 model.

The early C5's, I believe the '97-'99 models, had the so-called "wagon wheel" rims standard.

Here's a photo of my '98 with the original polished chrome "wagon wheels".

Here is a link to the CAC Model Center index page: Click

From there you can look up the various models with photos, options and production numbers.

Jane Ann

 

[born2saw]

My 2000 has the optional magnesium wheels.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Here's a photo of my '98 with the original polished chrome "wagon wheels".

No C5 ever came from the factory with chrome wheels. Those do appear to be original wagon wheels though. Possibly chromed by the previous owner?

 

[zagger]

First is the factory wheel for 97 to 99. Second is the same wheel with a little cosmetic changes. In 2000 they changed the design to the thin spoke, all 97 to 99 were silver/gray in color.

 

[XLR8]

No C5 ever came from the factory with chrome wheels. Those do appear to be original wagon wheels though. Possibly chromed by the previous owner?

Interesting... I wasn't aware of that. The chrome rims were on her when I purchased her in 2004 and I thought they were original equipment. One of the previous owners (there were 2 prior to me) must have had them chromed.

Jane Ann

 

[zagger]

If they are original and re-chromed they will have a GM stamp like the one below.

 

[XLR8]

If they are original and re-chromed they will have a GM stamp like the one below.

And they do... I remember seeing the GM stamp when I've detailed them in the past.

 

[XLR8]

I believe that's the GM stamp in approximately the same spot in this photo.

 

[mrm1149]

Very sharp looking wheels Jane Ann, a great combo on your color!

 

[XLR8]

Very sharp looking wheels Jane Ann, a great combo on your color!

THX Mike! :cool

 

[6 Shooter]

Curtis - Welcome to the

If you haven't found this area an CAC, here's a good place to start for C5 Info: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c5/1997/index.html

Take your time, test drive several and enjoy the hunt!

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[silverbullit99]

My 1999

These are mine.. they are chromed as well. They have the GM stamp on them. People knock these wheels but chromed I think they look great. Especially XLR8 car and wheels look awesome

 

[mrm1149]

I agree, they look great chromed. I believe they may be the strongest and also lightest stock wheels that came on the C5 generation.........

 

[XLR8]

My 1999

These are mine.. they are chromed as well. They have the GM stamp on them. People knock these wheels but chromed I think they look great. Especially XLR8 car and wheels look awesome

I agree, they look great chromed. I believe they may be the strongest and also lightest stock wheels that came on the C5 generation.........

Thanks for the kind words, Joe. Some don't care for the wagon wheels but I've always loved mine in chrome. Like Mike said earlier, I think they add to the overall look of my Carmine Red 'vert.

One thing I've noticed recently though - the plastic center pieces need to be replaced. Only one still has the black area intact. On two of them it's faded almost to silver and on one it's fallen off completely. I'm going to have to try and find someone that sells them. Hopefully I can find them with the red C5 emblem like Zagger's. I like those.

Jane Ann

 

[mrm1149]

Jane Ann, you might try calling factory reproductions 800-824-2676 Perhaps they can help?

 

[XLR8]

Jane Ann, you might try calling factory reproductions 800-824-2676 Perhaps they can help?

Thanks Mike... I'll check them out.

Jane Ann

 

[silverbullit99]

Center caps

Thanks for the kind words, Joe. Some don't care for the wagon wheels but I've always loved mine in chrome. Like Mike said earlier, I think they add to the overall look of my Carmine Red 'vert.

One thing I've noticed recently though - the plastic center pieces need to be replaced. Only one still has the black area intact. On two of them it's faded almost to silver and on one it's fallen off completely. I'm going to have to try and find someone that sells them. Hopefully I can find them with the red C5 emblem like Zagger's. I like those.

Jane Ann

I have seen those center caps on ebay several times.. check C5 center caps, there's a few of them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Corv...015QQitemZ250204677245QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[zagger]

Check out http://www.corvettecentral.com/ under C5 wheels. They have caps, cap rings and flag decals.

 

[XLR8]

Check out http://www.corvettecentral.com/ under C5 wheels. They have caps, cap rings and flag decals.

Yep. I saw that too. Thanks Zagger. I'm trying to decide whether to stay with the unpainted flags like mine or go with the painted crossed flags like yours.

Decisions decisions.
:L