Identifying Wheels (Chrome vs. Polished Aluminum)
05-07-2014, 07:52 PM
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Identifying Wheels (Chrome vs. Polished Aluminum)
I'm quite sure this is a stupid question, but I have no idea what the answer is and need to find out. I had the impression my C5 had chrome wheels but someone suggested they were polished aluminum. I want to purchase the correct cleaner because they currently look like hell to me. I tried a magnet test with a regular refrigerator magnet and it rolls right off. I'm assuming that means aluminum, but what I don't know is how a chromed wheel reacts to a magnet. Any input appreciated.
05-07-2014, 08:12 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
Chrome plating and aluminum are not a ferrous materials and will not attract a magnet. That said, you should be able to tell since I don't believe they plated the barrel of the wheel and the finish should look the same in the wheel as on the spokes (that is the way mine is). You should also be able to tell if you have any scuffs or dings on the wheel. If it is plated, you will see the plating as separate from the wheel at the scuff site, if it is not, you will have dings that show no plating in the wheel itself.
05-07-2014, 08:31 PM
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St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
There never was a chrome thin spoke from the factory, only aftermarket. Chances are they are like most, polished aluminum, with a clear coat on them. If they look bad it could be from harsh chemicals that were used.
Options, strip-polish-recoat, you or a professional, or new wheels.
How to repair scratches: http://www.toquez06.com/ccwscratch.html
How to repolish: http://www.toquez06.com/ccwscratch.html
Good Luck!
Options, strip-polish-recoat, you or a professional, or new wheels.
How to repair scratches: http://www.toquez06.com/ccwscratch.html
How to repolish: http://www.toquez06.com/ccwscratch.html
Good Luck!
Last edited by Jeff T.; 05-07-2014 at 08:36 PM.
05-07-2014, 08:34 PM
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Chrome plating and aluminum are not a ferrous materials and will not attract a magnet. That said, you should be able to tell since I don't believe they plated the barrel of the wheel and the finish should look the same in the wheel as on the spokes (that is the way mine is). You should also be able to tell if you have any scuffs or dings on the wheel. If it is plated, you will see the plating as separate from the wheel at the scuff site, if it is not, you will have dings that show no plating in the wheel itself.
jptgs1, thanks! I just found that information, and I'm fairly certain they are stock. Got my plan for the weekend and moving forward!
05-08-2014, 12:25 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
If you were here, I could probably tell you at a glance. Highly polished aluminum still does not reflect like chrome.
Do your wheels look like my chrome wheels?
If in doubt, just drive to your local retailer that sells chrome wheels and they can tell you just by looking them.
Chrome wheels generally do not look bad unless the chrome starts flaking or blistering. I have had the same chrome Thinspokes on my car for 14 years as a DD and they still look like new.
Do your wheels look like my chrome wheels?
If in doubt, just drive to your local retailer that sells chrome wheels and they can tell you just by looking them.
Chrome wheels generally do not look bad unless the chrome starts flaking or blistering. I have had the same chrome Thinspokes on my car for 14 years as a DD and they still look like new.
Last edited by Choreo; 05-08-2014 at 12:30 AM.
05-08-2014, 08:52 AM
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Last edited by CarriageTownVette; 05-08-2014 at 09:00 AM.
05-08-2014, 07:34 PM
#9
Team Owner
IF your wheels are OEM, they are NOT chrome plated. GM did not offer chrome wheels on ANY C5 Corvette. All OEM GM wheels for C5s are either polished aluminum, or painted.
HTH
HTH
05-08-2014, 07:42 PM
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Yup, I've learned that. Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing if they are original -- I bought the vehicle secondhand through a dealer. Perhaps I'll e-mail them.
05-08-2014, 08:24 PM
#11
Drifting
If you were here, I could probably tell you at a glance. Highly polished aluminum still does not reflect like chrome.
Do your wheels look like my chrome wheels?
If in doubt, just drive to your local retailer that sells chrome wheels and they can tell you just by looking them.
Chrome wheels generally do not look bad unless the chrome starts flaking or blistering. I have had the same chrome Thinspokes on my car for 14 years as a DD and they still look like new.
Do your wheels look like my chrome wheels?
If in doubt, just drive to your local retailer that sells chrome wheels and they can tell you just by looking them.
Chrome wheels generally do not look bad unless the chrome starts flaking or blistering. I have had the same chrome Thinspokes on my car for 14 years as a DD and they still look like new.
05-09-2014, 12:54 AM
#12
Le Mans Master
05-09-2014, 12:17 PM
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05-09-2014, 02:00 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
Photos can be deceiving, but my guess is those are not chrome - they have that dull look to them (same as the polished wheels that came on my 2001 when it was new).
Here is what chrome looks like...
05-09-2014, 02:17 PM
#16
Tech Contributor
I would say that they are standard polished and clear coated.
I have heard that the clear coat does turn a little yellow over time and gets hazy.
Some have stripped the clear coat in their driveway, and left the wheels bare aluminum and polished them by hand to almost a chrome like finish. Bare meal is difficult to maintain on a daily driver though.
You can try to bring them back by polishing the clear coat.
May need a pro to help though.
You can take them to a wheel refinish place to have them strip the wheels and do just about anything you want to. Powder coat them any color you want. Chrome plate them. etc.....etc....etc...
Toque
I have heard that the clear coat does turn a little yellow over time and gets hazy.
Some have stripped the clear coat in their driveway, and left the wheels bare aluminum and polished them by hand to almost a chrome like finish. Bare meal is difficult to maintain on a daily driver though.
You can try to bring them back by polishing the clear coat.
May need a pro to help though.
You can take them to a wheel refinish place to have them strip the wheels and do just about anything you want to. Powder coat them any color you want. Chrome plate them. etc.....etc....etc...
Toque