Update: Factory Reproductons and the ZL1 wheel
 

Hello Everyone,

UPDATE 5/23/2013


Wheel and wheel/tire packages are now in stock. Pictures, prices and more information is available at http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292326




On Monday December 17th we received a Cease and Desist letter from GM in regards to our replica of the ZL1 wheel. GM was issued a patent design for this wheel on November 8, 2012.

Factory Reproductions makes every effort to comply with all Federal and State laws, including U.S. Patent laws and as such we will not move forward with any sale of a ZL1 replica wheel.

We will still be offering 20x9, 20x10 and 20x11 wheels for the Camaro. We are working through changes to the design in order to preserve GM’s intellectual property rights. As we progress I will post renderings. I will also post new timelines for delivery as they become available.


UPDATE 1/16/2013

Below are renderings of our finalized design. Wheels will be available in May.

Sizes:20x9 ET +30, 20x10 ET +23, +35 and 20x11 ET +43

Finishes: Chrome, Gloss & Satin Black, Black Machine Face and Polished


UPDATE 2/4/2013 - Pricing


Style 41 Camaro5 Forum Member Pricing (set of 4)

20x9
Chrome and Polished w/Clear Coat – $899.00
Painted & Machine Face – $799.00

20x9 and 20x10
Chrome and Polished w/Clear Coat – $979.00
Painted & Machine Face – $839.00

20x10 & 20x11
Chrome and Polished w/Clear Coat - $1099.00
Painted & Machine Face – $919.00

Shipping is additional

do you know if there will be problems like "system alert in the dash" with the pressure of the tires? or it will still the same thing even tho they are repliqua?

The redesigned wheel will be compatable with the OEM TPM sensors.

Thank you for the update.

Good to hear.

are we talking about another 2 or 3 months to redesign the wheel(to not copyright anybody) or yall are just going to hold off on creating these for right now

We have started the redesign process. Once this is complete we will have to build new and or modify existing tooling. Once the tooling is complete we will start to cast wheels. I think we should have wheels tested and in stock to sell by May. I will keep this thread updated as we make progress.

Question is, how much different will the redesigns look then the factory originals?

I will post renderings as soon as we finalize the design.

Make them look better than the real deal, not less. :D

Sounds gooooood :headbang:

We will sure try

How bout some 17 or 18" rear wheels for drags...?

I'd still pay more for rotary forged.

Such a bummer. Thanks for the update Doug.

since your "redesigning" the rims. will you guys think about doing 22s

Nice. Maybe by then I'll be looking for some new wheels!! :thumbup: We'll see!!! :iono:


If so.....I'm interested in these that's for sure!!!!!

Why does GM not realized nobody wants to pay 5-7k for wheels and tires let alone OEM wheels and tires they arent even aftermarket lol

its a popular style that peforms just as well as most aftermarket wheels for cheaper($3500ish) or equivalent price.

Thanks so much for this update Doug. Really appreciate it.

I hate to even ask because I'm sure you've dealt with enough wants over these rims but if its possible to consider a nice looking polished option I think that would be a good seller.

Looking forward to more!

+1 but I still look foward to the black one :) hehe...
But whatever I'm sure they will be awsome, I'm trusting them ;)

Boy you are working them hard for some 18's isn't that like 15 posts now. :sm0:

Cant wait to see the new renderings. I hope the design isnt too far off as I really want a set in black. Thanks for the update.

Well this is good news.

We intend to offer a polished/clearcoat finish. Things could change but that's the plan.

...and they haven't answered a single one. :laugh:

The replica place here in Houston can't keep them in stock they sell so good.

We are looking into a 18 drag wheel. What width are you interested in?

Man, this sucks. :mad0260: I was looking forward to throwing a set on my car this coming year. I hope you can make some that look close to the real deal without GM busting your balls! :)

Thank you very much my good sir!

9.5 is a safe bet but 10.5 with the correct offset works perfectly with this tire.. :thumbup:


Attachment 454540

Mounted on a 10.5" wheel...

Attachment 454620

We already an 18x10.5 wheel in a split 5 spoke "GM" look but it is the wrong offest. With additional tooling (minor) we can make the wheel in a +35 offset.

I have 2 questions
1 How much does style matter?
2. Will satin or gloss black work for a finish?

I'm in the same boat with the 18's. I bought some 19's becaus they were dirt cheep but I'm limited on tires choices. So an 18 would be great. As long as their wide enough to fit a good size drag radial on there.

Im not so worried about style as I am looking for a pair just to put on at the strip. 9.5-10.5 will do it for me. I prefer silver but thats no biggie.

I believe Nitto and Mickey Thompson make a 305/45R18 drag radial. An 18x10.5 wheel is perfect for this tire size.

Gloss black and if you get it close to the Z wheel then I'm sure people would buy it.

I am not sure what you mean by a Z wheel.

the zl1 wheels

I'm guessing those asking for an 18" are just wanting a smaller version of whatever the wheel is that you end up making....correct?

The OEM ZL1/1LE wheels are forged aluminum, which always bumps the price up.
These factory reproductions will likely be made of cast aluminum which makes them MUCH cheaper than the OEM forged wheels. Cast wheels are on most cars from the factory because they are strong (safety) and cheaper to make in high volume. The factory SS/RS wheels are cast, for example. The biggest disadvantage to cast wheels is weight.

With this being said, how is LG making these ZL1 wheels?