Reputable manufacturers of reproduction wheels? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Zabo · 07-03-2012, 05:11 PM

While I may have found a set of true C5 Z06 Speedlines, the work needed to make them what I want would put them well over wheels and tires before I even started shopping for rubber..

Thus, I've decided to look into replica wheels. I know of OE, but I've also found companies like Replica Alloys and then there's always TSW.

Google searches sent me multiple times to Discount Tire; and knowing a buddy who has access to a discount would help for sure. What I found were Replica alloys that with tires wouldn't break the bank too much and keep it under a grand for 17s up front and 18s out back.

That said.. any input on the matter would be appreciated. I know I should be going with Speedlines but the money isn't there nor are the wheels (it's either they want a million bucks or no sale-o period-o!).. so I might as well find a set that will have good strength and lighten elsewhere as the car will in the end become an internally caged road car.. she'll be heavy and need more motor for sure; replicas would be the least of my worries.

Blueovalman · 07-03-2012, 05:54 PM

My friend purchased TSW wheels for his Camaro and they are
a good quality wheel for the coin spent.
How I look at it is anything looks better than the stock wheels lol.
Have you tryed looking for wheels on eBay yet?

www.ebay.com

xXSilencerXx · 07-03-2012, 07:05 PM

TSW makes good wheels. OEWheels is the only othe rone I know anymore. There used to be another one that was an Ebay vendor, but I don't recall they're name anymore.

demonspeed · 07-03-2012, 09:02 PM

AFS Wheels used to be the big replica manufacturer, but they've essentially abandoned the GM market and do pretty much anything for the Mustang guys. They still make GM stuff, however. I prefer their non-dished lip 11" ZR1's over the belly-button dished ones available from OE Wheels. However, I remember the days when it was rare to see dished ZR1's.

Detroit used to be another manufacturer that always seemed to be in the back of the magazines, but I don't think they're around anymore.

dmginc · 07-04-2012, 09:49 AM

i am going to give OE Wheels a chance when i get the next ride, have read plenty of good reviews of their wheels. as for bad one, saw some of them too but every manufacturer gets a bad review from someone. WS6 store has some replica wheels too, not sure who the maker is tho.

Zabo · 07-04-2012, 10:37 AM

Well I looked further into OE and Discount Tire; turns out the only difference between the pair is that the DT wheels are painted while the OE are powdercoated/cleared.

This is the dealbreaker since I can't have them powdercoated clear since I plan on painting the polished lip to match my car color to make a low key break between the tire and wheel. Luckily both come with blank center caps painted to match so I can install the graphic on the caps with little trouble.

Also, it appears that the latter (Discount Tire) has several local shops that can handle fubar'd wheels should anything happen. They also have warranties similar to tirerack so I could just have a local swap done on the fly.

And a real clincher: I may have a buddy at a michigan location that could hook me up with a discount.

dmginc · 07-04-2012, 11:47 AM

sounds like you would want these.

http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...6-Wheels-Black

dmginc · 07-04-2012, 11:53 AM

i personally like these

http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...Wheels-Black_2

Zabo · 07-04-2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmginc

sounds like you would want these.

http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...6-Wheels-Black

Exactly that.. if only they were matte black.

I've seen gloss done on Maple Red and it doesn't work as well as toned back satin or semi-gloss.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmginc

i personally like these

http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...Wheels-Black_2

Hmm, ya know those have grown on me seeing a similar size (but different C5 pattern) on a 97 during a google search; 295/265 Rear and front respectively. He reccomended going 275F/305R to put more rubber on the shoulder. Might as well add a poll.

Bulldogwinters · 07-04-2012, 02:12 PM

Holy cow.. those OE are cheap!!! I paid like $900 or so for mine which are 18x9.5, those are all like $500 ish

xXSilencerXx · 07-04-2012, 02:16 PM

Yea man OE is the shit for wheels. I'll be ordering my blacked out C6Z wheels from them come spring time next year.

View Poll Results: What should I go with?
Powdercoated Gloss Black w/ Machined Lip C6 Z06 Deep Dish 17x9.5/18x10.5	3	42.86%
Powdercoated Gloss Black w/ Machined Lip C5 Z06 Normal dish 17x9.5/18x10.5	1	14.29%
Painted Semi-Gloss Black w/ Machined Lip C5 Z06 Normal Dish 17x9.5/18x10.5	3	42.86%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

07-03-2012, 05:11 PM	#1
Zabo Gunning for Sixth Drives: '03 ZR2 Blazer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Woodhaven, Michigan Posts: 9,358 View My Garage	Reputable manufacturers of reproduction wheels? While I may have found a set of true C5 Z06 Speedlines, the work needed to make them what I want would put them well over wheels and tires before I even started shopping for rubber.. Thus, I've decided to look into replica wheels. I know of OE, but I've also found companies like Replica Alloys and then there's always TSW. Google searches sent me multiple times to Discount Tire; and knowing a buddy who has access to a discount would help for sure. What I found were Replica alloys that with tires wouldn't break the bank too much and keep it under a grand for 17s up front and 18s out back. That said.. any input on the matter would be appreciated. I know I should be going with Speedlines but the money isn't there nor are the wheels (it's either they want a million bucks or no sale-o period-o!).. so I might as well find a set that will have good strength and lighten elsewhere as the car will in the end become an internally caged road car.. she'll be heavy and need more motor for sure; replicas would be the least of my worries.

07-03-2012, 07:05 PM	#3
xXSilencerXx Butter Bar! Drives: 2011 SS, 1998 Trans Am Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Patrick AFB, FL Posts: 1,364	TSW makes good wheels. OEWheels is the only othe rone I know anymore. There used to be another one that was an Ebay vendor, but I don't recall they're name anymore. __________________ 2011 Camaro SS, White/Orange, LSR Short Throw, CAI 1998 Trans Am, Red, H/C/I, 3200 CircleD Stall, full suspension 2004 GSXR 1k, Matt Mladin Edition

07-03-2012, 09:02 PM	#4
demonspeed not afraid of the wall Drives: Camaros Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,148	AFS Wheels used to be the big replica manufacturer, but they've essentially abandoned the GM market and do pretty much anything for the Mustang guys. They still make GM stuff, however. I prefer their non-dished lip 11" ZR1's over the belly-button dished ones available from OE Wheels. However, I remember the days when it was rare to see dished ZR1's. Detroit used to be another manufacturer that always seemed to be in the back of the magazines, but I don't think they're around anymore. __________________ 2023 1LE 1SS BCD GCF JF5 MN6 SIA SLN UQT 10/13/22: 1100 Past Camaros: 13 1LE\|02 SS\|01 Z28\|00 SS\|91 1LE\|91 Z28\|89 IROC-Z

07-04-2012, 09:49 AM	#5
dmginc Drives: In Circles Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,433 View My Garage	i am going to give OE Wheels a chance when i get the next ride, have read plenty of good reviews of their wheels. as for bad one, saw some of them too but every manufacturer gets a bad review from someone. WS6 store has some replica wheels too, not sure who the maker is tho. __________________ CAI Cold Air Intake, BMR Strut Tower Brace, BMR 1.2" Lowering Springs Gen5DIY Fog Lights, Big Worm Third Brake Light/Side Marker Tint (Charcoal) GTS Tail Light Covers, Purple Under Hood Lighting Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe w/ Muffler Delete Black Plasti Dipped Wheels, Z/28 Spoiler

07-03-2012, 05:54 PM	#2
Blueovalman Drives: 2012 V6 Camaro 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tampa,Florida Posts: 601	My friend purchased TSW wheels for his Camaro and they are a good quality wheel for the coin spent. How I look at it is anything looks better than the stock wheels lol. Have you tryed looking for wheels on eBay yet? www.ebay.com

07-04-2012, 10:37 AM	#6
Zabo Gunning for Sixth Drives: '03 ZR2 Blazer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Woodhaven, Michigan Posts: 9,358 View My Garage	Well I looked further into OE and Discount Tire; turns out the only difference between the pair is that the DT wheels are painted while the OE are powdercoated/cleared. This is the dealbreaker since I can't have them powdercoated clear since I plan on painting the polished lip to match my car color to make a low key break between the tire and wheel. Luckily both come with blank center caps painted to match so I can install the graphic on the caps with little trouble. Also, it appears that the latter (Discount Tire) has several local shops that can handle fubar'd wheels should anything happen. They also have warranties similar to tirerack so I could just have a local swap done on the fly. And a real clincher: I may have a buddy at a michigan location that could hook me up with a discount.

07-04-2012, 11:47 AM	#7
dmginc Drives: In Circles Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,433 View My Garage	sounds like you would want these. http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...6-Wheels-Black __________________ CAI Cold Air Intake, BMR Strut Tower Brace, BMR 1.2" Lowering Springs Gen5DIY Fog Lights, Big Worm Third Brake Light/Side Marker Tint (Charcoal) GTS Tail Light Covers, Purple Under Hood Lighting Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe w/ Muffler Delete Black Plasti Dipped Wheels, Z/28 Spoiler

07-04-2012, 11:53 AM	#8
dmginc Drives: In Circles Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 3,433 View My Garage	i personally like these http://www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheels_3/...Wheels-Black_2 __________________ CAI Cold Air Intake, BMR Strut Tower Brace, BMR 1.2" Lowering Springs Gen5DIY Fog Lights, Big Worm Third Brake Light/Side Marker Tint (Charcoal) GTS Tail Light Covers, Purple Under Hood Lighting Magnaflow Resonated X-Pipe w/ Muffler Delete Black Plasti Dipped Wheels, Z/28 Spoiler

07-04-2012, 02:12 PM	#10
Bulldogwinters SS #2431 Drives: 2001 Pewter Camaro SS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Missoula, MT Posts: 1,224 View My Garage	Holy cow.. those OE are cheap!!! I paid like $900 or so for mine which are 18x9.5, those are all like $500 ish __________________ 2001 SS Lid, LT's, 3" Y to 4" Borla XR-1 dumped, LCA, LCA Brackets, Dbl. Adj. Panhard, Subframe Connectors, Shock Tower Brace, Eibach Prokit, Eddlebrock Shocks, C6 ZR1 Wheels 18x9.5

07-04-2012, 02:16 PM	#11
xXSilencerXx Butter Bar! Drives: 2011 SS, 1998 Trans Am Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Patrick AFB, FL Posts: 1,364	Yea man OE is the shit for wheels. I'll be ordering my blacked out C6Z wheels from them come spring time next year. __________________ 2011 Camaro SS, White/Orange, LSR Short Throw, CAI 1998 Trans Am, Red, H/C/I, 3200 CircleD Stall, full suspension 2004 GSXR 1k, Matt Mladin Edition