Before the 82 hits the road in the Spring, I'd like to upgrade to the optional aluminum wheels from the standard ralleys. I see that both Eckler's and Corvette America are now offering CHROMED Alloys. They look pretty sweet (at least form the pictures). But, they're expensive ($1350). Anybody have any experience with these wheels--or am I better off with the "stock" polished alloys at a lesser price (Bair's-$950). I'll replace the tires at the same time with Radial T/As. (Originally, I was going with Firestone SS20s--but the T/As are my form of protest--as I understand Bridgestone is dropping the Firestone name).
Whad'ya think?

I prefer the polished wheels over the chromed ones. They just seem to have a bit more character to me. But check out the eBay auctions for Wheels/Tires. This is one of several listed currently: 1976-82 Corvette aluminum wheels rims.

Really dumb question...I was detailing the chrome on my '78 this weekend, using a good quality chrome polish. Can this same polish be used on the alloy wheels that came with my pace car?

Thanks,
Franc

I have a '73 with standard rally wheels, but these alloys were first offered for '73 (but only 8 sets left the factory due to porosity problems & a subsequent recall). I've seen the polished ones and they look great when they're clean and polished. They also look cruddy when they're dull, worn and tarnished. I'd vote going with the chromed ones. They'll look great for years and polishing won't be necessary. Unless your car is an NCRS contender, chrome always looks more stunning than polished. I've added chrome GM Performance Parts valve covers on my '73 LS-4 454 and they look MUCH better than the original orange ones. If the chrome are only a little more than polished, it would be worth the extra bucks.

John Gordon 1973Stingray454

DADS8T2 said: Before the 82 hits the road in the Spring, I'd like to upgrade to the optional aluminum wheels from the standard ralleys. I see that both Eckler's and Corvette America are now offering CHROMED Alloys. They look pretty sweet (at least form the pictures). But, they're expensive ($1350). Anybody have any experience with these wheels--or am I better off with the "stock" polished alloys at a lesser price (Bair's-$950). I'll replace the tires at the same time with Radial T/As. (Originally, I was going with Firestone SS20s--but the T/As are my form of protest--as I understand Bridgestone is dropping the Firestone name). Whad'ya think?

You can get a "weathered" set on Ebay real cheap and clean them up yourself. It is easy to do. I submitted a "how to" under the Tips & Tricks section under the header bar. Might want to go this route instead of spending $1100 on chrome alloys. Just my opinion

I also wanted to tell you that I've had both the Firestone SS20s and (currently) the B.F. Goodrich Radial T/As. There's no contest; the B.F. Goodrich are MUCH better tires on my '73 big block! The Firestones rode very hard and I had a very tough time even getting them balanced. The Radial T/As ride much better and are quieter (and less expensive) then the SS20s. The Radial T/As are HIGHLY recommended!!!

John Gordon 1973Stingray454
CRVT454@aol.com

Polished definatly..