Corvette Parts Blog

Forgeline Corvette Wheels

For quality off the charts, superior strength, unsurpassed craftsmanship, near- infinite customization and, oh yeah, stunning looks, there is no Corvette wheel finer than Forgeline. Forgeline 3-Piece Wheels are made of 6061 T6 true forged centers sandwiched by 6061 T6 spun rim halves and assembled using aircraft-grade hardware. All wheels are built to order, so individual requests for special colors, optional fasteners, etc. are welcome and easily accommodated.

We offer two different styles of Forgeline wheels for C5 & C6 Corvettes. The first set consists of Forgeline Premier Series Corvette Wheels. A standout on the street – and the show circuit, our Forgeline premier wheels come standard with a fully polished outer lip and your choice of powder coated center wheel in Silver, Gloss Black, Matte Black, Gunmetal or Matte finish Titanium. The inner rim shell is available powder coated (see our Forgeline Options for more information) and grade 8 stainless steel piston head torx bolts are used throughout. For C5 Corvettes, the Forgeline premier series wheels are available in 18″x9.5″ and 19″x11″ or 19″x9.5″ and 20″x11″. The base C6 Wheel sizes include 19″x9.5″ and 20″x11″ while the Z06, ZR1, & Grand Sport sizes run 19″x10″ and 20″x12.5″.

Though every Forgeline wheel is built to meet the rigors of track use, the Forgeline Competition Series raises the bar just that much higher. The competition wheels are three pounds lighter than the Forgeline premier series wheels. They include a stepped lip that offers muscular looks and greater load capabilities. Each Forgeline competition wheel comes with a fully polished outer lip and powder coated center wheel in Silver, Gloss Black, Matte Black, Gunmetal or Matte finish Titanium. Each inner rim shell is available powder coated (see our Forgeline Options for more information). Forgeline Competition Series Corvette Wheels are available for C5 & C6 Corvettes. The C5 sizes include 18″x10″ front wheels and 18″x12″ rear wheels while the C6 includes 18″x10″ fronts and 18″x11″ rears for the non Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport. If you are upgrading to the Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport size wheels because you have upgraded your Corvettes Body Panels, or you are wheel shopping for your Z06, ZR1 or Grand Sport Corvette and you would like a wheel that is going to last, then we have Forgeline competition series wheels available in 19″x10″ and 20″x12.5″, which will be perfect for showing, racing, tracking, or autocrossing your Corvette.

A great advantage to buying Forgeline multi piece wheels is that in most situations they can be repaired at far less than the cost of a new wheel. Even so, all Forgeline wheels come with a 3 year limited warranty that will cover defects in material or workmanship. Forgeline will repair or replace the wheel(s) upon inspection if they determine that the probelm is related to materials or workmanship. Read more about their warranty here.

C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline Wheel Styles:

As mentioned above, all of our C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline Wheels are built to order, which means there are plenty of opportunities to add your own personal touch to your new set of wheels. Each Forgeline wheel is available with a powder coated center wheel in any of the following pictured below: triple chrome, diamond cut, brushed with a clear powder coat, black chrome, fully polished, or race gold.

Forgeline Option A – Center Wheel:

Triple Chrome	Diamond Cut	Brushed - Clear Powder
Black Chrome	Fully Polished	Race Gold

The standard outer wheel lip on all C5 & C6 Corvette Forgeline wheels comes polished. Optional finishes are available in any of the following pictured below: brushed with a clear wheel lip, powder coated clear, fly yellow, gloss black, gunmetal, matte black, satin black, silver, transparent red, & victory red, or you can have the outer wheel lip triple chrome plated.

Forgeline Option B – Outer Wheel Lip:

Triple Chrome Lip

Brushed W/Clear Lip

Powder Coated Lip

Forgeline Option C – Inner Rim Shell:

The inner rim shell on all Forgeline Wheels comes natural or powder coated gloss black, gunmetal, matte black, satin black, or silver at no extra charge. Additional options include having the inner rim shell fully polished or triple chrome plated.

Forgeline Option D – Wheel Fasteners:
The standard fasteners used on all Forgeline Premier Series Corvette Wheels include piston head torx bolts while all competition series wheels are held together with 12-point bolts. Optional fasteners available include: black oxide bolts, lightweight titanium bolts with jetnuts,  and hidden bolts for premier series wheels only.

Black Oxide Bolts

Hidden Bolts

Titanium Bolts

This Forgeline product overview video discusses the advantages of Forgeline premier and competition wheels plus additional options that are available for each design.

Hours of precise machining, inspecting, customizing and testing goes into the making of every Forgeline wheel. Check out how Forgeline wheels are made from scratch right inside the Forgeline factory in Ohio.

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With so many different Corvette wheel designs on the market, finding the perfect set for your Corvette is not always as easy. At Zip, we take the guesswork out of the equation by listing the exact Corvette year a particular wheel set will fit. Of course this is assuming you Corvette has not been modified with aftermarket brake packages and/or body conversion kits. If your Corvette has been modified then you should be sure the wheels you are ordering are going to fit properly. To do so, you just need to understand wheel spacing terminology and use basic math skills. Let’s go over how to measure your wheels.

Wheel Back Space

Wheel back Spacing is very simple and is often confused with the offset. To determine a wheel’s offset you must first find the wheels back space. The back space can be measured in inches but should be converted to millimeters before proceeding to find the offset. To find the back space place a straight edge across the rear of the wheel and measure to the mount pad. The distance equals the wheels back space, which in this case is 6.75″. Multiply the back space by 25.4 to convert the back space to mm (6.75″ x 25.4mm = 171mm).

Wheel Offset

Wheel offset is the distance between the centerline of the wheel to the wheel mount pad. It is measured in millimeters and the outcome can result in a zero, positive or negative measurement. To have a zero offset, the wheel mount pad must be even with the centerline of the wheel. A positive offset means that the mount pad is shifted past the centerline towards the face of the wheel, while a negative offset means the mount pad is shifted past the centerline towards the rear, or the brake side of the wheel. To determine the offset of a wheel you must first measure the overall width of the wheel. Lets say the wheel measurements are 18″ x 9.5″. Now convert the width to millimeters by multiplying the width by 25.4mm (9.5″ x 25.4mm = 241mm). Next divide the wheel width by 2 to determine the wheels centerline (241mm/2 = 121mm). With the centerline and back spacing of the wheel determined and converted to millimeters simply subtract the centerline from the back spacing for the offset (171mm – 121mm = +50mm).

Remember, we take into consideration every wheels backspace and offset before we offer a particular wheel for your Corvette. Each wheel set is listed for certain year applications because they are designed to fit properly to those models and are not guaranteed to work on Corvettes with modified body panels, suspension, brakes, etc.. For more information on which Corvette wheels are right for you feel free to Contact Us today.

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C6 ZR1 Chrome Wheel Set

Earlier this year we added the new C6 ZR1 style chrome wheels to our inventory. The C6 ZR1 wheels are currently available in black, chrome, & hyper-dark silver but until now could not be ordered in C6 Z06 or ZR1 Corvette wheel sizes. After months of waiting and telling Z06 & ZR1 customers that the chrome ZR1 wheels were not available, we now have C6 ZR1 Chrome Wheel Sets available for the Z06 & ZR1 Corvette. The new reproduction Corvette Chrome Wheel Sets come with two front wheels that measure 19″x10″ and two rear wheels that measure 20″x12″.  It will only be a matter of time before these stunning wheels start appearing on C6 Z06 & ZR1 Corvettes local to you.

Are you interested in learning about the ZR1 style chrome, hyper dark silver, or black Corvette wheels for non-Z06/ZR1 Corvettes? Read our non-Z06 “ZR1 style” Corvette wheels post here.

Did you know that if you purchase a new set of Corvette Wheels & Tires at the same time that we will mount and balance them for free? This is just one more way we try to provide the absolute best customer service you will find in the Corvette Parts & Accessories industry.

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Chrome Corvette Wheels look great no matter what year, body style, or color your Corvette may be. They are not exactly the cheapest upgrade over the stock Corvette Wheels, but as most people would agree, the brilliance added to the Corvette from a new set of chrome wheels is well worth the cost. For those of you who have spent your fare share of money purchasing chrome Corvette Wheels here are a few recommendations that should help you get the most out of your purchase.

Corvette Chrome Wheels

Before your chrome wheels are installed on your Corvette for the first time we recommend purchasing some of Adam’s Americana Premium Carnauba Paste Wax. The paste wax is very important as this is what will ultimately protect your chrome wheels from contaminants. Once your chrome wheels have been installed on your Corvette apply the carnauba paste wax to the wheels as you would normally apply the wax to the Corvette. By waxing your chrome Corvette Wheels you are essentially filling in all of the small pores in the chrome, creating a protective layer between the wheel and brake dust or any other corroding substances. While in between waxings we recommend cleaning your Chrome Corvette Wheels with basic soap and water. Any special chrome wheel cleaner can strip the wax, which could do more harm then good as the wheels age. Every two months or so it would be good to re-wax the wheels so the protective layer is always kept fresh.

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Standard brushes and old rags have gotten the job done over the years but none will make your Corvette’s Wheels look better then the new lug nut and wheel cleaner from Zip Corvette.

Corvette Lug Nut Cleaner Brush

Not only is it lightweight and easy to use but it is also made to fit directly over your Corvette’s lug nuts; simply apply soap and water to the brush, slide it over the lug, twist the handle a few times, and you have turned what was once a back aching job into a walk in the park. The brush will clean wheel cavities from 1 3/8″ – 2″ with lug nuts from 3/4″ – 13/16″. Once the original foam pad wears out just replace it with the extra pad that comes with the brush, which literally takes 15 seconds. We have yet to see a better designed wheel cleaning brush and think you will agree once you try it out.

Corvette Lug Nuts, Corvette Wheel Cleaner, Corvette Wheels

In 1968 the Corvette Rally Wheel changed from 15″ x 6″ to 15″ x 7″. Other than the size there were no appearance changes from the 1967 Corvette Rally Wheel, which you can read more about here. Once again in 1969 Chevrolet changed the wheel size, this time to 15″ x 8″, which it would remain at for the rest of the ‘68-82 generation.

1968-1982 Corvette Rally Wheel

With the largest selection of Corvette Wheels you know that Zip has the popular rally wheels available in both sizes for all 1968-1982 Corvettes. The steel rally wheels can be ordered separately or you can purchase the ‘69-82 wheels in a full car set, which includes the wheels, center caps, lug nuts, and original or replacement style trim rings. If you have decided that your rally wheels are in good condition but would like to add new center caps and trim rings, Zip has options there as well. Original style rally wheel center caps are available individually or you can order a replacement set at a much lower cost. A popular update when adding new center caps is a fresh set of trim rings. Zip also has these in both original and replacement styles.

1980-82 Corvette Aluminum Wheels

Starting in 1976 Chevrolet added aluminum wheels to the Corvette. By the late 1970s these wheels were installed on well over half of all Corvettes produced. With the aluminum wheels becoming such a popular option it only makes since for Zip to carry all available 1976-1982 Corvette Aluminum Wheels. Whether you are looking for the ‘76-79 style with a black center, ‘78 pace car style with a red stripe, or ‘80-82 style with a polished center, Zip has it. All 1976-1982 Corvette Aluminum Wheels are sold individually or in full car sets; correct center caps and lug nuts are sold separately.

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In case you missed it, our last post titled 1953-1962 Corvette Wheels briefly talked about steel wheels and hubcaps for early Corvettes. Jumping ahead to the mid-60s we will now talk about all that Zip has to offer including: Direct Bolt-On Knock-Off Wheels, ‘63-67 Steel Wheels, Corvette hubcaps and more.

C2 Corvette Direct Bolt-On Knock-Off Wheels

For the 1963-1964 Corvette Zip has replacement steel wheels that measure 15″ x 6″. New Hubcap bars and spinners with necessary attaching hardware are available to add a new original look to an older hubcap. Zip also has Direct Bolt-On Knock Off Wheels that are identical to the original knock-offs only they attach with a special lug nut instead of the spinner. Our full car sets include all wheels, adapters, spinners, cones, center caps, anti-theft pins, lug nuts, and instructions needed to mount the wheels to your Corvette.

In 1965-1966 the Corvette had 15″ x 5 1/2″ steel wheels as the standard option. Zip has these reproduction wheels available as well as the necessary wheel studs and lug nuts to mount them to the car. 1965 Corvette Hubcaps were some of the best looking hubcaps Chevrolet ever used and we have a full reproduction set including new spinners and hardware here at Zip. For the 1966 hubcaps Zip has a full car spinner set that includes all Corvette Emblems and hardware to make your used hubcaps shine like new. You can also choose to refinish your used hubcaps with our Dark Gray Wheel Paint as this color was original for all ‘65-66 Corvettes. Knock-Off Wheels continued into 1965 and 1966. The finish on these changed from “raw cast” to the same dark gray mentioned above. We have these available in a safer more reliable direct bolt-on set that includes all components to mount them to your Corvette.

1967 Corvette Rally Wheel

1967 marked the last year of the Midyear era and the beginning of the Rally Wheel. Zip has the 1967 Corvette Rally Wheels available individually and as a full car set with original style center caps, lug nuts, and replacement trim rings. The Rally Wheel Center Caps can be purchased separate without the ornament or as a full car set that comes with installed “Disc Brake” ornaments fully licensed by GM. Also available are Bolt-On Aluminum Wheels. You can get these wheels bare or complete in a full car set that includes wheels, lug nuts, center starburst with cap, mounting clips, and retainers.

A new set of reproduction tires will always go great with new Corvette Wheels; Zip has a full selection of those for 1963-1967 Corvettes. With original style brands like: U.S. Royal, Firestone, Goodyear, B.F. Goodrich, and performance oriented Classic Radials; matching your Corvette with the right set of tires will not be a problem. All of our Midyear Corvette Tires are cosmetically correct in every detail.

Corvette Emblems, Corvette Hubcaps, Corvette Knock-Off Wheels, Corvette Rally Wheels, Corvette Tires, Corvette Wheels, Spinners

Of all the Corvette Parts suppliers, Zip Corvette has the largest selection of Corvette Wheels readily available. Over the next few days we’ll highlight wheel options for each separate Corvette generation starting with the early solid axles through the latest C6’s.

Corvette Wheels & Hubcaps

All 1953-1962 standard Corvettes left the factory with 15″ x 5″ steel wheels. In 1956 however Chevrolet modified the wheels slightly by adding small nubs for securing the new larger style hubcaps. At Zip we have these new reproduction steel wheels with the small nubs for all 1956-1962 Corvettes. Upon receiving these wheels they will need to be painted the correct color, (see restoration tip below) once painted they will be ready to mount directly to your Corvette. Along with our 1956-1962 Corvette Steel Wheels we also have reproduction hubcaps. Our Corvette Hubcaps are all high quality parts and include the correct blue tint as original. The only difference in the ‘56-58 hubcaps and the later hubcaps were the ventilation holes that were added to all 1958-1962 Corvettes. All of our Corvette Hubcaps come with spinners and are ready to be bolted onto the wheels right out of the package.

If you are looking for more information as to what colors were original for 1953-1962 Corvette Wheels, read our Corvette Restoration Tip: Wheel Identification as it highlights every possibility for all of the earliest Corvettes.

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When the new ZR1 Corvette came out for the 2009 model year, GM designed an all new wheel for the fastest Corvette ever produced. The first question every current C5 and C6 owner asked was “How can I get those wheels on my Corvette?” C5 and C6 Corvette owners can finally get the awesome ZR1 wheels in sizes to directly fit their Corvette. Zip Corvette now offers Reproduction ZR1 Corvette Wheels for C5 and C6 owners. 1997-2009 ZR1 Wheel Sets are available in Black, Chrome, & Hyper-Dark Silver. The C6 ZR1 wheels fit all 2005-2009, non-Z06 Corvettes. Included in the Wheel Packages are 18×8.5″ fronts and 19×10″ rear wheels. The C5 ZR1 Wheels fit all C5 Corvettes including the Z06.  Those wheel sizes are 17×8.5″ and 18×9.5″.

ZR1 Corvette Chrome & Hyper-Dark Silver Wheels

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This Corvette Restoration Tip is brought to you by Zip Corvette and can be found in Zip’s free Corvette Parts & Accessories Catalogs – request one online today.

All 1953-1962 Corvettes came with 15”x 5” wheels and full wheel covers as standard equipment. Beginning in 1957 and continuing through 1962, buyers could substitute optional “wide wheels” that were 15”x 5 1/2”. Instead of the standard full cover, wide wheels got a small “dog dish” hubcap that covered only a portion of the wheel.

C1 Corvette

In 1953 and 1954 all Corvettes came with red painted wheels. These were dip painted so they should be red everywhere. Beginning in 1955 wheels were dipped in black primer and then sprayed their final color on the front face. Aside from some color overspray, the backs of the wheels were therefore black regardless of wheel color. Also beginning in 1955, wheel color was determined by the car’s exterior color. Polo White, Gypsy Red, and Pennant Blue exteriors came with red wheels, Corvette Copper got bronze, and Harvest Gold got yellow. In 1956 and 1957, wheel color matched the exterior color with the exception of Polo White cars, the wheels of which were keyed to interior color. If the interior was red the wheels were red and if the interior was beige the wheels were silver.

In 1958 all Corvettes came with silver painted wheels regardless of exterior color. The only possible exception is cars equipped with RPO 276 wide wheels, which may have been painted black. In 1959 all Corvette wheels, including the optional wide wheels, were black.

In 1960-1961 Chevrolet once again painted Corvette wheels to match exterior color. In 1962, cars equipped with optional whitewall tires came with black wheels while cars with standard blackwall tires came with wheels painted to match body color. Optional wide wheels were also painted the same color as the car’s exterior in 1962.

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