So looking at getting some replica 22” rims. Not a fan of the ones come on high country I think they look like hub caps LOL. Are the replicas good quality? I’m in michigan, they won’t rust or flake in the winter from salt? I won’t be changing these in winter I’ll use them year round...
OEM vs replica rims?
- Thread starter Banks22
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R32driver
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Pretty sure oem gm wheels are made in China so probably no different than Chinese replicas. Or you could look on CL or Facebook marketplace. I see tons of gm wheels for sale on those sights.
Or if you’re not in a big hurry you can get killer deals during GM’s year end sales. I priced out a set of oem 22’s and with discounts they were only $1650
Or if you’re not in a big hurry you can get killer deals during GM’s year end sales. I priced out a set of oem 22’s and with discounts they were only $1650
The only OEM available Chevy rims are the snowflakes and they’re $2100 with 20% off. I’m nervous to get replicas in case they rust or flake. I have option to trade for OEM 22” polished rims for $950. That’s my best option right now but I’m gona wait a bit....and yes what isn’t from China lol
Tonyv__
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$2100 with tires or just wheels? So I’m at about $1900 for my aftermarket wheels (rims,tires,and install) . They’ve seen 2 PA winters with road salt and almost 2 years old. No peeling or noticeable differences from OEM in my opinion…. However I don’t know anyone who has these wheels in OEM so if anyone spots any differences. Feel free to let me know
Also they’re not clean in this pic. Actually the more I look this is really bad pic lol the rain drops look like imperfections and the dirt really distracts how clean they really are.
DenaliCountry
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I used to think OEM wheels were forged and some super high quality wheels. To the contrary, the OEM wheels are probably produced in the same Chinese factory as the Replica wheels. I have had replica wheels in the past on different vehicles and have never had an issue with the finish on the wheels, especially if they are powder coated. I can't speak to quality of the chrome work on replicas because I have never had a set. But from my perspective, the quality of the wheels is likely the exact same as the OEM's. You just pay more to get that little GM embossed logo on the back of the wheel...
The 22” chrome snowflakes from Chevy.com were $2100 just rims. I got quoted a guy near Detroit $2600 for 22” chrome replicas with new tires, sensors installed. I thought he was a little high, they do a lot of work there tho and have a lot of good reviews. I’m almost rather leaning towards finding replica rims and run those in summer and run the stock in winter...going to keep searching...$1900 is a good deal on those
Tonyv__
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Tires play a big factor. Ask what kind of tires he’s offering. I got some cheap but good reviewed tires. So far almost 2 years and the tires are still good and feel good on the road but only about 10k miles on them.
I pieced it all together myself. Ordered sensors from rock auto. Wheels from eBay. Tires from simple tire and paid a shop to mount. So I did some leg work and I bought before the major spike in prices for everything.
CMoore711
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No need to be concerned with the quality of replicas vs OEM. Like @R32driver stated they’re all cast in China; OEM, aftermarket, and replicas.
I can assure you that GM OEM wheels do not have any sort of magical coating on them that prevents rust and corrosion. I have had just as much experience with failing wheel finishes on GM OEM wheels as I have had with replicas and other aftermarket brands; With more issues on the finish of GM OEM wheels. I’ll also add that my experience with warranty claims due to finish etc in the aftermarket or replica brands is significantly easier and better than trying to accomplish anything in that regard at a dealership.
They’re not special. The only people that think they’re special are GM and their dealerships with the $ they try to sell them for.
You’re not going to get anything made in USA unless you’re willing to step up to a forged wheel or some sort of “hybrid forged” or flow form forged type of wheel.
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$700 vercelli tires, he said they are comparable to the Bridgestone alenzas that come stock
Tonyv__
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Not from experience but if I’m not mistaken I don’t think anyone on here likes the Bridgestones lol. There’s numerous wheel post that cover the subject of tires on here
And to back track a little. Most people wouldn’t agree with my cheap tire purchase either… lol
Yes correct the crappy Bridgestone alenzas is what I should have put lol
DenaliCountry
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I have been looking at replicas for a while now and that seems about par for the course for a 22" Chrome Wheel.
Tonyv__
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Well I just looked. I paid $1019 plus tax but right now the same wheels vary from $1250 - $1500 from different sellers. Looks to be in the right ball park. Unfortunately everything is up..
I just noticed the $120 shipping though. Mine was free. You probably won’t find free shipping right now with diesel prices though
This shop is actually 90 minutes from me so I could pick them up, maybe if I pay him cash I could get a little off...have to see
R32driver
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I'm assuming you've already checked craigslist in your area/surrounding areas? I just looked where I live (PNW) and there are multiple sets of factory and replica GM 22's with tires anywhere from $1200 to $1800 complete with tpms. I've bought literally hundreds of wheels off craigslist over the years and sellers almost always take less than their asking price
Craigs
Craigslist was a dud for my area, I actually just found some on Facebook an hour away, waiting to hear back fingers crossed
