Black Wheels?
 

Could some of you that ordered black wheels please tell me why you did so?

I realize it's just a personal preference, but it seems to be very popular. I personally don't get it. Maybe it's an age thing? I'm 66 and ordered chrome, but my 30 year old son thinks the blacked out wheels look "gangsta". I'm too old to be that trendy.

I know we all love this car for its performance capabilities so black wheels or chrome for that matter don't help, so it must just be for the "look". I haven't looked at a lot of performance cars, i.e., Porsche, Mercedes, Bugatti, etc. so can someone that owns them tell me if they got black wheels on them?

Maybe some of you guys, or girls, can chime in and shed some light on this issue as to why you got them and what age bracket you're in. That would be interesting.

Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't want to ruffle any feathers, I'm just saying to each his own, but they aren't gonna be on my C7. Either way I know we all are going to be enjoying them.

I ordered the black rims because I think it completes the look.

I ordered a Crystal Red 3lt Z51 With black rims, carbon flash racing stripes, mirrors and spoiler. My thought was chrome rims would stand out like a sore thumb due to all of the black that would be on the Corvette. If there was more chrome on it other places other than the grill line and badges I probably would have chosen the chrome rims over black.

If and when I order, I will be getting the black rims. I used to think black looked awful (and I still do think it looks awful on several types of rim), but there is something about this style rim that black looks good to me. I also think black makes it look more like a race car, and less like a show car. I've had chrome rims on several cars, and I'm kind of tired of it now - so gray, dark silver, black are starting to be my preference. I'm 37, so it probably is an age thing - I know my dad gripes about the black rims. :)

I think it definitely does have a lot to do with age. I've noticed that younger generations tend to prefer black wheels and older generations tend to prefer chrome. I'm sure there is a reason for it being that way but I honestly have no idea why.

That being said, it obviously doesn't apply for everyone. I'm ordering black wheels for my C7 because I think it goes best with my color. But I have to admit that chrome looks awesome on the C7 as well.

The black rims just makes the car. This car is loaded with black accents and it just looks right. I'm 46 years old, so it's definitely not an age thing.

I just placed my order yesterday for a Crystal red Z51 with Black rims and carbon splash mirrors/spoiler. Also added more black with the carbon fiber roof.

Never thought I'd like the black rims until I saw this car. 99 times out of 100 I would have ordered chrome.....

Thanks, Solo for your input. And I can appreciate that you drive "wife mad".
I also agree that on some cars they actually look good! A perfect example is Nate's yellow C7.

So I think it basically comes down to an age thing mostly, but we'll see what others are saying.:focus:

I also agree with you guys (and yes I'm in the early 40's age bracket); IMPO nothing wrong with black wheels. I have black wheels on my Race Red with black stripes Boss 302 and it suits the intension on the mark, As for the C7, if the buyer's goal is to further match/contrast the darker vents and even moreso if TTV option is also present then it certainly acheives it aesthetically. The beauty with the new C7 is it can perfectly pull it off across the spectrum... from lighter colored wheels (such as silver, chrome, and even white on a AW C7) or to dark gray and black as mentioned throughout this thread.
:happy0180:

I'm 66, I ordered Black Wheels, and to go with them, I also ordered a 3LT Torch Red/Adrenaline Red Z51 Vert with Red Calipers, Black Top, Carbon Black Hood Stinger, Carbon Black Spolier & Outside Mirrors, Black Splash Guards, Carbon Black Interior to go with all the outside Black Accents. The Black nicely offsets, balances, and compliments all the Red. Thought the Carbon Black Full Racing Stripes a bit much with all the other Black, and better on a Coupe than a Vert. This Torch Red Z51 Vert is not just nicely accented by all the Black, it is a KILLER KOMBO. I can't wait to tool around in my C7 and blow minds as well as blow doors off!

But then, I work in federal law enforecment, and I like Black things; like Black SUVs, Black SWAT uniforms, and most of all, Black Assault Rifles. Maybe my agency gets a Black C7, now would that not look cool, a Black C7 Cop Car, but it would need very special lights.

I like black SPOKE or black CENTER wheels. Without a shiny rim to define the wheel, it looks like a steel wheel with missing hub caps. These are some of my cars with wheels that I painted myself. I can't understand paying for wheels that I can't see!

http://file.walagata.com/w/mazdabob/black_wheels.jpg

Black wheels?
 

Just turned 62. Have an Arctic White 1LT on order that is due at the dealer around 12/16/13. I am with the other guys here, black wheels, especially on a white car, just "make it". I plan to change my C7 by either plasticote, or powder coat, of the stock wheels. Or I will upgrade the stock wheels if I can find an aftermarket wheel that is a dead ringer for the factory black Z51 wheels.

Matches the vents really well. Even more so if you opt for the black mirrors/spoiler.

And I'm just kinda done with chrome wheels. I liked them for a bit but now I just think they're too gaudy.

PVD Chrome your oem wheels; choices include bright or black.

Just a suggestion.


Laborsmith

Never have liked all black wheels, too much potential lost to have an area of a car pop. They just become black holes on the car. I do however, love back wheels with machined faces as I have done on my last 3 cars. They stay clean and really add to the cars look, like fine jewelry on a elegant lady.

Because us younger people are just to lazy to clean chrome. Ah I love my black wheels.

Couldn't have said it any better........

This is exactly why I ordered mine with the black rims......it just looks right! I also grew tired of chrome after having them on 3-4 cars in a row.

BTW, I'll be 49 in another month, so probably more of a preference than an age thing!

Cliff

I was never a fan of black wheels on a car until I saw the Blade Silver with aftermarket black wheels. I loved them, as such I have them ordered now but also will keep my stock painted silver Z51 wheels in the event I want to change the look somewhat.

black
 

47 yo went black on Torch Red Z51 chrome is a little too 70s/80s in my opinion on such a new design. Chrome looks classy on the Silver but I like the black on the red with red calipers. Car just seemed more sporty with black. I have a Z06 with chrome but car has a lot of chrome badging. I did read that the black wheels are actually more work to keep clean, so got some cool cleaner from the Chemical Guys website after seeing their video on the forum. Cant go wrong with either. Safe driving

Fair enough and still in good taste... personally, I can also relate to this. Like I mentioned earlier, it also depends on the car's theme (intention).... like my Boss302, the black wheel contrasts quite well IMO with the rest of the styling & striping (so same principle for the C7). This pops! Even if it was all black, the wheels would still look fine. :thumb:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8092/8...333a288c_b.jpg

Saw this pic posted by another member here (Betsy Iris) and this theme illustrates it perfectly... with black wheels, it's simply awesome looking! :cool:

http://www.corvette7.com/forums/atta...1&d=1386145053

YES exactly chrome would take away from the aggressive look and date the design. This looks great on blue, and red IMO.

The car looks good no matter what color or options you end up getting. . . I'm 30yrs young and was never a fan of black rims until I seen the ZL1 Camaros. . . I picked black rims because of all the black accents on the car and the rims make it look more aggressive. . . Honestly pictures do not do the black rims justice. . . Here are a few picks for you to enjoy. . .

Definitely agree! The C7 looks great in all colors and trim levels. :thumb:

Another example... Sajonf's, SilverRay's, yours truly, and Asptroopa1's. I think they all look 'effin good!
The black wheels combined with TTV option accentuates the aggressive look too... love it! :headbang:

http://i42.tinypic.com/107j41l.jpg

http://www.corvette7.com/forums/atta...3&d=1383244852

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/1...d71d3b37_c.jpg

http://www.corvette7.com/forums/atta...1&d=1383095291

I think the black makes the car look aggressive and bad assed. The chrome does nothing for me. My car is cyber gray with black z51 package and I am 60.

The Black wheels on the above pictured look incredible. Not so much the other wheels in comparison. Love the Blue and Gray C7s with the Black wheels. Trust my Torch Red shall look as good. But, all good.

I'm 22 years old and I got the black wheels with my Laguna Blue. To be honest, I was never a huge fan of black wheels(even though i'm in that younger generation you mentioned), but for this car it almost seems imperative to get black wheels. The black accents all over the car just go so well with black rims, it's almost like they're there for this exact reason. I even took it one step further and blacked out my windows, and I get compliments constantly. I have had chrome wheels in the past and would never get chrome on this car just because the black matches way better with it. Plus I like just having two colors to contrast instead of 3-4. Just my opinion though.:happyanim:

Black wheels
 

Laguna blue, Z51 with black wheels. I went to the dealership to order Midnight Race blue, saw a Premier edition and had to have Laguna blue. Had her for 3 weeks now and couldn't be happier. BTW, 49 yo and love this car. And I went down in horsepower!

My brother-in-law hit in on the head when I was going back and forth over colors, wheels and options on this car. He said, "You can't go wrong with anything you pick. This car just looks amazing, period." Looking at the pictures of all your C7s on this site, chrome or black rims, crystal red or cyber gray, racing stripes or not, they all look freaking amazing!

:amen: to that!

Being on the north side of 60 years of age I would have picked the stock silver painted wheels to go with my favorite Laguna Blue color. Black wheels make cars look totally different, more sinister. I changed my mind when I saw the Laguna Blue with the black wheels, mirrors and spoiler. It really complements the entire car with it's standard black accents. As previously stated, the new Vette looks great no matter how it is ordered.

I got the black wheels on my cyber gray 3LT Stingray. I'm 44 years old and I really like chrome but I wanted to try something different and I'm very glad I did. The black wheels with that color looks absolutely amazing.

52 here .... not a fan of all black wheels.
I really like these wheels, they're a combination of Chrome - Stainless / Black.
Too bad they don't make a size to fit the C7 yet.

http://i799.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps273995c9.png
Configurator for 2014 CTS 20" Wheels

http://www.carid.com/images/pages/wh...or/config.html

A note for people who get black wheels....use a two bucket method and plenty of sudsy soap to clean; they scratch easily. CLEAN,SOFT microfiber is a must.
2. Clean often
3. Get a sealant on them when new- blackfire wet diamond, Rejex, nu finish 2 coats 8 hours apart,no driving inbetween
4. Investigate a perm coating like opti coat 2.0 for best protection

Black wheels
 

I don't get it either. I had turned down z51 3lt cars just because of the black wheels.

I finally told the dealer that I would take a red on red z51 / 3lt with black wheels that was in 3000 status and do an exchange with west coast corvette for chrome.
After seeing another post on this forum that said an order can be changed at 3000 or lower I called him and ask him to change it to white/red with chrome.

My best friend loves the black wheels but I just don't get it!

Looks like Black wheels are on their way out. Check out the concept vehicles at the major auto shows and see what is trending ....... Gunmetal !!! ;)

I never liked black wheels UNTIL the C7. With the black CF roof and trim of the car, the black wheels just pull it all together. ESPECIALLY beautiful on silver, yellow, red and white C7s. My car is Torch Red with the black wheels... my first car ever with black wheels.

The good news is GM gives us options for what we like. It does seem (subjectively) that a very high number of C7s are being ordered with black wheels... I think this says something about the car and the look :D

I had polished aluminum on my C6 - Just went for black wheels on my Z51 - think it is a good look, black on black on black. It was time to change it up! Was also thinking about going black on my CTS-V, but will likely leave them for a while at this point. Unfortunately, only 120 miles on the C7 before it was time to put away for the Winter - MINNESOTA - go figure.... now I need to stare at it for a few months! By the way, 55 year old male - don't really think black wheels are only attractive to our kids....

I'm 65 and I ordered black wheels on my arctic white c7. It's my 6th Corvette and that's just how I roll.

:thumbup:

Taking delivery on my 50th. Velocity yellow, All blacked out! :D

3rd corvette jumped over to black with the new look
 

Black to me looked less old school and 70's 80s. I like them on the Z06 but the new style I thought the chrome looked cheap and took away from the car. My opinion I'm guessing it's 50/50 across member so no wrong answer. Drive Safe