[KMeloney]

Hey folks,

The more I look at it (them), the more I realize that I just shouldn't be looking at wheel weights on these Z06 rims. I guess I'd like to move 'em to the inside of the rims. Couple of questions...

- When you had them removed from the outside, were the wheels scarred/chipped? (My car was built in the last week of Jan, and has been driven 15 times or so since taking delivery. Can I expect the paint to be hurt under the weights, or should they be ok still?)

- What's this process cost? And can/should any shop do this?

- Is there much chance that the balancing won't be "as right" as it is now? (The wheel balancing feels very good from the factory.)

Thanks, folks! /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

-Kirk

 

[hcvone]

Kirk, that is an ugly pix of your car, who took that? /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif I tried moving the outside weights behind the spokes and I got a slighty wobble at around 90 mph, I had them put the weights on the outside like stock and it is smooth as glass to 150. I know others that have moved their weights inside without a problem, it just did not work for me.

 

[FUBU69]

When I swapped to the Corvette Mike OEM chromies I had the weights put on the inside of the wheels. The other day when I was detailing I noticed a small imperfection on 2 wheels under the chrome. It must have been caused when the weights were pulled off.These wheels are soft. I personaly would leave them alone. FUBU69/LES

 

[fcalmes]

Like FUBU, when I swapped to the chromies, I had the weights placed on the inside. No problems. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif

 

[beggar]

I believe you can have a shop put the weight on the inside but I don't think you can do it yourself as putting the weights on the inside right across from where they were outside may change the balance. However, anyone who does that must be very careful and experienced! I had the chromed wheels on my Firebird balanced last week and the mechanic ripped off a piece of chrome when taking off the weight. I had to go back to the dealer to have them order a new rim for me. Also, these cars usually don't require wheel balancing. I'd leave it the way it is from the factory if I were you.

 

[KMeloney]

Wow... Ok. Sounds to me like no one who responded knows if his stock Z06 wheels were damaged underneath of the weights. Is that correct? Everyone pretty much went to chrome, and so you didn't see your stock wheels sans the weights?

Looks like the concensus (maybe it's too early still) is that I should leave well enough alone with the weights, and keep them where they are. Is this what I'm hearing?

Maybe along with the idea that the Z06 wheels were painted a color to hide/match brake dust, I'll start telling people that they were painted gray to blend in with wheel weights, too. LOL /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Thanks for the replies! (Anymore?)

-Kirk

PS -- Carl, I figure I'll keep using this sig pic until you feel so guilty enough to have me up there to take another (oh, and to lower the car then, too)... /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif

 

[hcvone]

Kirk, I do not know if I will ever feel that guilty. /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

 

[KMeloney]

(Why do I think I already knew that, Carl? LOLOLOL!!! /phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif)

 

[fcalmes]

Kirk,

When my Zs arrived, I had damaged wheels because the factory had placed the weights in the wrong place, removed them and then put the weights back on.

I work in an automotive factory and the weights are beat on with a hammer. If you pry them off, the paint will definitely have scratches and chips.

Frank

 

[KMeloney]

Ahhh... Ok, Frank. That's kind of what I was afraid of. So, sounds like I ought to just keep them there, huh?

Thanks for that info.

-Kirk

 

[HarleyB]

With what Frank said... I see trouble when the original tires have to be replaced. The new tires will be balanced & the new weights will be in a DIFFERENT location on the rims. The damage done by the Factory install of the weights will be very visible. Check the thread on Z06 wheel touch-up paint kits.

HarleyB

 

[Guest]

I freaking lost a wheel weight a week ago - going to have a stock one, but back on the outside front left tomorrow .... I am think about having them done on the inside, but YES - the outsides will have scratches from the original wheel weights - so I dunno ? Maybe leave OEM - the way to go.

 

[DJWorm]

When I purchased my car I immediately drove it to my friends Goodyear store and had them remove the wheel weights and computer spin balance the wheels. When adding weights he uses the lightest possible and we tape the weights to the inside of the rim. He also checks the balance from outside to inside. Occasionally a wheel will need a weight on the inside edge as well as the outside (next to the spokes). So not only are the wheels balanced circumfrentially but from inside to outside. I have never lost a weight and Ive had this method up to over 180. You must be meticulous in applying the tape (no air gaps) and the wheels must be absolutely clean. One caution, If you wash the wheels you must retape! I also reference each weight with a small mark (nailpolish works well).

 

[corvette dave]

Took the weights off my 99 coupe the first week I had it. The outside weight on each wheel left a very, very small nick in the paint. You would not be able to find the nicks unless you were looking for them.
Then balanced with weights on the inside.
2 1/2 years later and no problems.
Make sure the tire guy is very careful removing the weights. New weights are much friendlier than the old style.
Take one of the weights off and see if it leaves a mark. If it does, put it or a new one back on.
I can't stand outside weights. None of my cars have them.

 

[KMeloney]

Good info, CorvetteDave. I was considering the "check one out and see" method, and that leads me to [what I think is] my final question: If I pull one weight, and there are marks where it was, can that weight go right back on in the same place without involving any rocket science/additional balancing costs? (Or, will that weight be toast, and will the tire need to be rebalanced and reweighted, and maybe not in the same spot?)

Thanks!

-Kirk

 

[beggar]

KMeloney, you'll have to check if the weight you put back can stay firmly on the wheel. I was watching a mechanic do wheel balancing on my car and he used new weights after he removed the old ones.

 

[raj]

Kirk, to answer your last question: I recently had a flat tire repaired and the same wheel weight was replaced exactly on the original location. No additional balancing was required.

 

[KMeloney]

Thanks, guys!



(I think I'm going to leave well enough alone!)



-Kirk

 

[corvette dave]

I think you can use the same weight as long as it is not sprung out of shape. If not, GM can get one (the same weight) for you. Just put it on in the same place. No rebalance needed.
Again just let the tire tech know what you want to do.
BTW: When I go to a tire place, I ask to have the best and most experienced tech work on the wheels. They realize your wheels cost a lot of money, so I have never had a problem getting the best tech.
I always watch from the shop area also. Not all places will let you do that. Be nice to and get to know the manager. It helps.