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Chrome Wheels

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by WFMUNCY, Apr 21, 2006.

  1. WFMUNCY

    WFMUNCY New Member

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    I talked to the dealer here in SA and he said they do not make Chrome Wheels for the Prius...any year...and not to mess with the factory ones because they are generators....does anyone know different?
     
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(WFMUNCY @ Apr 21 2006, 10:37 AM) [snapback]243134[/snapback]</div>
    Oye! There are no generators in the wheels, they're just regular old wheels and you can replace them if you wish. Any number of people have customized their Prius with larger rims, or fancier rims. Your dealer is wrong and ill informed.
     
  3. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    I thought I remember seeing someone chroming their stock Prius wheels on here somewhere. Am I wrong?
     
  4. BMcGraw

    BMcGraw Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Apr 21 2006, 08:50 AM) [snapback]243144[/snapback]</div>


    "You are correct!" When I purchased mine in February of 2004, the dealer offered me that very option. They of course had to remove the plastic trim rings. (See photos)
     
  5. keydiver

    keydiver New Member

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    LOTS of Prius owners have swapped out their stock wheels for chrome ones. In fact, I bought a complete, brand new set of wheels and tires off eBay for $100, because someone did that immediately to their Prius! :D Many have found that the Scion wheels fit pretty good. But, you will experience a significant loss in gas mileage, as most chrome rims fit wider, less efficient tires, and can often weigh more than our stock rims.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BMcGraw @ Apr 21 2006, 01:07 PM) [snapback]243192[/snapback]</div>
    Now THERE'S a great idea! There are places that will chrome-plate the stock wheels! B)
     
  6. WFMUNCY

    WFMUNCY New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 21 2006, 10:48 AM) [snapback]243142[/snapback]</div>

    Thanks Doc.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BMcGraw @ Apr 21 2006, 12:07 PM) [snapback]243192[/snapback]</div>

    Thank you for the information. This car looks GREAT! Can't wait to trick mine out!
     
  7. nofreetime

    nofreetime New Member

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    I have a 2006 in Black, I added the Scion TC 17" wheel and am still getting 50+ mpg average. You will have to put the tire pressure sensors on any new wheels you add. Otherwise you will get that little yellow light comming on telling you that you have low tire pressure. Not a big deal.. The 17's look awesome! You can get them pretty cheap on ebay. I also added the fin antenna just for a different look and I have been getting tons of compliments (purchased antenna from PC) :rolleyes:
     
  8. DocVijay

    DocVijay Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(keydiver @ Apr 21 2006, 01:11 PM) [snapback]243194[/snapback]</div>
    Wrong. I did a test to see if this as true, and I was still able to verage 53 mpg even with the Scion tC wheels. The mileage loss is a huge misconception. What makes a much greater difference is driving style. I started a thread on this a while back.


    That said, pretty much any wheel that will fit on a Scion tC will fit on a Prius. Just make sure the overall outer diameter is very close, or your speedo and odo will be off. There is a huge selection of wheels that will fit, chrome or otherwise.

    The stock tC wheels are within 1% of the stock Prius diameter, sothe effects are minimal.
     
  9. Dr Rocket

    Dr Rocket New Member

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    My Prius came with the chrome wheels straight from the dealer.
     
  10. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Rocket @ Apr 24 2006, 12:29 AM) [snapback]244167[/snapback]</div>
    And you paid a sweet premium for them...apparently without your requesting it...padded the dealer's pockets.
     
  11. larkinmj

    larkinmj New Member

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    I've seen Prii with different wheels and wondered what the story was- I thought, "those wheels look nicer than the cookie-cutter wheels on mine." So it turns out those are the SAME wheels, with the plastic trim rings removed! (that was the sound of me, smacking my forehead)
    The chromed wheels look sharp- does anybody have any idea what it costs to get a set of wheels chromed? Also, is there any significant drawback to removing the plastic trim rings (i.e., does it adversely affect aerodynamics, and hence mpg?)
     
  12. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    There are past and former threads on the subject. Outside of Toyota nobody has quantified the effect.

    (Stickin' my finger in the air, I'd bet that it would not be noticeable at speeds under about 40 MPH.)
     
  13. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BMcGraw @ Apr 21 2006, 10:07 AM) [snapback]243192[/snapback]</div>
    Nice! But admit it now... I just KNOW you want to put the plastic trim rings back on. :)
     
  14. WFMUNCY

    WFMUNCY New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dr Rocket @ Apr 24 2006, 12:29 AM) [snapback]244167[/snapback]</div>

    Happen to have any Pic's you could share with us???

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nofreetime @ Apr 22 2006, 04:41 PM) [snapback]243751[/snapback]</div>

    I would really like to see what the modifications you have made look like..I also have a 2006 Black. I hate the antenna....did you add the shark fin? and is the reception still good? Thanks.