OEM Wheels on Ebay...(Identifying Knock-Offs)

[Mikejonce]

Hi all,

 

I really want to put some factory 20's or 22's on my 2014 Silverado 1500, but when I go to the dealers website I can't believe how much they cost! I'm talking about they want me to spend $5000 for rims and tires and all the good stuff like TPMS sensors, lugs, etc. Sooooooooooo I went on ebay and saw that they have factory wheels on there "take offs", which is fine with me, but when I asked a friend about it, he said "beware of the knock offs". I don't want knock offs, that's for sure. How can I tell if someone who claims to be selling OEM wheels isn't just trying to get over on me? How can I tell if the wheels are truly OEM/Factory and not just a knock off? Are there any identifying markings? One of my friends told me they are stamped. Is that the best way to tell if they're legit? How do I cross reference this to be sure I'm not getting hood-winked?! LOL

[DanMan_S]

Keep in mind that most of the OEM style wheels online are knock offs. There are entire companies that pride themselves on that. I much prefer the knockoffs as they are much, much more affordable than the rip off pricing the GM dealerships charge for their own.

[blackout07]

I'm not sure what, if any, markings there are to differentiate between replicas and OEM, but replicas are just as good at a fraction of the price. I've had two sets of replicas and both sets have been excellent wheels.

[2017SierraSLT]

My question is, since I am going to be in the market for some '14-'15 All Terrain styled rims, do they require different lug nuts?

[Zebrafive]

The factory 20" wheels that came on my 2011 Silverado have the GM cast on the back. It is raised, not stamped. There was also a number that may have been a part number?

I am not sure if knock off wheel makers would risk being sued by GM and put the GM on their wheels.

[nards444]

I wouldnt be scared to buy knock offs. Whats to say the people making the knocks off and OEM are not the same. I would just be sure whomever im buying knock offs is legitimate knock off company

[gSwift]

In regards to ebay, I'd say look for them to say "100% Authentic" or something like that, and only buy from a trusted seller. But I agree with Blackout, the knockoff's are still great wheels at half the cost.

[Mikejonce]

Can any of you recommend a seller I can trust?

[gSwift]

Can any of you recommend a seller I can trust?

Just look for positive feedback and read his feedback on past sales

[Notenoughtoys]

I would look at your local Craigslist first. Much cheaper to get wheels and tires there. It looks like you live in The San Francisco area. A quick search yielded new SIerra 20 inch wheels and tires for $1,000. I just sold mine for $1,400.

[Mikejonce]

Great suggestion! @Notenoughtoys

[DanMan_S]

The factory 20" wheels that came on my 2011 Silverado have the GM cast on the back. It is raised, not stamped. There was also a number that may have been a part number?

I am not sure if knock off wheel makers would risk being sued by GM and put the GM on their wheels.

 

Yeah, use of the GM trademark would be a EXTREMELY fast way to get sued. Anyone risking this would be in for a world of legal hurt.

[frenchsquared]

Are they stamped GM on the inside?

All my factory wheels, all the way back to the 60's have GM stamps on the inside.

 

Craigslist is a good place to find them. Then you can put your hands on them.

Mine will be on craigslist next week, but I have 18's not 20's

 

GM wheels are made in China, I would not be afraid of the knockoffs.

I know guys who have corvette knockoffs and are very happy with them.

 

If you go ebay, look at where they ship from and shipping times.

Knockoffs are typical from over seas.

[Mikejonce]

Thanks Frenchsquared!

[WendysOrBust]

Best bet is to look on your local craigslist. Here in Dallas there are a dozen or so "take-offs" for sale at any time. From all terrain wheels to Denali rims with good tires. Usually a set will run you between $800-$1600 depending on tire condition. Those are obviously oem wheels. However, if you insist on buying new check out shopchevyparts.com. They have great prices on all accessories.