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wheel chroming

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by fanatic1, Feb 15, 2005.

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  1. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

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    #1 fanatic1, Feb 15, 2005
    I'm kind of looking for new wheels for one of my cars. Before people start the flames, it's a non F Car. I was looking at a number of brands, then I thought about getting my OEM wheels chromed. I really like the OEM wheels, I just don't like them painted. Also, I can get the OEM chromed for about 135.00 per wheel, instead of 400-500.00 each for new wheels. Has anyone had this done? What are your thoughts? Can you recommend anyone? The place I've been thinking about is Cal Chrome.

    thanks
     
  2. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 TexasF355F1, Feb 15, 2005
    First off, what kind of car do you plan trying to chrome the OEM wheels on? Secondly, chrome is a funny material. It's very important, from my own personal experience, you pay for what you get. When I upgraded from 17" billet aluminum wheels to 20" chrome wheels I didnt really think about buying what I really wanted. Instead I bought a little bit cheaper wheel and a year afterwards it started showing. The chrome began chipping away around the tire-wheel lip area on one wheel. Then it began on another, and then another. I've had to have discount correct the problem numerous times and finally don't have a slow leak. I've had them for going on 2.5 years.

    Like I said, you get what you pay for a lot of times. I would definately go do a walk around and check out this place for yourself. Hopefully someone here has some knowledge of the place. Make sure when you talk to them to ask about what I told mentioned above. Hope this can help you a little bit. But in all, if you really like the OEM's do that, b/c you'll be happier in the long run.
     
  3. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

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    #3 fanatic1, Feb 15, 2005
    yeah, I really do like the OEM. PLUS I don't want to get bigger wheels, which is most often the only thing available with after markets. I have looked at 3 different places that do chroming, all are between 120.00 - 150.00 per wheel. So I think the price is good. The website is www.calchrome.com, they look really good, and their process seems to be great. Good warranty too. Anyone have any personal experience with chroming, from anyone?
     
  4. EspritSE

    EspritSE Formula Junior

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    #4 EspritSE, Feb 15, 2005
    Zing beofre Bling

    nuff said....
     
  5. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

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    #5 fanatic1, Feb 15, 2005
    "before".

    Chrome looks good on some cars. Stock OEM rims, just chrome. Looks good on a silver car. Just MY opinion. Of course, it's just MY car. :)
     
  6. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 TexasF355F1, Feb 15, 2005
    You still havent said what kind of car you have.
     
  7. fanatic1

    fanatic1 Guest

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    #7 fanatic1, Feb 15, 2005
    Oh, the car I want the wheels chromed is the 350Z roadster. It's got nice 5 spoked rims, but the car is silver and I think the chrome would look good.
     
  8. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 TexasF355F1, Feb 15, 2005
    Chrome would look good. Have you also thought of chroming the lip, and powder coating the wheel black or a grayish color? I think those always look great on silver.
     
  9. EspritSE

    EspritSE Formula Junior

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    #9 EspritSE, Feb 15, 2005
    Yeah, yeah..... typing too fast....

    Powdercoat them black..imo
     
  10. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

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    #10 synchro, Feb 15, 2005
    Do not skimp on chroming wheels.

    To apply Chrome is a three stage process of plating; you can't just slap it on like a coating of house paint on your garage.
    Preparation is vital and I believe I recall the stages are first, a plating of copper, then a plating of nickel and finally a plating of chrome.

    Years ago I saved money by an outfit in LA that claimed the could plate one of my Maserati car's magnesium wheels and they cherged $400-$500 per wheel with a 5 year guarantee on it. In the first year three of my wheel were returned to them for re-plating due to chrome coming off...

    Be careful, this IS one of the areas that is difficult to do and you may be better off buying new wheels that are already chromed.
     
  11. Mario Gonzalez

    Mario Gonzalez Formula 3

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    #11 Mario Gonzalez, Feb 15, 2005
    anyone know of a good wheel chromer on the eastern side?

    thanks,
    mario
     

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