Have you had your wheels chromed?

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

grampi

Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
11,824
Location
OH
I pulled my wheels off about a month ago because I needed to install new tires before spring gets here, so I decided while I have the wheels off, I'd polish them (they're cast aluminum). It didn't take long for me to realize just how huge of a project this is and that I'm in way over my head. Having never done this before, I just don't have the tools or the know-how to do the job properly. Unfortunatley, I'm now past the point of no return as I've done some sanding and buffing. After doing quite a bit of research, I narrowed my search down to a place called Simmons Motorsports. They come highly recommended by anyone whose had them do chrome work for them. I know it's going to be expensive, but chrome plating is not something you want people cutting corners on. I feel confident this place will do a good job and I'll be happy with their work. Have any of you had your wheels chromed, and if so, who did it for you?
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: user52165
Old saying:

"If it doesn't go (fast), chrome it"


Maybe I shouldn't be chroming the wheels then...the 109's pretty fast...
 
Looked at powder coating our wheels. It was cheaper to buy new ones for our Highlander, and we sold the old ones. I'm not sure how special your rims are.

Even if you did polish them you would want a powder or a 2 part clear on them for a daily driver which aren't really DIY either.
 
Originally Posted By: bepperb
Looked at powder coating our wheels. It was cheaper to buy new ones for our Highlander, and we sold the old ones. I'm not sure how special your rims are.

Even if you did polish them you would want a powder or a 2 part clear on them for a daily driver which aren't really DIY either.


Aftermarket wheels for motorcycles are extremely expensive....it's much less expensive to have the factory wheels chromed...
 
I did a set of old aluminum rims for my Neon just using a drill and 4" wire wheel, and some sand paper to get the old finish off. After you get all the finish off, pick a pattern for the finish brushing and then clear coat them with a wheel clear coat. Mine are my race wheels so they spend most of the time in the shed but they look OK after a few years. In any case I imagine most of the cost or refinishing wheels is the prep work to get them down to the aluminum.
 
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I did a set of old aluminum rims for my Neon just using a drill and 4" wire wheel, and some sand paper to get the old finish off. After you get all the finish off, pick a pattern for the finish brushing and then clear coat them with a wheel clear coat. Mine are my race wheels so they spend most of the time in the shed but they look OK after a few years. In any case I imagine most of the cost or refinishing wheels is the prep work to get them down to the aluminum.


Going with a brushed look would be much easier, but I want my wheels shiney...to achieve that through polishing takes a lot of work and time...
 
I'm sorry I didn't realize these were motorcycle wheels.

I think powdercoating aluminum is out of the question. On car wheels there is some discussion on whether it's safe considering you are heating the aluminum up hot enough to affect temper. On a bike where there isn't as big a margin of safety designed into the wheels and worse situations if they fail I'd be sure to find someone with crazy experience.

Best of luck with the chrome shop. Post pics when it's done!
 
Eastbound

If the chroming process is done right, and if taken care of, the shine of chrome will last infinitely. Chrome is more durable than powder coating.

bepperb

Powder coating of aluminum motorcycle wheels is done all the time. However, I don't personally know anyone whose had it done, so how long it lasts, I couldn't say...
 
seen it done plenty, and there is hack shops and quality shops, many of the "exchange" programs that trade in your factory wheels for another set the shop has already cromed is a bad idea period.. find a very highly recomended shop that will crome your wheels and give you your wheels back. Look for a warranty for workmanship and crome chipping peeling, also inspect your wheels very closely before you send them out, and when you get them back. Inspect the quality of the cromeing job from all angles and in different light.. obviously do this before you put rubber on them and re-install.

croming is obviously going to ADD weight. If your performance oriented i would think long and hard on this.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

R
Bought new wheels for the Tahoe (again!)
Replies
11
Views
986
surfstar
R
New tires for 2016 4Runner SR5
2 3
Replies
48
Views
1K
drtyler
Marcozi
Alloy Wheel "Wax"
Replies
8
Views
596
Marcozi
M
brake dust sticking to wheels
Replies
12
Views
850
nthach
Kurtatron
3mz-fe catastrophic new cam seal failure
2
Replies
34
Views
1K
michaelluscher
Back
Top Bottom