My 2005 6 speed I picked up recently is in overall nice shape but has a few warts. One of these is pitting on the chrome wheels.
I have read that with some very careful work with fine steel wool and sand paper you can somewhat "fix" the pitting and then reapply a thin coat of clear lacquer.
Has anyone had success in doing this or possibly offer advice on how to best handle it? Thanks, I love this forum.
My SSR: 04 Redline, 456 Gears, Diablo tune, Flowmaster 50, Eibachs, and lots of Mike in AZ's goodies.
The only advice I have, is not to use steel wool or any kind of sand paper. Things like that will only scratch the chrome. It's a shame that someone let that chrome go like that.
The only advice I have, is not to use steel wool or any kind of sand paper. Things like that will only scratch the chrome. It's a shame that someone let that chrome go like that.
OK I will look for the Turtle Wax Chrome Cleaner. Does anyone know if the cleaner has any protectant qualities to retard the same problem from coming back?
They look like they were originally satin wheels that had been chrome plated.
FYI: factory chrome wheels leaves a little of the satin look blind in with the chrome. Sorry I don't have a picture to point out the differences.
OK I will look for the Turtle Wax Chrome Cleaner. Does anyone know if the cleaner has any protectant qualities to retard the same problem from coming back?
If you want to try the steel wool and sand paper, I would suggest that you do it on the inside of the wheel somewhere where it won't be as noticiable. You really don't have anything to loose.
Sorry I don't have a picture to point out the differences.
I found a picture ....
See where the arrow pointing. Factory chrome wheels would leave a satin look along that area while aftermarket would be fully polish.
Your wheels need professional rechroming. There are many chromers who will strip down, polish and rechrome for a price. That is the only thing you can do with your wheels to make them look impressive.
Home remedies on wheels like yours is not going to get you smiling
I found a picture ....
See where the arrow pointing. Factory chrome wheels would leave a satin look along that area while aftermarket would be fully polish.
My question is the rims aftermarket or factory I have never seen the factory ones pit?
Yea I don't know, I just got the car last Friday. Is there a resource where I can plug in the VIN that would indicate if the car rolled off the line with chrome wheels?
Yea I don't know, I just got the car last Friday. Is there a resource where I can plug in the VIN that would indicate if the car rolled off the line with chrome wheels?
Yes, go to this thread, request for a built sheet. Be sure to put in your Vehicle #.
My SSR: 04 UV, BOD 2-18-04, SN 5550, lots of polished billet, Superchips, K&N - Previous 03 and 05 owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by Duf
So owners with factory chrome wheels generally haven't experienced this? Ok well I guess it is time to use some elbow grease and see what I can do.
I have aftermarket chrome as well and they are fine, actually look better than OEM due to the full chrome process that gets deeper in the wheel. I think you have a set that have seen a lot of salt from roads up north or salt water near the ocean and never washed off. All chrome will pit if exposed to elements and not taken care of properly. Steel wool is a bad suggestion, the steel will get imbedded in the pits and cause rust to appear.
Those are way beyond fixing and would need to be stripped and re chromed as other have mentioned.
I have aftermarket chrome as well and they are fine, actually look better than OEM due to the full chrome process that gets deeper in the wheel. I think you have a set that have seen a lot of salt from roads up north or salt water near the ocean and never washed off. All chrome will pit if exposed to elements and not taken care of properly. Steel wool is a bad suggestion, the steel will get imbedded in the pits and cause rust to appear.
Those are way beyond fixing and would need to be stripped and re chromed as other have mentioned.
Yea I guess so. The car was only ever titled in Texas and Florida so I would hope it didn't see much snow. Maybe it was just poor quality work.
Those are factory wheels. The problem is that they were given a cheap sub-par aftermarket chrome job. I have seen several wheels done by LA Chrome that look this way after a short period of time. You could send them out for a quality re-chroming or just buy a used set of factory chromed wheels. Either way you're going to spend $1000-1200 to get it done. This is probably one of the best platers out there. You could call them for a quote.
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Those are factory wheels. The problem is that they were given a cheap sub-par aftermarket chrome job. I have seen several wheels done by LA Chrome that look this way after a short period of time. You could send them out for a quality re-chroming or just buy a used set of factory chromed wheels. Either way you're going to spend $1000-1200 to get it done. This is probably one of the best platers out there. You could call them for a quote.
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