Re-chroming aluminum wheels?

[Alloydude]

Just got a set of chrome “89“ 17” / 9.5” rims for next to nothing. The wheels are in excellent shape structurally i.e.: No curb rash, bends or cracks but the chrome is peeling off in some areas. Has anyone ever had their aluminum wheels striped and re chromed or even had the chrome removed and just had the wheels polished?

[WNH]

I asked a vendor at Carlisle last year, I think he said about $250 a wheel.

Run a search in Google or Yahoo for "Wheel Repair", you will see allot of companies that do rechroming.

[Achilles]

Try www.wheelconcepts.com

They are located in Newbury Park, CA

If I remember correctly, I heard that they dip the wheel in copper to fill any nicks or blemishes before they do the chrome dip. I've heard good things about this place, but don't have first hand knowledge.

[brookman]

I bought some chrome rims and the the ring was peeling . I took them to a wheel shop and they lathed the chrome off the ring and clear coated them for $40 a wheel. It looks great.

[Vettelt193]

are you sure they are chrome? they almost look polished to me from the picture. Polishing is cheaper than chrome is, and chroming is cheaper than re-chroming.

Whatever you do, DO NOT use Corvette Wheel Specialists out of California. They have filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.


Len

[Alloydude]

Thanks for the input. Just got a quote from a place that is local called Wheel Tech and they told me $300. per wheel just to strip the old chrome down to the aluminum OUCH!!!!!!! Also said that aluminum could potentially become pitted due to the removing process. That doesn’t even include the new chrome. They also gave me the option that Brookman suggested regarding turning the chrome off the lip only for $75. per wheel which I think would be the more economical option for me at this point since the peeling is mostly on the lip. Still going to shop around for a better deal if that’s at all possible in the bay area.