I got my '93 with chrome sawblades on it. However, they have a few problems. The first problem being that right front rim had been curbed quite a few times and has a lot of damage all the way around. (This pic isn't of the worst of it )



Also, the black ring around the C4 emblem on all four center caps has been wearing off.



I've just been turning a blind eye to these problems for the past year and half but I wonder if something can't be done to improve mine. As a college student, I am on budget but would still like to have them look nice and have any improvements last for more than just a couple years. And now that I'm "done" with repairing the body, I have time for a new project. Any advice or experience you guys have had, feel free to share.

 

Damaged, old, or rusted chrome is difficult and expensive to repair. Replacing the wheel is your best option. (You could try to disguise the rash with silver paint I suppose).

As for the caps. Create two circles with a compass. Tape them to the caps and repaint the circles with a model paint brush. Or buy a new set. I think they are about $15-$20 set.

 

I have a pristine set of chrome sawblades off my 96 with new orginal Goodyears mounted. I need to part with them sometime. PM me and mabe we can work something out since you are about 2 1/2 hours south on hwy.99.

 

That's what I thought.. looks like I get to learn all about price ranges on those things. And thanks for the idea using model paint. I thought of maybe trying that but I wasn't sure about it lasting for long. Now, I just have to convince myself to remove the old.. no turning back once I start a project.

 

NO paint will stick to chrome for very long. You may have to repaint every year or so.

As far as the curb rash goes, it will take a professional and some $$ to remove it.
BUT...

If I had no money and wanted to improve the looks, I'd dismount the tire and carefully take a new, smooth-cut bastard file to the edges.. Then, some 280 and 400 grit silicon carbide (Wet-or-Dry) abrasive paper, and some Simichrome (or other aluminum polish) would help somewhat.
Good luck.

Larry
code5coupe

 

I agree that paint won't stick to chrome, but a slightly thinned version of silver paint may do well in filling the scuffs. Those "valleys" (scuff grooves) won't have chrome in them. If you can get them silver (vs a dark color), they won't be so visible.

As for filling and polishing, I don't think it's worth the effort. I took a dremel and a high-density COTTON wheel to a scratch on one of my spare wheels. I also used a mild cutting compound in the wheel. As the scratch came out, so did the chrome. In other words, the chrome got so thin, you could begin to see the layer underneath. This wheel was also chromed by a "good" chromer. (FYI: wheels have multiple layers because you can't directly chrome alum. If I remember right, they plate alum with copper, then nickel, then chrome. On the spot I polished, you could begin to see the copper tint. Granted it wouldn't be obvious from a distance, but I'm not convinced this is the way to go).

By the time you filed down the scuffs, you would be well into the wheel -- let alone the chrome! Of course, the wheel is made of alum -- which is similar in color to chrome. But.....

 

Keep an eye on the ForSale section for C4's. And, FleaBay. Chrome wheels go for pretty cheap sometimes. Just make sure you get a GOOD idea what condition the used wheel is in. They might not be much better than what you've got.

gp

 

Thanks for the input! I saw a set of four that were brand new for 800 but I think I'll pass for now (a bit wary of Ebay after some of my recent car part purchases.. getting sent the wrong parts type of deal).

And yes, the chrome is Extremely thin. It's down to a "white" layer whichever that is, in some places along the edge. Maybe lightly sand and put some chrome paint on for now just so it isn't totally obvious and is kinda sealed (in some places it looks like the chrome is ready to chip off making matters worse).

I don't mind having to repaint the center caps every so often but I'm thinking the way to go is to get some new wheels all around.

 

In all honesty, I would throw the current wheels up for sale and buy new unchromed wheels. A nice set of polished wheels would last longer and look better and save some weight(though I never weighed my chrome wheels before I traded them for some stockers, so I'm not sure the weight difference, but I know there is a difference)
Chrome today isn't as good as the chrome of yesterday, due to environmental laws, chrome can't be applied as it once was. Why do you think most warranties are only a year?