Aluminum Rims vs Chrome
06-02-2010, 08:12 PM
#1
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Aluminum Rims vs Chrome
Hey, right now I've got some aluminum 5 spoke zr1 style rims. I'm considering getting the same style but in chrome.
What do you guys think about that? Do you think it'd be a waste and I can shine the aluminum good enough to look like them or what? Thoughts?
What do you guys think about that? Do you think it'd be a waste and I can shine the aluminum good enough to look like them or what? Thoughts?
06-02-2010, 09:42 PM
#2
Racer
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AFS wheels with 315's out back
06-02-2010, 10:47 PM
#4
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Polished aluminum doesn't look as bling as chrome. But for a driver without a clear coat they're a weekly cleaning chore.
06-03-2010, 09:10 AM
#5
chrome FTW....have had my ZR1's on for years and people still comment on how good they look...which I never understood why since they're nothing special.
besides, they're so easy to clean.
besides, they're so easy to clean.
06-03-2010, 10:10 AM
#6
Le Mans Master
There's an aluminum polish that goes by the name of WYMAN'S metal polish. It has some sort of chemical in it that soaks into the aluminum and keeps the air from actually getting in to the metal and keeps it from hazing over.
They sell it at ACE hardware. one polish job actually lasts for 6 months (in Arizona)
They sell it at ACE hardware. one polish job actually lasts for 6 months (in Arizona)
06-03-2010, 10:34 AM
#7
Drifting
Simichrome is the same way. That's super good stuff. It's hard to find and expensive, but well worth it. The end job looks like they were done on a buffing wheel with rouge, but it comes in a tube and works great!
06-03-2010, 10:37 AM
#8
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There's an aluminum polish that goes by the name of WYMAN'S metal polish. It has some sort of chemical in it that soaks into the aluminum and keeps the air from actually getting in to the metal and keeps it from hazing over.
They sell it at ACE hardware. one polish job actually lasts for 6 months (in Arizona)
They sell it at ACE hardware. one polish job actually lasts for 6 months (in Arizona)
06-03-2010, 11:53 AM
#13
Safety Car
here is some info:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...-polished.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...me-wheels.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...inum-rims.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-and-cons.html
06-03-2010, 12:41 PM
#14
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Polished aluminum sucks. Chrome is the only way to go!
If your wheels are in excellent condition with no curb damage, swing on by and I'll swap you for some chrome ones.
If your wheels are in excellent condition with no curb damage, swing on by and I'll swap you for some chrome ones.
06-03-2010, 01:41 PM
#15
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that would be personal preference, in my 96 they are silver and look great.
06-03-2010, 01:52 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
If/when the chrome starts to peel, you will regret getting them. Aside from not looking good, it can cut the valve stem, unseat the tire, etc. And it's very hard to strip it off.
06-03-2010, 07:58 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
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Most Harley dealers sell Simichrome.
06-03-2010, 08:49 PM
#18
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Stripped the clear off my aluminum with aircraft paint stripper a few weekends ago and they look amazing! Bought the mothers ball and cone polishing kit and haven't polished them yet but some guys at work thought i bought new rims. Night and day difference! Upkeep? Well it's a C4 so your gonna have the upkeep one way or another I guess. I would strip the clear off the existing rims and polish them. If you like em keep em and save money. If not. Someone will get better looking rims from you when you sell them.
06-03-2010, 09:04 PM
#19
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I had polished alum rims on my 88, way too much of a pita to keep them looking nice. My 94 has chrome and I like them a lot more, although chrome will not last as long and eventually flake no matter how well you take care of them I think its worth the trade off for the easy cleaning
06-03-2010, 09:04 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
I have had all 3 finishes of GS or ZR-1 if you prefer on my vette. I started out when the car was new with chrome sawblads from the selling dealer. A few years latter I wanted wider 11" and 9.5' rims. I 1st got the 5 spoke in the original aluminum finish. Didn't like it. i then went to the Black GS rims. After several months I didn't like them, so I went with the chrome GS rims. That was over 10 years ago and they are still on the car. Go for the chrome! 
