What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels?
I am thinking about getting Chrome Wheels after the winter and I was curious about potential problems. How long can I expect them to last on a well maintained daily driver. Also, can chips, or peeling be easily fixed or stopped from getting worse and ruining the wheel?
What else :confused:
:flag
What else :confused:
:flag
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 130
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From: Torrance CA
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (Triple Black 88)
Moisture corrodes the aluminum under the chrome and makes it bubble and peel. But I live near the beach, so I have it worse.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (Triple Black 88)
They weigh a ton more than the factory wheels.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (85 Dave)
Stay away from road salt. This is the bane of chrome wheels and the curse of states that have snow. You don't want to drive it when there is salt on the road until it rains and washes it away. If you have to, wash the rims after your trip with lots of water. This will preserve them. I usually park mine and cover it December to February and take it out once every couple of weeks to keep the juices flowing.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,230
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From: VA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (92TripleBlack)
If you'll notice something about the reply's you are getting. Look at the ones that are saying stuff like , no problem with mine at all, had my for 5 yrs no problem. They all live in states where it does not snow like in PA or they don't drive their vettes in all types of weather with road salt but are keep indoors mostly if you know what i mean.
Of course they will last and look great in certain cases. But seeing you are from PA and daily driver to me means driven in rain, sleet, snow, summner, winter, etc. The chrome will not last longer than 3 years or sooner before you start seeing pitting, peeling, etc. Also there is no way you can keep them clean enough in the winter.
Of course they will last and look great in certain cases. But seeing you are from PA and daily driver to me means driven in rain, sleet, snow, summner, winter, etc. The chrome will not last longer than 3 years or sooner before you start seeing pitting, peeling, etc. Also there is no way you can keep them clean enough in the winter.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 25
From: Long Island, NY
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (ConeKLR)
The northeast winters will beat up the chrome wheels. They will peel and bubble. I purchased the polished wheels for this reason.
Vic
Vic
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (Triple Black 88)
Thanks Guys, sounds like salt and water are the biggest culprits. I do drive the car (if I have to) in rain, sleet, snow etc... It only snows about 2 - 3 times a year here, but they drop salt down all the time. I also have a garage, so I could keep the outsides clean and dry, but here's my next question.
Do you guys clean the back of the rims if you have to drive on salted roads. If so, how. Take em off or spray with the hose. :confused:
Also, how bad is the rain on them. Do they need to be completely dried after coming in from the rain. :confused:
:flag
Do you guys clean the back of the rims if you have to drive on salted roads. If so, how. Take em off or spray with the hose. :confused:
Also, how bad is the rain on them. Do they need to be completely dried after coming in from the rain. :confused:
:flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (Vic'89)
The northeast winters will beat up the chrome wheels. They will peel and bubble. I purchased the polished wheels for this reason.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,870
Likes: 25
From: Long Island, NY
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (TIMSPEED)
But how do you clean polished rims? Mine have got like water spots on em and they look like DOGSHAT!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,786
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (91TurqC4)
I'd opt for the polished wheels. They won't rust/bubble like chrome wheel might, and they weigh less too! (Plus a little window cleaner and a paper towel will make those babies shine! :cool: )
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (91TurqC4)
:confused: why do chrome wheels weigh that much more than non-chrome.
Here's another stupid question. Why can't you put a clear coat over the chrome like they do on the polished wheels.
[Modified by Triple Black 88, 7:35 PM 9/18/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
Re: What are the biggest problems with Chrome Wheels? (Triple Black 88)
They are easy to clean and look sweet. Must be careful that you don't use abrasive cleaners though. You can rub off the clear/protective coating on them. The chrome wheels on my 3000GT are starting to look "dull", worn. But those wheels are already 5 yrs old. Of course, I went w/the "less is more" mentallity on my Vette, by getting the thin C5 wheels. Less to clean!! ya...
