Magnesium wheels + Chrome Plating = center caps??
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Magnesium wheels + Chrome Plating = center caps??
Hi, for a future project I am considering OEM magnesium wheels. Either polished, powder coated or if possible chromed. I am not crazy about the OEM finish on the mags but I love the design. I prefer polished or a chrome look.
I know several members have done similar to their mags.
My question, how did you match the center caps?
Are the center caps plastic like the thin spokes?
Ok, well thanks ahead of time for any information.
I know several members have done similar to their mags.
My question, how did you match the center caps?
Are the center caps plastic like the thin spokes? Ok, well thanks ahead of time for any information.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by corvettebob1
YES 
Can the mag cross flag decal on the center caps be purchased? I think they are also different than the thin spoke decal. An I right on this.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
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From: CA
If you polish the mags you will need to get them clear coated afterwards. Magnesium tarnishes almost instantly after polishing. They will never look right if you don't. Also you won't have to repolish every weekend. I've left my mags alone because of this problem. But they would look great if you did polish them.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Yes, thanks. I have had some polished magnesium rims on an XJS Jag. I had them polished at a local factory. They were clear coated. The looked very nice.
I have several options I am thinking about.
Can magnesium be chromed?
But the center caps I am guessing the best process would be to paint them to match the finish. I was hoping maybe someone had done this in a chrome or polish finish and would have some pics. I have seen them black powder coated.
Also still need info on availability of the cross flag decal on the center caps.
I have several options I am thinking about.
Can magnesium be chromed?
But the center caps I am guessing the best process would be to paint them to match the finish. I was hoping maybe someone had done this in a chrome or polish finish and would have some pics. I have seen them black powder coated.
Also still need info on availability of the cross flag decal on the center caps.
Race Director
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From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
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I just spoke to two shops that chrome wheels and they both said that the nickel will not adhere properly to the magnesium. So, the answer appears to be that you can not chrome the magnesium wheels.
Can you tell me what shop polished and clearcoated your other mags? I am thinking about doing this, but need a lead to a good shop.
Can you tell me what shop polished and clearcoated your other mags? I am thinking about doing this, but need a lead to a good shop.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by doje
I just spoke to two shops that chrome wheels and they both said that the nickel will not adhere properly to the magnesium. So, the answer appears to be that you can not chrome the magnesium wheels.
Can you tell me what shop polished and clearcoated your other mags? I am thinking about doing this, but need a lead to a good shop.
Can you tell me what shop polished and clearcoated your other mags? I am thinking about doing this, but need a lead to a good shop.
http://www.eastcoastpowdercoat.com/G...mic_Chrome.htm
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by jrose7004
I couldn't find anyone around here that would polish magnesium so I'll bet that'll be the problem!
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From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
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I spoke to a place today in Southern California called MagMasters (www.magmasters.com but site is currently down). All they do is work on magnesium wheels. They said they will strip and polish my wheels for $85 each. However, they do NOT clearcoat, and they tell you that you better get it done right away. They are checking with a local (to them) shop that they work with for clearcoat pricing. I may ship the wheels to MagMasters for polishing, then have them drop them at the clearcoat place, then have them shipped back. I will fill you all in when I get a price on the clearcoating. In the mean time, here is what I am going after.....
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
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Well, I spoke to MagMasters. They said they are more than happy to polish them for $85 each, however they also said that all the different clearcoat methods they have seen have yellowed within a year and then need to be fully stripped and re-done. The prospect of spening hundreds of dollars every year to have my wheels re-done is not exciting me. Looks like it will end up being podwer coating or painting for me 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Shiloh Ohio
Originally Posted by doje
Well, I spoke to MagMasters. They said they are more than happy to polish them for $85 each, however they also said that all the different clearcoat methods they have seen have yellowed within a year and then need to be fully stripped and re-done. The prospect of spening hundreds of dollars every year to have my wheels re-done is not exciting me. Looks like it will end up being podwer coating or painting for me
It does not look as good as the wheel posted in this thread that was polished though. Seems like you could just touch them up occasionally with some polish instead of clear coat and keep them shiny.
Race Director
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From: Fremont CA
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20
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Originally Posted by shurite44
Seems like you could just touch them up occasionally with some polish instead of clear coat and keep them shiny.
