How much weight does chroming wheels add?
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Parkesburg PA
I bought chrome plated 2000 thin spokes which are GM wheels not after market. I think after market wheels are heavier.
The fronts weigh 19 pounds each.
The rears weigh 21.5 pounds each.
I don't know what polished or painted thin spokes weigh.
The chrome thin spokes weighed the same as my 1998 factory wagon wheels.
I don't think the weight difference is anything to worry about.
I saved a lot of weight by going to non run flat tires. Saved about 7 pounds on each rear tire and about 5 pounds on each front tire.
The fronts weigh 19 pounds each.
The rears weigh 21.5 pounds each.
I don't know what polished or painted thin spokes weigh.
The chrome thin spokes weighed the same as my 1998 factory wagon wheels.
I don't think the weight difference is anything to worry about.
I saved a lot of weight by going to non run flat tires. Saved about 7 pounds on each rear tire and about 5 pounds on each front tire.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 3
From: Rehoboth MA . . . NRA Life Member
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by cbx1047cc
I think it's a lot less than that. Chrome plating is only microns thick.
When chrome plating is applied it's generally "about" .001 thick. Now having said that copper, nickle, then chrome used to be the standard but again the coats are also very thin.
If you calculated the surface area of the wheel to be plated and knew the weight of 1 cubic inch of chrome plate, the weight impact could be easily calculated.
Bob
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Originally Posted by cbx1047cc
I think it's a lot less than that. Chrome plating is only microns thick.
Do you even know what a micron is???
Chrome plating is in the .001 to .0015 range
a micron is in the .000039 range...
lots and lots of microns to register at .0015
Like I said, it is less than 1.5 pounds a wheel.... less than meaning no more than.... also meaning not significant....considering one gallon of gas weights 6 pounds.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 232
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
less than 1.5 lbs a tire.
Some of us are unretired folks don't have the time to keep our polished CCW's in prestine condition.
Plus I heard that unsprung chrome weight is the worst.........
DH (currently giving up heavy chromed wheels for lighter polished only)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
Microns?????
Do you even know what a micron is???
Chrome plating is in the .001 to .0015 range
a micron is in the .000039 range...
lots and lots of microns to register at .0015
Like I said, it is less than 1.5 pounds a wheel.... less than meaning no more than.... also meaning not significant....considering one gallon of gas weights 6 pounds.
Do you even know what a micron is???
Chrome plating is in the .001 to .0015 range
a micron is in the .000039 range...
lots and lots of microns to register at .0015
Like I said, it is less than 1.5 pounds a wheel.... less than meaning no more than.... also meaning not significant....considering one gallon of gas weights 6 pounds.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by cbx1047cc
Maybe you should switch to decaf.
You guys crack me up! In regards to Chroming an entire Aluminum wheel, as ET, in general, mentioned above, chroming adds around a pound or so, and, therefore, is not very much. 
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Arnold Md
Quick question as regards to this, I was told that weight at the wheels is worse the weight elsewhere . Im not sure why , if its even true . Maybe makes the axles work a little more, like I said I have no idea but was told this a quick way to get a little more et , was to get lighter wheels . Thanks for any input..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
Originally Posted by racerx175
Quick question as regards to this, I was told that weight at the wheels is worse the weight elsewhere . Im not sure why , if its even true . Maybe makes the axles work a little more, like I said I have no idea but was told this a quick way to get a little more et , was to get lighter wheels . Thanks for any input..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 0
From: DP(oh you know where) IL
St. Jude Donor '06
You wouldnt want chrome for the track. As for the street, does it really matter. Its more of a show effect and thats why most people run 2 diff rims and tire setups for track and street. If you go drag racing once or twice a yr, i dont think that you are the type that obses ovr et times and what not.
