Has anyone chromed their factory alloy wheels?

[kostby]

In response to the inevitable question 'Why bother?', I've noticed that Chrysler offers both painted (Touring Edition) and chromed (Limited Edition) alloy wheels for the PT Cruiser, and the chromed ones look a LOT better than the painted ones. It MIGHT be cheaper than starting over with new wheels/tires, and I don't think it would add much weight.If so, where did you get it done, and how much did it cost? What's the longevity factor?I know Saab dealers were having factory alloy wheels plated years ago, but the stuff eventually peeled off the plastic center caps.

[4X4CHICHI]

I'm not sure that they are chromed. I think they might be high polished and clear coated. I'm going to look into it.

[mwebb]

You can get your factory wheels chromed- powder coated or whatever- I am nto sure on the cost but it can be done- maybe a year and a half ago a guy was selling chromed factory 17's on ebay.

[kostby]

Thanks for checking. I looked on the Chrysler web site when I was pricing PT Cruisers, and their wheels are listed as 16" 'chrome-clad cast aluminum', and 17" 'chrome-plated cast aluminum'.

[frostyGT]

I looked into powder coating, and it was about $40 a wheel. The problem is that you have to give them the rims and leave them for awhile. This means that you have to pay to have the tires removed and mounted again...roughly $100 total. Plus, your car will have no wheels for about a week. It might be nice if you had an extra set of wheels around, but it doesn't seem very practical if you're trying to do the wheels you are currently using.I believe that chrome plating can be done for about $60-100 per wheel. Most places will have to ship the wheels out and have them done somewhere else. This just means more time off the car. And most of these places will not remove the tires for you.It all adds up to a big headache. Since you can get chrome wheels for as little as $150 per, it just doesn't seem worth the hassle.

[4X4CHICHI]

Check this stuff out. http://www.alsacorp.com/produc...e.htmit's pricey but really cool. check out the videos where they actually paint it on.

[kostby]

Thanks Frosty and Chichi for the info!There's a plating shop nearby that advertises they do wheels (or about anything else) in-house, which is what prompted my inquiry on the forum.I may try to buy a set of factory alloys from someone who's upgrading to aftermarket wheels and have the best 4 wheels powder coated or plated (e.g., no curb rash, etc.), thus having a spare set. If that doesn't work, I'll try to find a set of steelies cheap. My old car was a Pontiac 6000, and it had the 5x100 bolt circle, but the wheels were 14".

[DavidPIL]

Hi kostby,I'm about an hour away from you over in Illinois. I do plan on changing out my wheels this Spring. Might be interested in giving you my old OEMs for you to play with. I have the 17" wheels, I hope that's what you're looking for. Let me know.DavidPIL@insightbb.comDave

[kostby]

Thanks for the reply. I emailed you, rather than clog the forum with a lengthy post.

[LavaMyVibe]

I'd love to see what the stock GT wheels look like chromed! Early winter would a perfect time to get it done, just after the snowtires go on. Any idea how well the chromed parts hold up to weather and a carwash?

[kostby]

Back in the bad old days of the 60's, 'chromed' wheels were almost always steel (with baby moons), so they pitted and rusted after a few years. I haven't looked closely at all those older PT Cruiser Limited Editions from '01 and '02 (the ones with black bumpers) to see how the plating is holding up on alloy. I'll look carefully next time I see one.As I recall, true 'chromium' is actually clear. It's the nickel plating that give it the shiny silvery metallic surface most people associate with 'chrome'I'm going to contact the plating shop in my area to see how much they want to plate my factory 16" alloy wheels, how long it would take, and what, if any, warranty they offer. I'll post again here when I find something out.

[kostby]

LavaMyVibe,I'm posting a pic of a 'simulated' chrome 16" wheel. It's not perfect, but it gives you some idea of what chrome would look like, especially if you look at about 20% enlargement or so.

Attached files

[kostby]

If you've followed this thread this far, you might want to see this:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=9241A dealer across from the NUMMI plant in California black-chromed the factory wheels on this Vibe.BTW: I'm still trying to find the ad for the local plating shop in Central Indiana that does wheels. I was spring cleaning and must've tossed the auto trade-type magazine!