What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

[alwayscode390]

I have 3 year old chrome z06's , and the other day I noticed around the lip I have a 1" crack in the chrome!!!

I really couldnt believe it , pissed me off. Almost makes me want to stop running chrome wheels (they are my fav.) ... or next time I will have to go for SUPER quality triple chrome.

I was thinking super glue, clear coat (from touch up paint) , or clear nail polish? Maybe I should just leave it alone?

What do you recommend to keep it from flaking, thanks ---

 

[1madgumby]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Do it right and have all of them done over the right way, if one is doing it the others are not far off from doing it.

I have 3 year old chrome z06's , and the other day I noticed around the lip I have a 1" crack in the chrome!!!

I really couldnt believe it , pissed me off. Almost makes me want to stop running chrome wheels (they are my fav.) ... or next time I will have to go for SUPER quality triple chrome.

I was thinking super glue, clear coat (from touch up paint) , or clear nail polish? Maybe I should just leave it alone?

What do you recommend to keep it from flaking, thanks ---

 

[MRKING]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Maybe hit them with some wheel acid to clean the spot then wipe down good with some wax . While that wont stop the cracking , it will help rust not forming . I have 100 spokes on my lincoln with missing chrome and have to do this once a month .

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Do it right and have all of them done over the right way, if one is doing it the others are not far off from doing it.

Getting them rechromed will cost more than the wheels in the first place.

If I go this route, I will just get new custom wheels that are better quality and probably not chrome ( polished and cleared, machined and cleared, or powdercoated )

These wheels only have 3500 miles on them in the last 3 years ---

 

[turboj91]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Your problem may be one wheel only if someone contaminated that spot in the chroming process. Keep some wax in the crack to keep moisture out and keep your fingers crossed. If it gets worse or bothers the heck out of you, can you buy one replacement wheel?

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Thats definately an option ... this wheel actually hit a curb before too (different spot from the crack)... so I would love to replace it. ---

 

[gkrcr882]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

I've dealt with this at work, normally on Nissan and Ford wheels. The thing that ends up causing problems is what you dont see, where the tire bead seals against the rim. Chrome gets flaky and loose, then you have a slow leak that drives you crazy. Had a Maxima come in that had it, I had to take a wire wheel on my die grinder and grind off all the loose or loosening chrome on the inside of the wheel, reseal and remount the tire. Had a Continental where it flaked so bad on the inside that it was hitting the dust shield when the wheel turned, sounded like a brake problem. Told the guy what it was, and that we'd have to pull the loose chrome off. Not fun, easy or clean in the least bit.

 

[Treymen]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

Once it starts, there is no way to fix it other than replacing or rechrome it. Paint and glue wont stick to chrome without the proper prep work, which will destroy the chrome anyway. You can try the super glue and even clearcoat, but you have to check it and reapply often.

Have you thought about powder coating them? $50 bucks per wheel!


Trey

 

[armandjones82]

Re: What can I use to keep cracked chrome from flaking? ---

I think that there are still some good chrome wheels in the market today. Brands like roush performance and the like can be a good thing to really have in your vehicle's needs. Give it a try in order to really get things done in your setup.