Plastic chrome wheels
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2010
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Plastic chrome wheels
So I was cleaning my truck today and noticed that my wheels are not chromed wheels but plastic covered chrome wheels WTF?.
Is this the way all new cars and trucks are going? is it due to northern states with road salt.
Shawn.
Is this the way all new cars and trucks are going? is it due to northern states with road salt.
Shawn.
Captain
Joined: May 2008
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Chrome over aluminum does not hold up over time when exposed to salt and such. Eventually the chrome starts to bubble. So they have all gone to this. Would be nice if they made replacement covers though in case you damage one but they don't seem to be available.
If you see wheels on higher end vehicles that don't have the plastic but are shiney, they are most likely polished aluminum with a clearcoat. That also has it's drawbacks as when you get chips, the salt and road grime gets under the clearcoat and causes bubling and or pealing.
On my 05, the cladding held up really well. On the 09, they are pitted from stone chips. The only thing I can think of as to why is that the wheels are more open, hence more apt to get hit with stones. Doesn't help that they are pouring on the sand and gravel on the roads in the winter to make the salt go farther also.
If you see wheels on higher end vehicles that don't have the plastic but are shiney, they are most likely polished aluminum with a clearcoat. That also has it's drawbacks as when you get chips, the salt and road grime gets under the clearcoat and causes bubling and or pealing.
On my 05, the cladding held up really well. On the 09, they are pitted from stone chips. The only thing I can think of as to why is that the wheels are more open, hence more apt to get hit with stones. Doesn't help that they are pouring on the sand and gravel on the roads in the winter to make the salt go farther also.
Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 572
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From: cooper city, florida
my 04 were chrome clad and held up fine with same openess IMO, wash them once a week, polish 2-3 times a year and most important change the OEM brake pads to non metallic and you'll be fine, check my album out, I live in S Florida, trailer to boat/salt ramp often, go to beach to surf, etc, they looked just as good as when I got them, only marks were from wts and tire replacement on the actual rim.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 160
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From: Warren, MI
Alcoa Dodge Viper/Jeep SRT wheels now come with Dura-Bright®, a surface treatment that penetrates aluminum and becomes an integral part of the wheel. Won't chip, crack, peel or corrode, like conventional coatings. These wheels don't need polishing and repel aggressive brake dust. Made in Ohio, look for the "db" stamp.
Professional
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 112
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From: Montreal / Quebec
Try this site if you want to replace your plastic.......
http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/w_selec...&_MAKE=&_MODEL=
http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/w_selec...&_MAKE=&_MODEL=
