So I was just looking my rims over for the rust problems people have been having and found out they are plastic covers! Is this their chrome clad rims? Im not so sure I like this....... For 40K I think they should be a metal rim. Is this a common thing and Im just not informed? I have a 2011 Ram sport with 20" rims. Is this how they are with all of them? Thanks.

KC

 

Welcome to the future!

 

^^^ LMAO ^^^
Chrome Clad = plastic cap on top of steel wheel.

Been that way for quite awhile now, my '05 Ram had the 20" Chrome clads as well. Come to think of it, every vehicle I own currently has Chrome Clads, except the Charger, swapped them for some real SRT Maggie polished aluminum 20" rims.

Not sure how anyone is getting rust on plastic, unless they're mislead by the metal fibers that can attach to clear-coat finish on the clads that makes little rust like stains. That is easily cleaned up though with fine hand polish.

 

If you have rust on your chrome clads, its most likely mettalic brake dust from the brake pads and rotors.
Any good chrome polish will take it right off, but i recommend you use a spray-on liquid wheel cleaner first or you`ll scratch them.

As for plastic chrome clad cover`s, they`ll last many yrs over real chrome wheels. (real chrome will peal and corrode)
Chrome clads hold their shine far longer than real chrome metal wheels

My own opinion, i`d much rather have the plastic chrome clads over real metal wheels any day

 

I have them on my truck and was just wondering.....can the "chrome clad" plastic cover be replaced separately from the wheel. For instance, if you were to hit a curb, does this mean now that you're just replacing a plastic cap instead of paying for a whole new wheel?

 

Not on the 4th gen wheel. 3rd gen guys had that luxury, but we do not. I ran into the same problem when I had to replace one a few months back.


Chrysler attaches that cover with what looks to be about two pounds of glue or more and it's difficult as hell to remove.

Oh and FYI, if you take care of chrome, it will take care of you. That being said, taking care of chrome usually means that you polish your wheels or whatever at least once a week.

 

All four of mine just got replaced due to corrosion in the corners, dealer washed all winter so can't be blamed for not washing them, even had it waxed . It is a combo of the brake dust that weakens it if you don't keep it clean and waxed, then if you live in a salty road winter time area you will see what I mean, I went out as they ordered my new rims I went to the tire store and ordered winter tires on black steel rims. Oh and I went to 17 inch from 20 so the tires were cheaper and easier more choices too. So the Chrome Clads will be summer only and we shall see what happens.