Chrome Clad Wheels

Setec Astronomy said:
Metal polishes have no effect on what? Swirls? Dullness? Scratches?







Believe me, I understand the difference between painted, "high-polish" with clear over it, and chrome. But I wouldn't go on what the service techs say; in another life I worked at a dealer, and I have a friend whose son works at a dealer...which is why I keep my cars as far away from the dealer as possible. Don't get me started on the competence of dealer mechanics...



Anyway, if you say it has clear over the chrome, I'll consider the matter closed.



Well, I certainly hear ya about the service techs not always being on the ball :2thumbs: However, the one I spoke with is a veteran tech whom I trust very much, and the other--well, I don't know anything about him, but he seemed confident :)



As far the metal polishes, the substrate didn't react like a metal, be it chrome, polished or whatever. It acted like a clear coat. Metal polish will leave scratches (the more aggressive ones, at least) but there is no black residue or difference in appearance. As I said, I'm no expert, but I know when I'm polishing bare metal and when I'm polishing a coating.



On another note, I reread my earlier post, and I realize that it sounds a bit argumentative. I assure you, that's not my intent. I enjoy reading your posts, and Jim's as well. I hope I didn't come across as a jerk, and I respect that the knowledge that both of you bring to this forum :hifive:
 
I understand that they are chrome......



but thay are not Clear Coated Chrome....thay just don't do that





I did not disregard your link I used it to prove that they were Chrome finish,

the finish in not listed as Clear Coated Chrome
 
BigJimZ28 said:
1.) I agree that they are chrome



2.) the polished wheels have an acrylic CC not the chrome



3.) why whould you listen to a Tech over BigJim:think:



4.):sosad sorry but you still incorrect, if you are correct there would be some info somewhere on the WWW ...so please show it to me:rolleyes:



We are really jacking this thread bad...I don't know what to add about the care of the clad wheels, but I will suggest that people avoid them if possible.



My mother was buying a new GM car a few years ago. There was a chrome wheel option; it was $500. Previously I had been looking at Pontiacs that had the Chrometech option, which was talked about in great detail at the Chrometech site, how they took the painted wheels, painstakingly removed the paint, polished, plated, polished, and plated. For some reason, I thought the chrome option on her car was that, and suggested it for better durability/easier cleaning.



What she got was a Chinese painted wheel, with this cap glued on it. Because it's glued over a regular wheel, the spokes openings are smaller (harder to clean), and there is a crevice on the front that traps dirt. Also, when cleaning the back, it's clear that water, salt, etc. has a place to go between the cladding and the wheel spokes...it makes it difficult to clean (crap keeps running out of there) and I don't think it bodes well for the long term corrosion resistance of the wheel. They are more difficult to repair, there's no option for repaint or replate, they stick out further (because they are glued on top of the regular wheel) making it easier for old ladies to curb the spokes (sorry, Mom!). The justification for these in another thread is that the vacuum metallizing of the "hubcap" is more environmentally friendly than electroplating.
 
Bostonsfavson said:
but there is no black residue or difference in appearance. As I said, I'm no expert, but I know when I'm polishing bare metal and when I'm polishing a coating.



chrome will not leave a black residue





Bostonsfavson said:
On another note, I reread my earlier post, and I realize that it sounds a bit argumentative. I assure you, that's not my intent. I enjoy reading your posts, and Jim's as well. I hope I didn't come across as a jerk, and I respect that the knowledge that both of you bring to this forum :hifive:



it's all good;)
 
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