How to protect Chrome

S

Stl_GT

New member
I have ordred new wheels ( 18X9 Chrome Bullits ) for the car and was wondering how to protect them? Zaino ?



They won't be put on until spring and will either be wrapped with Nitto's or BF Goodwrench G-Force tires.



Here is a pic of the wheels

s21ca.jpg




and a pic of my car they are going on

1767743-M.jpg






Thanks!
 
Sweet ride and great looking wheels:up



Here is the deal with wheels...they can be protected BUT because they generate so much heat and take such a beating with everyday driving that what ever you put on them is not going to last very long.



I do only a handful of cars with non-cleared chrome wheels and even then I am only doing them every few weeks because they are not daily drivers so I wax the wheels every time I wash or detail the cars. I use either a paste carnauba or Hi-Temps Poly Spray. I have also used VM which puts a real nice shine on chrome.



Rolite, the makers of some very fine metal cleaners and polishes, also makes a protective sealer but I have not used that product yet but you may wish to try it. Go to www.topoftheline.com and check it out.



Take care,

Anthony
 
Sweet wheels, bro!! For my chrome Saleen's, I simply use car soap and water to wash, dry thoroughly after and monthly apply a thin coat of Meguiar's #16 PPW. Simple as that. The good thing about chrome is that it is clearcoated which makes maintenence a breeze...where'd you get those, AFS?



Now the polished aluminum wheels on my Toyota...that's a different story.
 
Thanks for the compliments and tips guys, this isn't my daily driver thankfully. I ( being an autopian ) will probably get more than a few products and start testing them when the wheels go on :D



Chrome Saleens :bow
 
When I put chrome replicas on my truck, I covered all surfaces exposed to the elements with AIO. Brake dust essentially washes away without a fight.



Speaking of which, they are due for another dose....
 
Yes you can Zaino them, and Zaino does last on wheels. My factory chromes are still beading, 4+ months after Zaino application.
 
Whatever you use, the most important thing is to keep them clean and as free of brake dust accumulation as possible, and never use harsh wheel cleaners. In fact, I wouldn't use any, normal car wash soap will be more than sufficient if you clean them regularly.



I normally use VM or regular Moose Wax on wheels.
 
~One man’s opinion / observations~



I would apply a polymer sealant as opposed to a Carnauba wax (which starts melts at 170oF) the friction heat from the rotors will melt it





~Hope this helps~





Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/



justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*
 
Use a standard chrome polish if you have too. I was told that waxes and sealers will cause chrome to pit over time. Polish is designed to clean a dirty surface and leave minimal protection which lasts for a short period of time.



Obviously this way is more work but, the safest way to care for chrome. My 4 Uncles built chromed out choppers for years and told me this is the way it is. Don't say that no one warned you.



If you don't believe me try reading this article about CHROME

Bike Maintenance



Ryan
 
Ryan - interesting, thanks for the link. It pretty much says to leave the chrome alone. My question is, then why do some OE chrome wheels come with clearcoat? Wouldn't that hinder the breathing of the chrome?



Reagardless, I will more than likely use some Zaino from time to time and wash them w/water and MF.
 
The day my chromes came off the truck I sat down and started Zainoing them, I tried to put as many coats on them as I could be for they were mounted, Inside and out...



Ya in the living room...

1046new_wheels1-med.jpg




then a the shows...



1046mevs_them-med.jpg
 
also ask if the chromes your are looking at have any type of clear coating on them before you use any "chrome Cleaner" on them :)
 
Okay here's my 2$ buck's worth I have four or five coats of Zaino on my bike chrome inside a off and on heated garage and everything chrome turn green this is the first time its ever happen and wonder if its the zaino ( First year i used it on chrome bike parts)

I'm removeing it and trying the window cleaner next year!
 
Stl_GT said:
Ryan - interesting, thanks for the link. It pretty much says to leave the chrome alone. My question is, then why do some OE chrome wheels come with clearcoat? Wouldn't that hinder the breathing of the chrome?



Reagardless, I will more than likely use some Zaino from time to time and wash them w/water and MF.
Click to expand...



I'm not aware of any clear coated chrome wheels, OE or aftermarket. And, chrome doesn't need to breathe, since it's not alive, and any outgassing from the plating process probably happened within the first few hours of plating.



I still say a good chrome polish.
 
forrest said:
I'm not aware of any clear coated chrome wheels, OE or aftermarket. And, chrome doesn't need to breathe, since it's not alive, and any outgassing from the plating process probably happened within the first few hours of plating.



I still say a good chrome polish.
Click to expand...



I agree. Chrome plating is not like plastic or leather or skin. Its hard and solid. Its also a "final coat", meaning that chrome plating is a multi-step, multi-layer process that includes copper and nickel plating. The chrome is the final layer on top of copper or copper and nickel. Since this type of chrome plating is primarily decorative, its very thin (millionths of an inch). A poor quality chrome plating job can be damaged and in time it can rust and/or peel.



At any rate, there is nothing protecting the chrome so if you want it to be protected and look nice, it needs wax or a sealant. Poor quality plating or very thin (cheap) plating will pit and rust if not cleaned and protected regularly.
 
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