Pitted Chrome Rims...

J

JonFD

New member
I've come across a 09 escalade that has some seriously pitted GM chrome rims from our salty chicago weather.



What's your favorite thing to use to cure it? I've done a search and couldnt really find anything good. Any help appreciated.
 
A chrome shop? :nervous2:



Seriously, depends on how bad it is. SOS pads work great. Harsher would be Brillo pads with Naval Jelly. Polish and seal after. Always test first. Problem is if they are badly pitted, the chrome is gone so you would have to go back to the first recomendation.
 
JonFD said:
So there's not a good way to get the grime off chrome? The car is so new?
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You're asking two different things. "Pitting" is physical damage that can't be restored. You can clean it up a bit but pitting is pitting.



Now you're talking "grime". If the wheels are totally grungy you've got to get them cleaned up enough to see exactly what you're dealing with. I use SOS on really bad chrome with plenty of water and sudsing for lubrication. It will leave a bit of a film that will clean off with any metal or chrome polish. If they don't look half bad then you can polish with Nevr Dull or whatever polish you prefer. However, if you've got actual pitting of the chrome there's nothing you can do other than have them rechromed if you're looking for the maximum result.



Chrome is definitely one of those situations where an ounce of prevention is the best cure.



TL
 
TLMitchell said:
You're asking two different things. "Pitting" is physical damage that can't be restored. You can clean it up a bit but pitting is pitting.



Now you're talking "grime". If the wheels are totally grungy you've got to get them cleaned up enough to see exactly what you're dealing with. I use SOS on really bad chrome with plenty of water and sudsing for lubrication. It will leave a bit of a film that will clean off with any metal or chrome polish. If they don't look half bad then you can polish with Nevr Dull or whatever polish you prefer. However, if you've got actual pitting of the chrome there's nothing you can do other than have them rechromed if you're looking for the maximum result.



Chrome is definitely one of those situations where an ounce of prevention is the best cure.



TL
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Thank you very much. That is some great info. I wouldn't want to use some sort of acid on chrome correct?
 
FWIW, this is a known issue with GM 20" and 22" chrome rims. It's been on the books since '07, so you'd think they would've addressed it by now. If it's like what I've seen on other wheels, it's not something that can be repaired. The wheels will need to be refinished or replaced. Depending on the quality of care from the dealer's service department, this can be easy or a bit of a nightmare.
 
VroomVroom said:
FWIW, this is a known issue with GM 20" and 22" chrome rims. It's been on the books since '07, so you'd think they would've addressed it by now. If it's like what I've seen on other wheels, it's not something that can be repaired. The wheels will need to be refinished or replaced. Depending on the quality of care from the dealer's service department, this can be easy or a bit of a nightmare.
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Yeah, I hear ya on that!



Any tips for bad brake dust on chrome rims?
 
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