Jump to content
Customer Service 866.965.0400
  • 0

Need clarification; polishing chrome clad wheels


chops1sc

Question

So I know the wheels on my 2011 Silverado are chrome clad. I have seen the back of the wheels and I can clearly see that it is a chrome plated piece epoxied to the wheel structure. And from what I have read on here and on other forums, chrome is not clear coated. Does this also go for chrome clad wheels? I can see the clear coating chipping where the balancing weights go on the bead of the rim, but I cant tell if the actual chrome piece is cleared.

 

Chrome plating is chrome plating no matter what it is on, right? Steel bumper or plastic grill, it is still chrome. Does this make sense?

 

NOW, how do I polish these wheels? I got some QS the other day and I want to put them on my wheels, but I would like to get them as clean and shiny as possible.

 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

  • 0

My Silverado wheels are chrome-clad and I am able to do mine with 0000 steel wool and it looks great with no scratches...but take it from experience that I have tried this method on a clear coated rim not realizing it wasn't like mine and it scratched the hell out of it and I had to polish with PCP. So make very sure there is no clear coat.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

After more research I have determined that you can treat them like paint with no worries. I will try some fine polish and see how it turns out. It also seems like this is the future of "chrome" wheels from the manufacturers. Very common and disappointing. I have never bought aftermarket wheels before, but I may start looking around for something I can treat like metal and save the stock wheels for if/when I sell or trade it in, lol!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

The chrome on chrome clad (chrome on plastic) is indeed real chrome but it is not as thick nor bonded nearly as well as chrome is to metal so you should treat it with some care.  It is more like paint but you still cannot remove scratches like paint.  Most wheel cleaners should be ok but I would protect with a wax/sealant.

Edited by Bunky
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Mot

After more research I have determined that you can treat them like paint with no worries. I will try some fine polish and see how it turns out. It also seems like this is the future of "chrome" wheels from the manufacturers. Very common and disappointing. I have never bought aftermarket wheels before, but I may start looking around for something I can treat like metal and save the stock wheels for if/when I sell or trade it in, lol!

Yes it's the norm ,ow for factory chrome. Very sad..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

The chrome on chrome clad (chrome on plastic) is indeed real chrome but it is not as thick nor bonded nearly as well as chrome is to metal so you should treat it with some care. It is more like paint but you still cannot remove scratches like paint. Most wheel cleaners should be ok but I would protect with a wax/sealant.

My plan is to use Quick Sealant. I was hoping I could shine them up real nice beforehand. Which after cleaning them last night they really don't look too bad.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

I'm guessing it's either more durable than fully chrome wheels or they do it so that the barrels that most people don't clean will not corrode as fast because they aren't chrome. Also, where the tire seats on the wheels usually leaks when chrome starts to corrode. So this would prevent that.

 

I assume there are people on this forum with fully chrome wheels that always keep them very clean, including the barrels. I wonder, how do they hold up over time? I know that chrome wheels that don't get cleaned often are pretty much guaranteed to corrode and peel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

My 2012 Silverado LTZ came with the factory chrome clad 20 inch wheels. They DO NOT hold up to winter road salt. I purchased a set of take off Z71 wheels for the winter. I wash my chrome clad wheels just like I wash my paint (carefully). At the beginning of the season I give them a good detail on the tailgate before installing them and for the rest of the year I just wash, blow dry, and if needed a little detail spray. I have found the plastic chrome scratches easier than any chrome plated steel or aluminum wheels I have ever owned.  

 

At the beginning of the year my before installation detail consists of a good wash and blow dry. I then use Turtle wax chrome polish. I have most of Adams products but have never tried Adams chrome polish and am sure it would work as well as everything else they have. I am just saying what I have used and what works for me. My rims have sharp little inside corners that are difficult to clean. I have also found that if I don't get that dirt/stain out of those corners it can pit or damage the finish. After I get them good and clean buffing and polishing with a single soft I give them a good treatment with quick detailer. They have held up well and still look new after 3 years. Not sure that would be the case if I used them in the winter with road salt.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

Thanks for the info! We don't have an issue with road salt down here in SC so I'm not worried about winter time. My wheels are 18" but the way they make the cover it looks smaller. I can't even clean the barrels from the front.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 0

I agree treat them like your paint.....BG is a great choice it will really make your chrome pop!

And as an added bonus, they will come clean with nothing more then the spray from the hose. BG is good stuff for rims!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...