Has anyone used these guys - http://stores.ebay.com/L-A-Wheel-And...Factory-Wheels, or know anything about chroming aluminum wheels. I have the forged aluminum wheels on my truck. I really like the wheels and a friend of mine purchased a new 08. He did not like the stock aluminum forged wheels so he put new ones on his truck. I purchased his rims with about 50 miles on them from him for $200.00. My thoughts were a set for winter and a set for summer. I really like these rims because in my opinion a forged aluminum rim is better than a cast aluminum and machined wheel anyday. If I could have them chromed and still have the benefits of forged that would be really good IMO. I will then run the chromed wheels in the summer. Anyone have thoughts on the chroming process?

Thanks

 

Aftermarket chrome jobs are usually only good for a couple years if you are lucky. That's been my experience...

 

It all depends on who does the work. You will have to check around in your area as to who is good. There is no reason if done correctly the chrome won't last for many years.

 

There is no one in our area that I would trust ot do this. My thoughts were go to a bigger area that had someone that specializes in the process. I called a couple of their references (like they would give you a bad reference) and they were highly recommended.

 

I had mine chromed (exchanged) right after I bought it new in 2004. There are a just a couple of bad spots (copperish looking discoloration) and you really have to look for them. In all, they look very good after 5 yrs. I live in SoCal. So, they're not exposed to the elements (other than heat and a bit of rain). Also, you need to change the caps to chrome ones. I was lucky enough to find someone on this board who wanted to trade for my dull ones (wanted to paint them black, I think).

 

Don't know about chroming but I agree with above!
AND, factory wheels on our CTD's are stronger than almost ALL after market wheels..... Probably for saftey/insurance reasons?
I have seen several after market wheels crack through their 'spokes', under medium tow weight.
Never seen an aluminum or steel factory wheel that broke, cracked or failed!
I bgt two sets of 06 17" polished aluminum wheels to match my front bull bar and my nerf bars. Love them!
And since I'm in the minority.... they can be had cheap; full sets for less than the dealer cost for one replacement!

Why do most want something different? Probably just to be different, I guess. Makes sense since 06 wheels are different on my 02!

Sorry to get this thread a bit off track.

RJ

 

What prevents the aluminum and chrome setting up a galvanic series and corrosion occuring at that interface?
Is there a cap on the aluminum or is the chrome directly plated to the aluminum?

 

Some use a zincate coating before the copper/nickel/chrome process.

 

Mine are plated OEM. I don't think the plating diminishes the strength.

 

If you go to the Web site http://stores.ebay.com/L-A-Wheel-And...Factory-Wheels, there is a detailed explanation and procedure how the chrome is plated on the aluminum. This is through e-bay but it will get you to their web-site.