Chrome Clade 18'' Rims

[Phillipjon]

Has anyone ever seperated the plastic chrome cover to see what the rims look like? Thanks, Phil

[jrrod2004]

Has anyone ever seperated the plastic chrome cover to see what the rims look like? Thanks, Phil

 

 

I believe a member here did it and found the aluminum rim under. (cant remember if it was brushed aluminum or the clear coated aluminum)

[Phillipjon]

Has anyone ever seperated the plastic chrome cover to see what the rims look like? Thanks, Phil

 

 

I believe a member here did it and found the aluminum rim under. (cant remember if it was brushed aluminum or the clear coated aluminum)

 

 

 

Any pics?

[grose67]

I did some quality work at a plant here in KY that does this. The wheel is a plain unpolished aluminum.

[vester]

Has anyone ever seperated the plastic chrome cover to see what the rims look like? Thanks, Phil

 

So these "chrome-clad" wheels are just a plastic cover bonded to a metal wheel? I never suspected, that is really cheap.

 

Here are some pics of one cut apart.

 

http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/Chrome_Clad_Wheels.html

[csheatz]

I think all the wheels are chrome clad now. Mine are, the ones on my 2005 sunfire are, the ones on a friends new buick lacrosse are. I really like the idea, they are easier to keep up, and clean, and are cheaper to replace. you can buy the skins and most local shops can take the bad ones off and replace with the new.

[nickvrebel]

Has anyone ever seperated the plastic chrome cover to see what the rims look like? Thanks, Phil

 

So these "chrome-clad" wheels are just a plastic cover bonded to a metal wheel? I never suspected, that is really cheap.

 

reasoning behind it:

*People like the polished look

*Polished Aluminum is a PITA to maintain, so it won't look good for long b/c most people are too lazy to keep them up

*Old school Chrome plated wheels are HEAVY, can eventually rust if the slightest damage occurs and undesirable for ride quality and handling (unsprung weight plays a big factor)

*Chrome has the polished look AND is easy to clean.

 

so, in the end, the customer gets the look that they want, the performance/ ride that they want without the upkeep.

it's not cheap by any means. Chrome plated steel wheels are way cheaper to make than aluminum.

[bugmenot]

Back in the day we call these things hubcaps. They look like a set I got for $19.99 IMHO.