Quality of chrome plating

LaserBlueZ71 · January 12, 2013

So I am on the hunt for wheels now that I have chosen a lift.

The problem is I hear a lot of complaints about chrome peeling off of wheels nowadays, even expensive wheels. I was originally wanting to purchase the fuel throttle wheels in 18x9, but if I remember correctly, someone on here ordered a set and it took something like 3 sets to finally get 4 wheels that matched up and without defects.

What brand has the best quality of construction and shine? I want to keep whatever I buy for a long time, and I don't want to spend every weekend polishing or trying to hide blemishes either.

Thanks all!

tanked_darren · January 12, 2013

You have to clean chrome wheels there is no way around that.

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LaserBlueZ71 · January 12, 2013

You have to clean chrome wheels there is no way around that.

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I know that. The difference comes in the quality of the chrome plating.

I used to be a long haul trucker, owned my own big rig. I had a lot of chrome extras on it, and it was funny how some pieces could stand the test of time and others could not. I had some chrome pieces that were years old, and still looked like a mirror, without me ever polishing them. Other pieces need polishing every 8 weeks.

Just from my past experience, it seems some wheels stand up better to the elements, and can go longer periods in between polishing.

LT1MCSS · January 13, 2013

I'm also on the hunt for wheels. Its a tough choice out there right now. I honestly prefer a nice polished wheel but a bare aluminum wheel for a daily driver is just way to much to keep up with.

I was just talking about this with my friend the other night. On his 2500 HD he has had 2 sets of cheap chrome wheels. First, he got a set of chrome Ultra's and within a year the chrome was all pitted and starting to flake. He does do a lot of driving and goes up North were there is a lot of salt and stuff but he always washes his truck. A few months ago he got rid of he Ultras and decided to get a set of chrome V-tec's. It hasn't even been 3-4 months and they're already pitting bad in some areas. We haven't even really had snow yet. Admittedly, with those wheels the finish on them you could tell was cheap when they were brad new. The chroming on the sides of the spokes and in the corners was just junk. He may try to get them replaced under warranty but often times its more trouble than its worth.

Him and I have talked about the chrome KMC XD wheels a few times. He decided not to get the XD's since they were so much more money. We both kinda said if you want the chrome wheels to last you have to buy the expensive ones. I really want to buy a set of chrome XD Spy's for my Avalanche. The one thing stopping me is the cost and the fact that I live in the north east. Even though I'm constantly washing my truck the winters are just hard on wheels and I don't want to spend all the money on XD's and still see them pit/peel after a year or even 2. I have another friend in VT who did put a set of chrome XD's on his F150 last year. He told me after a year he still has a little pitting but he also tole me he didn't take care of them as best as he probably should have.

The XD wheels do have a pretty good warranty but they specifically say this in the warranty section. "This express warranty is not applicable to KMC Wheels products that have been subject to corrosion of the finish due to neglect, chemicals, and/or adverse weather conditions." This pretty much means if your in any area where you get snow IMO the warranty means nothing since they will most likely void it.

Another thing with chrome wheels, is that if you live in an area where they treat your roads with salt/sand you really HAVE to get the backs of the wheels coated with an epoxy or something. They will start to peel in no time.

With all that being said........

The only way to really get around the pitting/peeling is to go with a painted wheel. I've never been a fan of all painted wheels. I like my wheels shiny. I have been leaning towards the Eagle Alloy Super finish for my wheels. They are fairly expensive. The back side of the wheels and side of the spokes are painted black but the the majority of the surface of the wheels is a machine finish. Now, the machine finish is not clear coated so you'll have to polish them here and there and maybe put some sealer on them. I realize they are not going to be work free, however, if the black scratched or chips you can hide it with a sharpie or black touch up. If you get a little flaking in the machine finish a little 2500 grit sand paper or steel wool and its good as new. This is my thought anyway.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 13, 2013

Yea, I am definitely not a fan of painted wheels either.

The "thing" nowdays seems to be a base model looking truck. 9 out of 10 guys are sheep and just do whatever the trend is. Removing badges, painted everything to match body color, no accessories. In my opinion, your making your vehicle look like it's a WT trim level. The kind of vehicle companies purchase by the hundreds or thousands with no options and plain looks.

How about Moto Metal? They have some nice designs, but I don't know anything about their quality level.

It's difficult enough to find a wheel you like, but then to find one you like that has good build quality and the right offset, narrows it down to a few wheels and that's it.

LT1MCSS · January 13, 2013

I had looked at the Moto Metals previously. I actually know an older guy that put them on his Ford. The next time i see the truck I'll take a look and see how they're holding up. I know he's not out there every week cleaning them either so I'm curious how they are.

I think with any wheel you'll find a lot of good and a lot of bad. I have found plenty of good things about XD and plenty of bad. The same goes for the Eagle wheels. There are a lot of people happy with them but there are also plenty of people with them who say they have bad pitting/peeling issues and that they have crappy customer service.