How do you remove chrome from aluminum wheels?

[acmepowder]

I have a pair of BMW Motorcycle wheels that are aluminum and chrome plated. How do I remove the chrome entirely?

[wop1969]

You will need to use a electro stripping prosses.
Just get the stuff to make a pickle tank large enough to pip the rims into and apply the positive to the rim and negative to the anodes and I think you will need 1 AMP per square inch of rim, I think motorcycles rims are about 800 Sq. Inches so that would take allot of power unless you dipped in small parts one at a time? give it some thought and call caswell and ask if there is an easier way or one that does not need power to strip.

[corecoatings]

I would suggest sandblasting. Will you be powder coating them?

[MPLAVLEGL]

HCL acid will strip the chrome, nitric will strip the nickel underneath. Carefull the HCL WILL attack the alum but rims are usually electroless nickel plated and the nickel will provide a barrier to the HCL. If you see any gassing at all that is the HCL attacking the alum.