Peeling Chrome on Alloy wheels

[DoctorZaius]

What can be done with an Aluminium Alloy rim that has an old Chrome coating badly peeling/flaking off?

1) Is this a possible do-it-yourselfer w/products from here? (removal of chrome, polish Al)

2) Is removal and re-chroming (via a Pro) something advisable?

[alabama_lowlife]

getting them rechromed would probaby cost more than a new set of wheels. at least most of the chrome exchange kind of deals i've seen. it also costs more to RE chrome than to plate something that wasn't originally chrome. due to the additional labor involved in removing the original plating. you can probably find a oem set on ebay or just get aftermarket wheels.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by DoctorZaius

What can be done with an Aluminium Alloy rim that has an old Chrome coating badly peeling/flaking off?

1) Is this a possible do-it-yourselfer w/products from here? (removal of chrome, polish Al)

2) Is removal and re-chroming (via a Pro) something advisable?

As always, depends on whether you have more time or money. I do know a place that does solid motorcycle wheels for $250 apiece, including polishing from rough-cast, then plating. If you can get good ones for less than that, there you go.

I have removed plating with greaseless compound (from smaller objects), just like the first steps doing a rough casting, then proceed to polish. If you have more time than money, this would be an option but it would be pretty excruciating work. Or you could have the plating removed (they can do this electrically in a tank I believe) then polish them yourself.