Chrome wheel issues

[Goonie75]

Hi folks. Hope all is well with everyone. Had a good client send me his dad to take a look at his wheels on his 2009 Chevy Tahoe. Pics attached.

Stated that it will come out with some polishing but always seems to return? I suggested its pitting maybe but TBH, I havent really came across this specific issue just yet.

So does anyone know what it is?... how to prevent if possible, and how to protect? Was going to decontaminate, clean, wash, polish, and out some Gyeon Rim to protect.... this a feasible plan or is there a better way?

Thanks mucho in advance folks

Ryan

AMERICAN DETAIL
Salem, IN



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[Eldorado2k]

I would start off with Megs Wheel Brightener @4:1 then go to 0000 Steel Wool or even the steel wool w/some Noxon chrome polish or whichever chrome polish works for you.

If it’s not real chrome and it’s actually PVD then be careful. But then again what’s the worst that can happen they’re just about fubar as they sit.

[Goonie75]

Thanks amigo. Will start with megs and 0000. I'll keep ya posted

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[Eldorado2k]

Wheel ceramic coatings don’t work as well on chrome wheels. I don’t even bother using them. If anything they tend to dull/cloud the shine.

[Goonie75]

I would start off with Megs Wheel Brightener @4:1 then go to 0000 Steel Wool or even the steel wool w/some Noxon chrome polish or whichever chrome polish works for you.

If it’s not real chrome and it’s actually PVD then be careful. But then again what’s the worst that can happen they’re just about fubar as they sit.

Any suggestions

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[Goonie75]

Wheel ceramic coatings don’t work as well on chrome wheels. I don’t even bother using them. If anything they tend to dull/cloud the shine.

Also, Any thoughts on what it is or prevention

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[Eldorado2k]

Any suggestions

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As far as PVD? I dunno, I’ve never actually ran into some PVD. But I think some chrome looking wheels around those years began fiddling with PVD that’s why it came to mind.

Think of those plastic hub covers made to look like wheels but they’re not that some Chevys and Dodge trucks came with.

[Eldorado2k]

My best guess is just plain neglect. Long term moisture. The major enemy of chrome.

If it can be brought back I don’t see why it can’t be prevented. But I dunno they look pretty bad right now. I’d be a great save if they clean up.

[Eldorado2k]

Some metal polishes i.e. Britemax Final Shine Metal Polish & Sealant leaves a substantial amount of protection behind.

Mothers Mag & Aluminum is no slouch with the protection it leaves behind as well. It can be used on chrome just fine.

[57Rambler]

Stated that it will come out with some polishing but always seems to return?

This statement causes me to suspect that this damage was caused by a caustic agent, ie. a strong acid or base. In the past I have seen similar behavior on exterior chrome trim where a light polishing temporarily removed the "burn" marks only for them to return. This case is even more severe as the last pics do show pitting which has in turn led to some rusting. Not sure what can be done short of re-plating them and that is not cheap, a few hundred per wheel. Chrome plating is really thin (7-8 micron, clear coat for comparison is about 35-40 micron), so a heavy, aggressive polishing might remove the chrome plate. Cheapest alternative may be to buy a good used set. Or strip the chrome off completely (by bead blasting, sanding, etc.) and go with the alloy look.