Croming Wheels

[superdave]

Anyone out there know where I can get my wheels cromed in the UK? I have bought my 1990 Turbo about a month ago not really knowing all the models. I would have gone for an SE. I picked this one up really cheap but it has wide Compomotive aftermarket alloys in matt black. Iam unsure whether I like them, so Iam thinking of getting them cromed. Oh by the way my car is also in Norfolk Mustard which was professionally done about 2 years ago. If you want me to e-mail you some pics I will for your advise and comments.

[lotusguy]

Anyone out there know where I can get my wheels cromed in the UK? I have bought my 1990 Turbo about a month ago not really knowing all the models. I would have gone for an SE. I picked this one up really cheap but it has wide Compomotive aftermarket alloys in matt black. Iam unsure whether I like them, so Iam thinking of getting them cromed. Oh by the way my car is also in Norfolk Mustard which was professionally done about 2 years ago. If you want me to e-mail you some pics I will for your advise and comments.

Dave,

Not sure about a source in the UK, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the chroming processes before comitting to a plater. Also, be sure to have the wheels corrected for any defects prior to plating such as 'trueness', fill any gouges, deep scratches or the like.

Lots of chroming processes are not long lasting with chipping or peeling quite common in just a year or two. Aluminum makes for a very poor surface for the application of chrome.

What you want is what is referred to here in the States as 'Archival' chrome plating. This involves a three step method which usually yields good, long lasting bonding of the chrome.

It begins with a proper removal of any paint or clearcoat from the wheels as well as an acid etching. The wheels are then copper plated which bonds fairly well with aluminum. Next the wheels are nickel plated which bonds well to copper and is the proper base for the chrome. Finally, the wheels are plated with chrome. Find a firm which uses this method, and you will be happy with the results. Hope this helps...Happy Motoring...Jim '85TE

[Child0fthecorn]

Dave,

Have you tried looking in the local yellow pages?
the website is www.yell.com did a search and there are 45 chrome platers here in the UK.

Oh and be sure to ask them lots of questions about what process they use, if they are decent and honest they should should be happy to explain it to you.

hope that helps,
Tony

[rob.ellis]

Dave - rather than chroming, you could see how they look if you just get them refurbished, and maybe painted a nice silver rather than matt black.

Never used them myself, but i have heard good things about "pristine" wheels:

www.nbizz.com/alloywheelrefurbishers.co.uk/