Hey guys, looking for suggestions here. Ive got painted wheels with chrome rings. Well, the chrome is coming off bad exposing the aluminum underneath. My problem is that there is no saving the chrome left on the aluminum so im trying to find a way to remove the rest of the chrome and just have the aluminum ring. The alum has to look better than peeling chrome. Ive scrubbed on em with SOS pads and not much luck there. I really dont want to sand them but if i have to I guess i will. Anyone know of any product that will strip off the chrome exposing the aluminum underneath? Any thohts are much appreciated! Heres a shot to see what kind of wheels im talking about here.

[IMG]local://upfiles/8959/8E1029963E5B46FF813050D6C9F6372D.jpg[/IMG]

 

depending on how "well" it's seperating you may be able to use a paint scraper very carefully and work under the chrome to remove it.... if not talk to a sandblasting shop and see what they would charge to do it...

 

Yeah, the scraper wont work. Now, wont the sandblasting take off the paint? If they were all alum that wouldnt be too bad. Ive even considered having them painted entirely. I got all 4 wheels for $150 used. I didnt really want dark rims but i couldnt pass up the deal.

 

Have you tired using brake cleaner? Just be sure to only get it on the places where you want the chrome removed.

 

Actually I didnt think brake cleaner would be strong enough. Now, I have thoht about brake FLUID, lol!

 

Most sandblasters can "mask off" the stuff they don't want to have hit.... that way they only remove what you want removed.... it's worth asking about....

 

Found this as well: Looks like you'll need an acid....or just sandblast it as other people said. I watched the Orange County Choppers one time and they sandblasted a ring of paint around the whole wheel off w/o getting any other paint off.

http://www.finishing.com/88/81.shtml

Oh, and if you ever find wheels like you have that cheap again...let me know! I would buy them! lol What size are they btw?

 

Thanks for all the input guys. I did some more research and it seems that HCL acid or "muriatic acid" as its commonly called might do the trick. Now to figure out how to apply it only to the chromed areas will be a trick

19accord97, they are 17". not sure the width but they fit the 205/40 nicely.

 

They look good!
Let us know how it goes!