Fuchs factory chromed lip?

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

I have an 87 US with Fuchs that are chromed around the lip with standard black center. Does anyone know if this was indeed a factory option or did the PO have this done somewhere?

Thanks
Eric

FlashGordon · 02-13-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e170drvr

I have an 87 US with Fuchs that are chromed around the lip with standard black center. Does anyone know if this was indeed a factory option or did the PO have this done somewhere?

Thanks
Eric

I don't know for sure if it was a factory option. However, I suspect what you are referring to as "chrome" is in fact "polished." I also have an '87 and my fuchs came anodized from the factory. Some times when an owner curbs a rim and must get it repaired, the shop only has the capability to polish. It's an extra step or two to anodize after repair, IIRC, and you need a specialist like AL Reed.

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

No factory chrome

mark houghton · 02-13-2009, 01:24 PM

On my '87, they're "chromed" (polished) as well. They look very 80'ish, which is fine by me. Period correct, ya know?

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

Mark, Let's be clear polished to look like chrome not chrome plating correct?

DailyDriven'88 · 01:32 PM

The fuchs on my '88 3.2L in the background have actual chrome lips. I've always just assumed they came that way from the factory, but now maybe not?

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

Well I have always heard that the factory never chromed their wheels and I tend to believe that.

A buddy of mine even has a 40th anniversary car which has what looks for all the world to be chromed wheels. However, upon closer inspection they were actually painted from the factory with a special"chrome look" paint process

DailyDriven'88 · 02-13-2009, 01:46 PM

Get a picture of your buddies fuchs. We can compare up close shots if necessary.

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

On mine they are definately chromed, because there are a couple of areas that the plating has lifted. I will try to get a pic of them. I don't really care if they were factory or not I've started to really like the look they are gorgeous. Just wondering if Porsche ever did this.

Thanks Guys,
Eric

mark houghton · 02-13-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilodawg

Mark, Let's be clear polished to look like chrome not chrome plating correct?

Polished, I believe, but chrome-like shine. I will have to take a closer look tonight when I get home. Might even shoot a picture.

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

Here is a pic of my buddies car. Not Fuchs but twists. The finish is a paint on process from the factory as part of the anniversary package.

Here is a pic of the Fuchs on my old '84. These are polished lips with painted centers I know because I did them myself

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

How did you polish the lip on those Fuchs they turned out beautiful. Is that a difficult DIY project. The wheels on my SC are in pretty sad shape. I would love to Black powdercoat the centers and give it a polished lip like yours, and not spend a bunch of $$$$.
Eric

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

It's not difficult but it takes a bit of time. For original wheels that are still anodized you need to strip the anodizing (Easy-Off oven cleaner in the yellow can), and the painted centers (aircraft stripper works best), then remove defects (if any) with sandpaper going from coarse to fine as necessary, then the polishing process starting with a drill and buffing wheel and using jewelers rouge, first red, then white and culminating with and a very fine polish. I found Mothers Mag wheel polish to be best after I tried several brands. Then I masked and painted the center. If you enjoy working projects like this it's a fun one. All depends on what you like to do in your spare time I guess.

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

Thanks I might give that a try for the SC. Sounds like it is right up my alley. nice stress reliever type job. I imagine getting the anodizing off is going to require some major rubbing! Yours turned out nice.

Eric

Miguel Antonett · 02-15-2009, 03:44 PM

No chrome OEM.

kilodawg · kilodawg's Garage

As long as you use Easy-Off in the yellow can along with the Scotch-Brite type pads you can pick up at any auto paint and body supply store it's not at all bad. Just realize that you will probably have to go over each wheel 2-3 times with it but it can actually go easier than stripping the paint off the centers sometimes.

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

OK ,on the 930 mine are either polished like mirrors or they are chromed. you guys got me wondering now. on the right front I have areas of spotting or some kind of corrosion. It isn't that bad but I figured they were chrome and there was nothing I could do about it. But if they are polished I could buff that crap out. Any way to tell for sure if they are chrome? I realize I need to just take a good pic and put it on here but I am out of town for a few days. I will post a pic when I get back.
Thanks
Eric

e170drvr · e170drvr's Garage

Even better idea, get a set of those gorgeous new Jeff Alton wheels in 9 and 11in. and throw the current ones on the SC! I wonder if 245s will fit the rear of an SC?

Eric

Miguel Antonett · 02-16-2009, 03:14 AM

Hints:
Chrome is a very hard surface but will peel, crack, rust...

Polished would get dull and scratch only w/o cracks or peeling...

PopsRacer · 07-12-2025, 06:57 AM

My rims which appear to be off of a Turbo (7” from, 8” rear) are chromed around the rim. I didn’t even know you could plate chrome over Aluminum. You can see it has pitted over the years as well as flaked off. I have shown it to wheel guys and they agree once they see it.
It does look kind of cool when it’s all shined up, I’d like to refin the wheels but can’t make up my mind between RSR, stock w/anodized lip or try to find someone who can re-do the chrome.