Fuchs finish question

[shbop]

I've got a set of chromed Fuchs. Unfortunately the chrome is not great. Can these be stripped of the plating, or is re-chroming the best option.

[TxSquash]

Same question.
Mine just have chrome rims, which are shot. Can a DIY strip the chrome then polish? Or do they have to be drop into a vat of some kind of goo to get the chrome off.

thanks

[KFC911]

Are you guys sure your Fuchs are chrome, and not simply polished or the stock anodized finish? The outer 1/2" lips on my stock Fuchs had a lot of road rash, so I sanded the anodized coating off (in many stages, which was a royal PITA with lots of effort) and polished just the outer lips. I really like the results.

[rfn026]

I don't think I've ever seen chromed Fuchs. Where are these things coming from?

Richard

[KFC911]

Originally posted by rfn026
I don't think I've ever seen chromed Fuchs. Where are these things coming from?

Richard

That's why I asked my question, I'm betting they're not chromed afterall. From what I've read, the chroming process weakens the wheels and is undesirable.

[stormmaster]

Lots of people have chrome Fuchs....it is not something I like but many do, it is said to weaken the wheel...but I don't know for sure, Your best bet would be to contact Al Reed, or Harvey Weideman (do a search for wheel finishes or something) and ask them what you can do....I don't think I have ever read a DIY about the possibilities. My lips are polished....not quite as shiney as chrome, but much easier to care for and it won't flake off. You might also be able to check with a local wheel repair facility to see if they could strip the chrome off for you....Good luck

[shbop]

So does anyone know if they can be stripped? Or is re-plating the only option?

[holtjv]

Originally posted by stormmaster
My lips are polished....

you might want to edit your post--never know when it will show up on a search, and so forth...

[nineoneone]

Stormmaster like your wheels, same as mine. Here is a simple way to strip the coating off, (trust me) take some P.V.C. pipe cleaner, try it on a small area on the inside the wheel until you see how easy the stuff falls off. don't know if it works on the chrome but it will remove all the plastic coating put on by Porsche. I also did my cookie cutters and just wipe them off, they look good. I have not done the Fuch's yet but plan to, remember be careful because it will loosen it up with just a little. The cans come with a dauber and once you get started you can (like )paint it on. but don't get it on anything you don't want to strip.

[pu911]

Chrome plating can be stripped and wheels can be refinished.
Phil

[TxSquash]

Phil,.... what do you strip the chrome off with? Chemical, manual? Has anybody done this, and can give us some more info.

[pu911]

I don't do this myself I would contact one of the wheel refinishers.
Phil

[JakeTheSnake]

Chrome wheels can be stripped with chemicals (although I've seen them removed manually). The best method is with chemicals.

A chrome person would be your best option, I've seen dozens of fuchs in chrome.

The chemicals are not those you can purchase in your local HD or AutoZone. You must take them to a professional.

Hope this helps,

[shbop]

Anyone know if you can sand-blast or bead blast them??

[JakeTheSnake]

Originally posted by shbop
Anyone know if you can sand-blast or bead blast them??

Not going to work..... you may end up doing more damage than good even if you got some of it off.....

Problem with chrome wheels is that the bead area needs to be free of any defects. Once water has time to settle in that groove and stand for a while they start having issues.....

[pu911]

Jon,
Chrome is much harder than the base metal of wheel (aluminum). it is also more resistant to many chemicals. I would let a pro strip them. I think there are some concerns over how the chrome plating can change the metallurgy of the AL as well.
Phil