Recommendations for chrome wheel restoration

[jason t]

Hello,

I have the 5 original chrome steel wheels that need to be restored. Recommendations for wheel restoration companies would be appreciated.

I want the wheel restoration to be performed correctly and the cheapest price is not my goal, proper restoration is.

Thanks


Jason

[Jaems]

The problem will be that the US chromer's use a different method or formula that the German. You can tell by just looking at them. The German's chrome has a slight black cast to it, compared to the US flashy chrome. I do not know of any US chrome companies that do the German process.

[djdsc]

Bolton's in So Calif.

[Fixer]

don't know where you're located but Paul's is very good.
Home

[Fixer]

Originally Posted by Jaems

The problem will be that the US chromer's use a different method or formula that the German. You can tell by just looking at them. The German's chrome has a slight black cast to it, compared to the US flashy chrome. I do not know of any US chrome companies that do the German process.

I believe the US tri-chrome decorative chroming method is better and therefore looks flashy. If that flashy bugs, one could take the shine off a bit for an aged look.

Most auto wheels cost $250 -$450 per wheel.

[peter leinberge]

Originally Posted by Fixer

I believe the US tri-chrome decorative chroming method is better and therefore looks flashy. If that flashy bugs, one could take the shine off a bit for an aged look.

Most auto wheels cost $250 -$450 per wheel.

Nah, it'll still not look "OE".
You can check by holding an original disc brake hubcap up next to the re-chromed wheel.
Jaems is spot-on, and the new chromin'...ain't. (voice of experience speaking here)
Maybe Stoddard's process is like the factory's.
Good luck!

Practically rechroming these early wheels will give a disappointing result in the long term. It's part of the galvanic chroming process that the chrome will not reach deep into the seam of the wheel. Although looking good when just rechromed, rust will come up soon.

Basically the wheels should be split, parts rechromed and welded together again. Apart from what you have to pay for it, who has the experience and the skills to do this job?

In other words, find a set of NOS wheels or just paint or coat the wheels you have.

Otto

[pelon]

Basically the wheels should be split, parts rechromed and welded together again. Apart from what you have to pay for it, who has the experience and the skills to do this job?

This is how Bolton's does it, and the results for me were excellent.
Mark

Sorry Mark, It wasn't clear to me that Bolton's does it in that way.

Otto

[Fixer]

If you look at old factory wheels, the chrome is better in certain areas [as mentioned due to process] than the tougher areas.

Overthinking every step of a build or restoration is a sure way to never finish.

Send em off to Paul's

[jason t]

Thanks for the replies, it is much appreciated. I will get in touch with Bolton's and investigate their process.

[Jaems]

I believe the US tri-chrome decorative chroming method is better and therefore looks flashy. If that flashy bugs, one could take the shine off a bit for an aged look.

The German process just has a richer look, than the flashy American process.

[Fixer]

Another way to go would be to by new from Stoddard for $450 in chrome.http://www.*************/catalogsearch/result/?q=steel+wheels
These are made in the USA and look as good as factory to me.

BTW, There is no 'German' chrome, it was simply done diferently 50 years ago. Metallurgical processes change.

The only options new for these wheels are the Chinese knock offs which bend and Stoddard's triple chrome US method or painted $450/$350.

[Brett Voigt]

I'm in the same boat. Any idea what Paul charges? I have a set of 4 15x5.5" lemmerz from 68' that I'd like to get de-chromed, then powdercoated. I'm driving from NJ to Chicago early december and could maybe drop them off on my way out and pick them up on the way back.

[Fixer]

Originally Posted by Brett Voigt

I'm in the same boat. Any idea what Paul charges? I have a set of 4 15x5.5" lemmerz from 68' that I'd like to get de-chromed, then powdercoated. I'm driving from NJ to Chicago early december and could maybe drop them off on my way out and pick them up on the way back.

You want them silver and not chrome? What condition is the chrome in? A tough as nails paint like DuPont Imron would be a better choice than powder coat for wheels. If your chrome is OK and you'd like to paint them they'd simply need to be scuffed well [320-400 gt], metal etched, epoxy primer'd and painted.

[jason t]

Is Bolton still in business? I sen them an email and never back from them. Anyone deal with them recently? contact info?

Thanks

[pelon]

I don't know if they are still in business but I do know that are pretty old school and you will probably have better luck making a phone call to them if they are still around.

310-763-6621 or 310-538-5046

My last contact with them was August of last year and I did my business in person. I do know that they had wheels that were shipped to them from all over the country, both porsche and hot rod wheels.

Mark

[jason t]

Originally Posted by pelon

I don't know if they are still in business but I do know that are pretty old school and you will probably have better luck making a phone call to them if they are still around.

310-763-6621 or 310-538-5046

My last contact with them was August of last year and I did my business in person. I do know that they had wheels that were shipped to them from all over the country, both porsche and hot rod wheels.

Mark

Thx Pelon

[yapolol]

for proper rechrome, you could check out CalChrome which is based in california. If youre in socal i recommend them. I think that you can also ship stuff to them to get it processed.

https://calchrome.com/chrome-electro-plate/