Who has had their fuchs chromed?

princetonprep17 · 04-01-2005, 12:16 PM

I have a few sets of fuchs rims lined up and wanted to know if anyone has had their fuchs chromed? I like the look of the chrome lip and spokes with the black powder coated interior. These are the only fuchs I could find that were what I was looking for http://www.wheelenhancement.com/FuchsC.htm however they want $2k for a set. If I could pick up a set used and just have them chromed for a lot cheaper that's what I would like to do. Has anyone done this? How much did it cost you? How did it turn out? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

livewirevoodoo · livewirevoodoo's Garage

I priced chroming for phone dials, and was quoted around $300/rim... For $1200 I'd rather spend the money on some turbo twists from ebay. I haven't seen anything firsthand from a before/after comparison. A friend who owns a customizing shop gave me the impression that he has been less than pleased with the results he's seen. YMMV. Let us know what you find price wise.

bertman · 04-02-2005, 07:06 AM

Do you really want chrome? Chrome plating does not adhere well to Fuchs. Back in the '80's, a lot of the 911 crowd was chroming Fuchs but they tended to peal badly over time. Besides.... polished Fuchs, while not as "blingy" look better, IMHO.

my924gtc · 04-02-2005, 07:22 AM

I'm with bertman. Polished is more traditional and looks better IMHO. Not to mention that chroming adds weight.

mitsumark · 09:36 AM

Once again,,,

SDGuy · 10:13 AM

Not sure if these would fit, but isn't he a couple of hours from you?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7965864837

princetonprep17 · 04-02-2005, 01:43 PM

Yes SDGuy, he is only about 2 hours from where I live. I realize the chrome plating adds weight but I'm going more for looks with my porsche than full out performance. I have close to 1000hp between my two mustangs so I'm pretty set for my hp buzz. I do like the look of the polished fuchs however I have the cookie cutters right now and the design is close (well 5 spoke with a polished lip anyways). I am not sure what I want to do in regards to rims yet but I just really liked those chromed fuchs in 16s. I am yet to call around, will do that monday and will let you know what I find out!

SDGuy · 04-02-2005, 03:02 PM

I had chromed/red fuchs on my old 1989 930 slantnose cab. They were very sharp, but did start flaking the chrome after a couple of years. Chrome can also lead to slow air leaks.

That said, I chromed the wheels on my kids RAV4 last year and they look great - about $125 per wheel for triple chroming at a local shop. They came out great.

bluebullet · 04-02-2005, 04:30 PM

I hate chrome. Too bling blang (insert the N word here). I work with it all the time (20s and up) and they pit, have blemishes, flake, corrode, you name it. Id rather get mine polished have have to spend the time hitting them up every few days with some Mothers to keep them shiny.

Ferrara_racing · 04-02-2005, 05:23 PM

Hey mitsumark, sweet looking wheels... BUT..get the wax cleaned off of the side marker and stop waxing the numbers on the lense!!

dlearl · dlearl's Garage

My 911SC came with chromed Fuchs with body colored highlights. The chrome is flaking off around the valve stem and a couple of little pin holes that the plater missed. I'd say steer clear of chrome.
Instead, jump over on the 911 forum and do a search for the guy who polishes Fuchs. Get 'em polished and painted. IMHO, polished aluminum alloy is infinitely more beautiful than chrome plating. (and cheaper, too. IIRC, it was ~$125/wheel)

mitsumark · 04-02-2005, 09:18 PM

DannoXYZ · 04-03-2005, 01:53 AM

" Chrome plating does not adhere well to Fuchs"

Chrome-plating does work if done right. If you try to put chrome directly on aluminium, it will flake off eventually, 100% chance of this. Triple-plating is necessary. You lay down copper first, because it sticks to aluminium. Then tin because it sticks to both copper and chrome well. Then chrome on top of the tin.

Here's my Fuchs with polished lips:

princetonprep17 · 04-03-2005, 10:17 AM

I really do like the chrome plating however does anyone have pics of their polished fuchs? I don't mind putting a coat of polish on them once a week. If I like that better than I will def go that route. Has anyone had a problem with their chrome plating themselves or has it all been cars you purchased with these wheels chromed?

bertman · 04-03-2005, 10:35 AM

Pics of polished Fuchs on an 84:

It's a good DIY project if you've got the time and patience.

my924gtc · 04-03-2005, 10:50 AM

You can't tell me that chrome looks any better than this...

Awesome bertman. You did those yourself huh? Kudos.

strath44 · strath44's Garage

I've just bought polished wheel nuts for my Fuchs, any tips for putting them on without damaging / scratching them with my wheel brace? cheers Dave

my924gtc · 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by strath44
I've just bought polished wheel nuts for my Fuchs, any tips for putting them on without damaging / scratching them with my wheel brace? cheers Dave

You can get soft sided sockets for installing your lugs. Performance Products has them I know pn-905871, others might also.

Socket

princetonprep17 · 04-03-2005, 12:23 PM

Wow, if those are polished I will def be polishing a set then. What's the process for polishing a set like that? How long did it take you per wheel? Do you need to seal them with anything like a clear coat or anything?

bertman · 04-03-2005, 12:43 PM

princetonprep17...

if you search here and on the other forum under refinishing Fuchs you should find detailed info and links to instructions. You must thoroughly strip the paint AND anodizing off the wheels and smooth the alloy with progessively finer abrasives then do a final polish with Mother's or similar polishing rouge. No clear coat is necessary if you polish them a couple times each year. As in most such projects, good preparation and sweating the details ensures a good result. It will take several hours for each wheel using hand tools and doing fine sanding/polishing by hand. If you're not prepared for hard work, defer to a polishing shop.