Is He Asking Too Much For Fuchs 16x7+9

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

I'm watching this auction on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=8074915546&sspa gename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

and am curious if the pricing is out of line? I'm looking to get a set, chrome/black with tires. The total package to SoCal from this guy would most likely run about 2300 (with tires); is that a fair amount or is it on the high side? I know it's not a 'deal', but i'm curious if it's the 'market price' for these.

Jeff

asphaltgambler · 06-16-2006, 06:34 AM

Mine were / are in that price range but they were finished by one the best guys and brand new. I also traded my old 6-7's in so that cushioned the $$ SOMEWHAT.

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Some people feel strongly that chroming weakens the Alloy.

charleskieffner · 06-16-2006, 07:17 AM

MINE ARE BRAND NEW AND POLISHED OUTERS/BLACK CENTERS FROM JASON CULLEN! your right there about on price if they are new! NEW IS NICE! NEW ARE STRAIGHT! NEW DONT HAVE CURB RASH! NEW ARE CLEAN...............its a clean machine!

asphaltgambler · 06-16-2006, 08:07 AM

Dissaggree on chrome weakening any metal. There is no substantial heat or stress place on the metal part. Never had issue with any other chrome plated part. Just makes good sense on a street car if you want a shiny finish that lasts.

06-16-2006, 08:54 AM

Polished finish last just fine with minor maintenance. Chroming fuchs is a good way to hide defects such as pits and cracks. I would NEVER buy chromed Fuchs and advise against it.

06-16-2006, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
Polished finish will last just fine with minor maintenance. Chroming fuchs is a good way to hide defects such as pits and cracks. I would NEVER buy chromed Fuchs and advise against it.

asphaltgambler · 06-16-2006, 09:52 AM

Again; I dissaggree. I have built and owned many street-rods and Harley's. I have also done my share of metal polishing. I can tell you that I do prefer the look of polished aluminum but it starts to oxidize almost as soon as you quit wiping.

Most of my vehicles that had polished wheels or other parts were weekend toys. I could notice a difference in a weeks time in the finish and would have to "bring the shine out" before riding/driving. Believe
me there is nothing minor about keeping that shine on the wheels. Lots' of work'

If I told you who chromed mine, you might have a different opinion.

ianc · 06-16-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

can tell you that I do prefer the look of polished aluminum but it starts to oxidize almost as soon as you quit wiping.

Not if it's anodized.

Although I can't furnish you with specific proof, I too have often heard that chroming aluminum can weaken the alloy metallurgically. Not only that, it just looks like crap. Once you do this to a set of Fuchs, they are basically ruined. But that's just me...

ianc

06-16-2006, 11:10 AM

I stripped and polished these wheels myself two years before this pic was taken. I never did anything past wash and dry during that time. It just wasn't required. Polishing, if done correctly will require very little aftercare. I've done 3 complete sets of Fuchs and have had the same experience with all.

Chromed Fuchs are nearly always suspect and I repeat, I would never buy a chromed set. I think most people on the board will agree. It kills their value.

charleskieffner · 06-16-2006, 11:26 AM

damn those look good! foaming at mouth for exactly what you did from jason cullen/al reed coming inbound via UPS. and my cab is red also! wow they hurt my eyes they look so good. what is your secret polishing compound?

jeffrey2 · jeffrey2's Garage

Charles, you paid about 2300 delivered for all new wheels & tires?

charleskieffner · 06-16-2006, 11:33 AM

NEW FUCHS WHEELS ONLY POLISHED W/BLACK CENTERS. 7 and 9's brand new jason cullen here on pelican. not used not refinished but NEW UNUSED WHEELS no tires for a little less. if you want COOL FACTOR OF '10" you must pay!

rnln · 07:40 PM

Chrome crack wheels?
hohohoho... hahahahahahahahahhaaaaaaa
It is like saying, I am an asian and my english writing isn't well; therefore all asian people don't speak english well. Rediculous.

Whoever own polished aluminum wheel will know the shiny polish won't last long AT ALL. You will have to work on it to maintain the polish.

Another thing about polish. If your wheels are too old and bad and oxidized, you will have to sand the surface down to polish it. Will sanding the surface down weaken the wheel a bit? The answer is yes.

RayM · 06-16-2006, 08:39 PM

I agree with Mark. Besides the maintenance being a non issue why would you want to put a hard chrome finish on top of a nice forged wheel and that chrome will add weight and possibly chip as well. A high quality wheel with chrome is one of my pet peeves - makes no sense to me. Not to get off track but I am Asian also, and my English is good but I can't make heads or tails of the analogy above in either language?!

Mark I got my (formerly yours) seats. Thanks

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Do a search on hydrogen embrittlement. It is the mettalurgical reason for POSSIBLE weakening/cracking of parent metal as a result of chroming. It is particularly a concern for welded parts. I am not a metallurgist but I AM the construction quality manager for a major transportation agency.

Personally, I do not like and in general most in the hobby don't prefer chromed Fuchs. You may or may not agree with that summary but I think I am accurate in making it. If you like chromed Fuchs and are willing to take a chance - its your money.

I'd buy Fuchs and have Al Reed (or Harvey or Jason Cullen) polish and clear anodize them, period!

ianc · 06-16-2006, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Chrome crack wheels?
hohohoho... hahahahahahahahahhaaaaaaa

Yep.

ianc

rnln · 06-17-2006, 12:08 AM

Dan, ianc,
honestly, I don't like chrome wheels that much either but depend on the wheel and the car (style) the chrome wheels put on.
As for Chrome Fuch, I always like polish Fuch better IF the polish last (keep the shine as well as chrome). As far as chrome crack wheels.. ummm.. you are in CA, you can see million of chrome wheels out there. I personally had several chrome wheels in the past and those wheels last yearssss without problem.
If someone said their wheels were cracked after getting chrome because blah blah some reaction happend, then I buy it. Not chrome will crack wheels.

charleskieffner · 06-17-2006, 04:03 AM

when you have black inserts and polished wheels, what is the best method of care for them. use vaseline as per porsche book? mothers? or just wash and dry ????? everything gets blown w/air compressor than throughly dried, due to water hardness here off the scale!

06-17-2006, 05:36 AM

Vaseline works well for the original anodized finish. I never did more that wash and dry my polished wheels. Mother's mag polish was always the last step when I did a strip/polish. It works well and would be good for occasional maintenance.