Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chrome on billet aluminum, does it last ?

Hello, my name is Ron. I am inquiring about how long chrome will last on billet aluminum wheels. I have heard that it is only good for 2 or 3 years. is this true/ correct?

The reason for my question is that I am putting together a very nice Suburban with Boyd Coddington 18" billet wheels for my mother. (yeah I know it's going to be about the coolest looking Grandma mobile around). but I know that my Dad isn't going to keep them polished like they should be,(too fat and lazy ;) ), so I would like to get them chromed, but not if it is only going to hold up for a couple of years...

Thank you in advance for your time and knowledge,

Sincerly Ron Stephen

Ron Stephen
- Orange, Calif, USA
2003

Chroming aluminum is expensive and almost un-doable. The centers must be cut out of the rims. And the rim and center polished and plated separately, then welded back together from behind. The alternative is to find a plating shop that plates the wheels horizontally and has special nickel and chrome anodes. Then if you get all this done at no cheap price running up against a curb will bugger it all up. Easier just to keep them polished.

Mark Hunter
- NSW, Australia
2003