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Q&As since 1989


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Removing Chrome from wheels

I recently purchased some 5 star pony wheels for my 92 mustang. They're factory rims from a GT that was in an accident. I was told that one of the tires mounted to one of the rims was repaired with some sort of liquid used to seal flat tires. The person that used this liquid was unaware that it shouldn't be used on chrome wheels because it causes the chrome to peel. Now I'm stuck with a peeling rim that allows the air to escape from the tire, so every other week I have a flat. I had it sealed but it really didn't last long. I was advised to either get the chrome removed from the area where the tire is mounted or get the entire rim redipped in chrome. What would be the best solution? What type of shop should I take it to to be serviced?

Sheila Boyd
buyer - Chesapeake, VA
October 7, 2008

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Hi , the only solution I can suggest is to have the tyre removed and take the wheel to a metal finishing company to have the wheel stripped - chrome , nickel and copper , then re-polished and re - plated .

Unfortunately you cannot just re plate the peeling area .

You might want to find out the cost of brand new wheel or a good second hand one because the cost of re plating your wheel could be expensive ! unfortunately it is more technical than just 're-dipping' it.

hope this helps,

Jay Smith
- Essex, UK
October 9, 2008