New Rims Need Fixin'

[Counted Out]

So my new rims (to me, bought used) came in, and 3 of the 4 center caps had the chrome flaking off. So I went and bought some "chrome" spray paint. From a distance it actually does somewhat match the rest of the rim, but from up close you can clearly see the difference. I also tried painting one of them a gloss black - now I don't know which one I like more.

Before:
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/JemEnglert/DSC00285.jpg
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/JemEnglert/DSC00286.jpg

"Chrome" Spray Paint:
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/JemEnglert/DSC00298.jpg

Gloss Black Spray Paint:
http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/JemEnglert/DSC00299.jpg

[MeanGreen94Z]

personally the chrome paint looks 10x better lol

[Counted Out]

Would spraying a clear coat over the "chrome" add shine, or take away from the shine? I know with most colors it adds shine, but I've been told with metallic colors it can take away from it.

[KissMyWhtSS]

I'd get them professionally redone.

[BLOWNDFIZ]

I'd get them professionally redone.

Definitely, you will never be happy with the painted centers, they will ALWAYS bother you.

[Counted Out]

How much do you think that would cost to have them re-chromed?

I've seen the chrome powder come out looking really nice, and I mite be able to get that done at a discount. Anyone have opinions on that?

[KissMyWhtSS]

How much do you think that would cost to have them re-chromed?

I've seen the chrome powder come out looking really nice, and I mite be able to get that done at a discount. Anyone have opinions on that?Talk to a wheel finishing company in your area, look for them on yahoo or in the phone book.

[crows93z]

if you don't have the money to get them professionally repaired, i would just take the chrome peeling down to bare metal and just polish the center caps real well. it won't look too bad that way.

[BluBeaSSt]

Re-chroming usually inst cheap at all. Just see if you cant buy new caps.

[bricez28]

i might be able to get the nickel plated for you
are they steel? they will look just like chrome. youll hafta strip them tho...

[Counted Out]

Re-chroming usually inst cheap at all. Just see if you cant buy new caps.
I talked to Cragar and they no longer make the caps, but he says the caps from the Cragar SS rims will fit with slight modification.


i might be able to get the nickel plated for you
are they steel? they will look just like chrome. youll hafta strip them tho...
They are actually aluminum I think.

[BluBeaSSt]

I talked to Cragar and they no longer make the caps, but he says the caps from the Cragar SS rims will fit with slight modification.


They are actually aluminum I think.

From the looks of the pictures there Steel, if they are Aluminum just have them sanded down and re-polished.

[Counted Out]

From the looks of the pictures there Steel, if they are Aluminum just have them sanded down and re-polished.
I can't say for sure (I can't tell), but all of Cragars new caps are aluminum so I figured they'd be the same.

[BluBeaSSt]

I can't say for sure (I can't tell), but all of Cragars new caps are aluminum so I figured they'd be the same.

Easiest way to find out is see if a magnet will stick to them, if it does it's plated steel....or hell it could be plastic...

[Bowtie4Life]

deffinatly not the black, the rattle can chrome looks better, and go ahead and try it with some clear, it might come out looking good, and if it doesn't, them just sand them back down and you're only out some time and like 5 bucks.

[Counted Out]

deffinatly not the black, the rattle can chrome looks better, and go ahead and try it with some clear, it might come out looking good, and if it doesn't, them just sand them back down and you're only out some time and like 5 bucks.
I've been told a clear coat actually makes the chrome powdercoat look less shiny - so I was assuming it would be the same with the rattle can chrome. Also, I was sanding down one of the caps and wasn't paying attention so now one of my caps says "ragar".

I'll keep you guys updated with what I do, and what the cap is actually made of. This site is much smaller than other sites I asked on, but I got nearly twice as much help. :claps: