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  4. Chrome Wheels

Chrome Wheels

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  • Subaru Wheel Torque Settings

    Car wheels sometimes have two settings -- one for chrome wheels and one without. Learn about Subaru wheel torque settings with help from an expert in the automotive industry in this free video on auto repair.

  • How to Get Salt Scuff Marks Off of a Chrome Wheel

    Chrome is an integral part of any classic car or vintage bicycle. The lustrous, mirror-like finish that chrome gives a piece of metal exudes timeless attitude and an expensive appearance. Because chrome is thinly plated onto a metal surface, it must be looked after and cared for over the years. Road salt, dirt and other grime can cause scuffing and scratching on your chrome wheels, leaving them looking gray and dull. With some light cleaning and a few household supplies, you can bring back your chrome's original shine.

  • How to Restore Scratched Chrome Wheels

    Many wheels have chrome finish over the wheel hubcaps or rims for a shiny, polished look. Over time, this finish can scratch and wear off, leaving the car looking worn and beat-up. While replacing a true chrome finish is nearly impossible for home repair, it is possible to remove the current finish and spray chrome paint over the top surface of the wheel rims to refresh the chrome look and remove signs of scratches. Complete this restoration on a warm, sunny day for best results.

  • How to Take Pitted Chrome Off of Metal

    Age and weathering are the primary causes of pitting in a chrome-finished surface. Pitting occurs as a result of corrosion. This tends to occur at an accelerated rate in snowy locations due to the salt and ice melting chemicals that are applied to the roadways. You can also see accelerated pitting in coastal regions, where the sea salt becomes vaporized and airborne. You can remove the corroded, pitted chrome by hand. A small amount of the chrome plating will come off during this process, but a bit of buffing can restore the surface sheen, giving it a decent, shiny appearance.…

  • How to Stop Chrome Flaking

    Chrome can begin flaking because of various reasons. Some of the reasons include cheap chrome plating, weather, rust underneath the chrome, salt water and damage to the chrome itself. Flaking or peeling chrome must be repaired very carefully to prevent the chrome from flaking worse. The chrome can be repaired by applying a clear metal epoxy underneath the flaking chrome. The clear epoxy will seal the chrome back to the surface and prevent future flaking or peeling.

  • How to Make Chrome Shine

    Often used as an accent on cars and appliances, chrome is a soft metal, usually applied in very thin layers. Though soft and easily scratched, chrome adds shine and style. Thankfully, cleaning it is easy and requires no expensive polishes or special cleaners, though those are certainly available.

  • How to Paint My Steelies

    In order to apply paint to steel wheels and ensure that it doesn't flake off, it is important to properly prepare the wheels prior to their being mounted on your vehicle. If the wheels are already mounted, have tires on them and have been driven, then the process is considerably more difficult, but still can be done.

  • How to Darken Chrome

    While chrome itself cannot be darkened, it is possible to apply a tint over the top of the chrome to darken the appearance of the metal. Accomplish this using a chrome black-out spray paint kit available from your local automotive parts store. This product is offered by Dupli-Color and involves a two-step paint process.

  • How to Get Oxidation Off Chrome

    Oxidation on chrome is often found on chrome rims on cars. Oxidation leads to rust on the chrome. No matter how good your chrome is, it will eventually rust over time. It is possible to get the oxidation off the chrome and restore the original look. There are a few detailed steps involved in helping to restore the chrome on your rims, and with a few materials, you can have those old rims looking brand new in no time.

  • How to Peel Chrome Wheels

    If the chrome finish on your wheels starts to flake and peel, you can fix the problem by removing the chrome finish altogether. If your chrome finish is peeling, it was not actually plated in chrome, but rather painted with a chrome-like shiny plastic coating. When this peels away, the best thing to do is remove it completely and add a new chrome finish or apply chrome plating to the wheels.

  • How to Remove Chrome Plating Off of Alloy Wheels

    Many aluminum alloy wheels have a shiny chrome finish plated onto the wheels. Over time, factors such as salt, moisture and general wear and tear can cause pits and other scratches in the surface of chrome-plated wheels. You can fix these problems by removing the chrome plating and refinishing the wheels with a new coating of chrome or another paint or finish. Removing the chrome plating is not a difficult process, but it will take several days to complete all four wheels.

  • How to Fix Peeling Black Chrome

    Black chrome is an accessory that comes with many cars. It can often be found on the rims and the grill of the car. If the black chrome on your car is peeling, don't worry -- you can do something about it. To keep it from peeling further until you can get your rims or grill re-chromed, you can apply a silicone sealant. This will keep the chrome stable.

  • What Is a Chrome Reverse Wheel?

    A reverse wheel is another term for a reverse rim. A rim (also known as a wheel or wheel rim) is the metal structure a tire is fitted around before being mounted on a car or other vehicle.

  • When Is It Time to Replace the Chrome Wheels on My Car?

    Chrome wheels are a common aesthetic upgrade to cars and trucks. There is no performance advantage to chrome wheels, and steel, as well as alloy wheels,can have chrome finishes.

  • How to Fix Peeling on Chrome-Plated Wheels

    Chrome plated wheels are found on a lot of cars. One of the biggest eyesores that your car can have is peeling chrome. If your car has chrome that is peeling from the wheels, there are several things that you can do to remedy the problem. Sealing the wheels is one of the best ways to keep the peeling from spreading across the entire wheel. You don't have to be an auto-body expert to do this, but you will need to have access to the relevant equipment.

  • How to Paint Chrome Wheels Black

    Chrome is a type of metallic plating or paint that is frequently used on automobiles and motorcycles. It is shiny and reflective -- a look that some people dislike and so try to change by painting over it. But unless the correct process is followed, the paint will peel and chip off. With some time and effort, chrome can be painted over with quality results.

  • Corrosion Prevention for Ford Aluminum Wheels

    Aluminum wheels are a common upgrade for many vehicles. Alloy wheels are light, strong and look great. They can even add to a vehicle's value, making it all the more important that they are cleaned and maintained properly.

  • How to Fix Up a PT Cruiser

    There are reality shows dedicated to customizing cars and motorcycles all over cable television. Any car can be customized. Not many provide the artistic canvas the PT Cruiser does. The PT Cruiser is Chrysler's homage to cars of the past. It was a bold move to introduce this design in a market where sleek, aerodynamic designs have been most popular. When the PT Cruiser was introduced, it was so popular that early models were on back order from the manufacturer.

  • What Is a Geartronic Transmission?

    The Geartronic transmission is a specific transmission brand that is commonly found in Volvo vehicles. It was designed to provide performance and flexibility similar to Porsche's Tiptronic transmission system. Both Geartronic and Tiptronic are manumatic transmission systems. Manumatic transmissions combine features of both an automatic and a manual transmission. Geartronic gearbox kits are available for adaptation into a number of different performance vehicles.

  • How to Re-Chrome Car Rims

    Chrome wheel rims are a great way to add character to your vehicle. Through normal wear and tear, though, chrome rims will become scratched, and possibly even chipped, from small rocks from the road. Repairing scratches and gashes yourself on your chrome rims is a simple procedure that will save you money, and takes no longer than an hour to accomplish in your driveway.

  • How to Repair Chrome Wheels

    Chrome is a popular finish for the metal part of the wheels on cars. This process of finishing leaves you with a shiny, bold wheel but unfortunately, like any finish, it can suffer damage from exposure and impact. If your chrome wheels get damaged by running into a curb or if you are involved in a small fender bender, you will need to repair them as soon as possible to prevent the chrome from falling off. You can easily keep minor damage to your chrome in-check by performing a simple repair and maintenance routine.

  • Volvo V50 Performance

    The Volvo V50 sport wagon was first released to the public in 2003. A car designed for the family, it has a powerful turbocharged engine and a state-of-the-art electronic transmission.

  • How to Clean Older Chrome Wheels

    Many people choose to customize their vehicles with chrome wheels. Over time the weather, dirt, debris and minerals on the road begin to build up on the chrome and make them less shiny and less attractive. Cleaning the chrome on your older chrome wheels takes a few supplies found in your kitchen and will make the rims look like new.

  • How to Clean Chrome Valve Covers

    Chrome is a metal electrically plated with chromium to give it shine, and it can turn a crowded engine compartment into something worth admiring. Valve covers are large metal pieces that sit on top of a car's engine valves; they're usually located centrally under the hood. Chrome valve covers are replacement parts that shine with the familiar bright silver color of chrome. Of course, engine compartments are dirty places. To get the full effect of chrome valve covers, they must be cleaned regularly.

  • How to Clean Extremely Stained Wheels

    Wheels can become extremely stained if you allow brake dust to remain on them for extended periods of time. The brake dust will leave a yellow and black stain on wheels that can be difficult to remove. Wheels also can be stained and corroded by road salt and cinders used in harsh winter climates to treat icy roads. You can purchase specialized cleaning products from auto parts stores to clean your wheels or you can use common household products to remove the stains.

  • How to Clean Chrome-Clad Wheels

    Chrome car parts are electrically plated (or "clad") with a thin layer of chromium, which gives them their bright shine. Beneath the chromium there is always another material, since pure chrome is too soft for constructing wheels. Chrome has long been a popular material for car detailing, due to its bright shine and its resistance to heat. Chrome wheels, however, quickly lose their shine as road dirt builds up on them. Rust is also always a worry with chrome surfaces. There are several ways to clean chrome-clad wheels, depending on how dirty they are.

  • How to Clean Chrome Alloy Wheels

    Chrome, which gives vehicle wheels a bright, silvery shine, is made of a relatively soft metal called chromium. To get around chromium's softness, it is often alloyed with or electrically plated onto harder metals to produce parts such as wheels. Although chrome is durable and heat-resistant, it is vulnerable to rust; it will also lose its shine quickly as it gets caked with road dirt. Keeping chrome-alloy wheels clean will let their color shine through and protect them against premature rusting. There are several easy ways to clean chrome.

  • How to Recondition, Refurbish & Remove Corrosion From Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels have been very popular over the years due to their bright shiny appearance. However, they may become dirty, corroded or dinged up from daily driving, which detracts from their aesthetically pleasing shine and luster. Chrome wheels can also rust over time, which may weaken their structural integrity. Reconditioning and refurbishing the wheels will bring your wheels back to their original luster and even protect them from damage due to rust and corrosion.

  • How to Secure Wheel Covers to the Rim

    Wheel covers can also be referred to as hubcaps. These discs fit over the center of a vehicle's tire and can be made out of different materials such as plastic and metal. The covers are used both to give added protection to the wheel and to help improve the look of the car. Wheel covers can often become worn and damaged through use. When this occurs you should look to replace them. Changing the wheel covers is a simple process and should only take a few minutes.

  • How to Fix Corrosion on an Aluminum Car Wheel

    Aluminum wheels take a lot of abuse from road debris, harsh weather conditions, water and contaminants. Corrosion and oxidation will eventually form on aluminum wheels and damage the wheels if it is not promptly dealt with. The sooner you address the problem, the easier the task will be. The basic tool for removing corrosion is elbow grease. Once the corrosion has been successfully removed, polishing, waxing and routine cleaning will keep the wheels safe from future corrosion problems.

  • How to Protect Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels can become damaged by a number of factors. Natural elements, as well as road solvents or brake dust, damage the chrome on a vehicle's wheels. There is a quick, simple method to clean and protect chrome wheels. This inexpensive and simple process can be completed using household materials that you may already have in your garage. When finished, your chrome wheels will have a shiny new look and an added degree of protection against damaging elements.

  • How to Repair Salt-Pitted Chrome Wheels

    In areas that receive a lot of snowfall during the winter months, main roads are often salted to hasten the melting of the snow and make driving safer. This salt mixes with the melted snow and dirt, creating a sludge that can wreak havoc on your car's chrome wheels or details. Salt deposits are especially harmful to chrome, as they are a direct cause of chrome pitting--small porelike holes that form on a chrome wheel's surface. If you know what you're doing, you can easily remove mild pitting using household materials.

  • How to Recondition Rims

    Rims make a flashy addition to any vehicle. However, no car looks its best when its rims are dirty or fogged. Reconditioning rims is a simple and inexpensive process that takes only a few basic cleaning supplies. You may have most of them already available in your home or garage, but any of the materials needed can easily be purchased at an auto supply store.

  • PT Cruiser Ground Effects

    Chrysler's PT Cruiser comes with a unique look, but you can find ground effects kits to differentiate the look of your PT Cruiser from those with stock body parts, making your car look more aerodynamic or sportier as you like. Some ground effects kits for the PT Cruiser make the car look more like a throwback to older cars.

  • How to Help Chrome Rim Pitting

    Chrome rims are the brightest rims on the automotive market. When they're clean, chrome rims shine with a mirror finish. The bad thing about chrome is that the surface is prone to pitting, or tiny spots of surface rust. The pits on a chrome rim can't be washed or polished away; the only way to help chrome rim pitting is to gently remove the pits and apply polish for a bright finish.

  • How to Clean Corrosion From My Tahoe Wheels

    The alloy wheels on your Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle (SUV) can lose their protective coating over time, leaving them susceptible to corrosion and pitting. If the corrosion sets in for too long, the wheel can become damaged to such an extent that it needs professional resurfacing or replacement. Regularly cleaning your wheels can help prevent corrosion from setting in. Wheel polishes can help remove corrosion in most spots, and a spray-on finish can give your wheels some protection against future instances of corrosion.

  • Tips on Installing Chrome Wheel Covers

    Wheel covers are also known as hubcaps. These round disks fit over the center of a vehicle's tires and can be fabricated out of various metals. Chrome is a popular choice due to its affordable price and visual appeal. Chrome wheel covers can be installed in a matter of minutes.

  • How to Remove Small Pits in Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels are shiny and reflective while new, but after a few years of being driven on the road, they can become dull and pitted. Salt and other grime and debris from the roadways can cause chrome to develop small pits, which can become filled with rust. Large pits may be impossible to repair without re-chroming the wheels, but small pits can sometimes be removed by a sanding process. If done correctly, the chrome wheels can look almost new again.

  • How to Identify 1956 Buick Models

    1956 was an important year for the auto industry, as it was beginning to break away from stodgy older designs and adding more horsepower. All 1956 General Motors models have similar styling, but each brand has its trademarks, including Buick. According to a price listing found on The Classic Buick, the lineup for 1956 featured variations within series numbers 40, 50, 60 and 70. Each model is a slight variation of the overall theme and all 1956 Buicks are easily identified both visually and by decoding the vehicle identification number.

  • Compare the Volvo V50 & the Volvo V70

    Volvo's station wagons are known for their reliability, safety and their cavernous cargo capacity. In the 1970s and 1980s, only one wagon was offered--brick-shaped versions of the 140 sedan, which evolved over the years into the 240, 740 and 940. Volvo's current lineup includes two station wagons that share similar styling. One doesn't have to be a lifelong car spotter to tell the difference between the compact V50 and mid-size V70, however.

  • Specs of a 2007 Charger Super Bee

    The 2007 Dodge Charger SRT-8 Super Bee is a modern American muscle car that might be most notable for its eye-catching exterior. The car is available in “Detonator Yellow” and comes with a black hood as well as a black deck-lid face.

  • How to Repair Chrome Wheel Rims

    Many things can cause damage to chrome wheels, such as accidents, chemical deterioration and salt rust. The best way to keep chrome rims looking nice is to maintain them diligently. General upkeep such as washing them frequently will prevent most damage caused by the environment. Car experts recommend that people living in the northern states purchase a second set of wheels -- not chrome wheels -- for poor weather periods such as winter to best keep your chrome wheels looking nice. If damage does occur to your car's chrome wheels, in most cases, it can be fixed.

  • 1969 Camaro RS/SS Specs

    1969 was the final year for the first generation of Chevrolet's well received and popular Camaro. The Rally Sport/Super Sport model, just one of many 69 Camaro variations in GM's stable, was both powerful and attractive.

  • How to Install Chrome Wheel Covers

    Installing chrome wheel covers is exactly the same as installing plastic ones. Mounting the covers is an easy process, and the only things you will need are a screwdriver and a steel retention ring, which should have been sold with the hubcaps. Once properly installed, these covers should never pop or fall off the car. Installing chrome covers on all four wheels should only take a few minutes.

  • How to Fix Chrome Wheels

    You can experience a variety of problems with your chrome wheels, some of which will call for you to replace the chrome. If you are experiencing problems because of dirt or peeling, in some cases it is possible to fix the chrome wheels yourself rather than replace them.

  • How to Restore Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels can need restoring for a number of reasons. Road salt or brake dust builds up on your wheels over time, making them appear stained or dingy. Thankfully there are easy steps that will restore your chrome wheels and protect them from other corrosive materials. The process can be repeated weekly or bi-weekly to keep your wheels looking shiny and new.

  • How to Recondition Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels are a great addition to any vehicle. Unfortunately, they can become dingy and damaged for a number of reasons. Whether the wheels are suffering from weather damage or just too long an interval since their previous cleaning, there is a simple and inexpensive way to recondition any chrome wheel. With a few materials and a little time, you can give your car a new, shiny look along with an added degree of protection from dirt and debris.

  • How to Pick Rims

    Rims, wheels, alloys---whatever you want to call them, they are the most noticeable aspects of your car and are one of the most common changes car enthusiasts (and car owners in general) make. There are also performance advantages that can come with installing a different set of wheels, including less weight and wider tires, both which will improve your vehicle's handling.

  • Chrome Wheels Vs. Polished Aluminum

    Alloy car and truck wheels come in a variety of finishes, including chromed, polished, painted and powdercoated to name a few of the alternatives. Chrome and polished aluminum finishes are two of the most popular and common finishes and can actually look quite similar. While both have their good and bad points, both can be effective looks for an alloy wheel.

  • Chrome Wheel Problems

    Chrome wheels have graduated to the big time. Once the exclusive province of young hotshots and "Fast and the Furious" wannabes, these wheels are now appreciated and used by a broad spectrum of auto enthusiasts. The shine of the wheels complements any custom job and can add resale value to a car on the market. The news isn't all good, though. Chrome wheels come with their fair share of problems that any potential customer should be aware of.

  • How to Get the Oxidation Off Chrome Wheels

    Chrome oxidizes over time and begins to develop rust spots. The higher quality the chrome is on your chrome wheels, the more it will resist oxidization, but it will rust sooner or later. Oxidized chrome can be handled in one of two ways. The first way is to restore the surface. If the oxidation has caused pitting in the chrome, the piece must be taken to a plating company to be rechromed. In most cases, the first way will apply and the method that is outlined here will do the trick.

  • Homemade Cleaner for Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels look their best when they are clean and shiny. Although there are plenty of commercial chrome wheel polishing and cleaning solutions available at most auto supply stores, you don't have to buy any those those since you can mix up your own with ingredients in your home.

  • How to Repair Damaged Chrome Wheels

    The use of harsh chemicals, such as fix-a-flat products, can severely damage your chrome wheels. The chemicals can cause the wheels to deteriorate and leave the chrome flaky and peeling. If this occurs on the base of the wheel where the tire rests, the deterioration may cause the tire to lose air pressure. The only permanent solution to this damage is to have the wheels re-chromed which can be an expensive process. However, removing excess flaky and peeling chrome from the wheels and then sealing the wheels with a special sealer can buy you some time until you can afford…

  • How to Remove Corrosion From Chrome Wheels

    We all love to show off our bikes and automobiles, especially with a high-gloss paint job and shiny chrome rims or body work. Chrome is used not only for its mirror-like finish, but also for its extreme resistance to corrosion and rust. Though chrome is tough, it sometimes becomes rusted or corroded. Removing corrosion from chrome wheels can be accomplished following a few guidelines.

  • Can Tar Be Removed From Chrome Wheels?

    A car's wheels are some of the most vulnerable parts on it. In the course of daily use, wheels get dirt, mud, water, brake dust and even tar on them from the asphalt that roads are made of. Keeping your wheels clean is an important part of the maintenance and will help your vehicle look its best as well as maintain its value. Tar in particular should be removed as quickly as possible from wheels.

  • How to Strip Chrome Wheels

    Stripping chrome wheels is usually done manually. Although chemical strippers could be used, the chrome plating is actually best broken down by hand. When you remove chrome plating on wheels, be sure you are working on a flat surface and that you have 200-grit or lower sandpaper.

  • How to Take Chrome Off of a Wheel With Oven Cleaner

    Chrome on wheel rims can sometimes become scratched or worn, or you might simply decide to go with another look. In either case, it can be a problem getting the old layer off a wheel. Most household cleaners won't work for chrome removal, and you don't want to spend hours with a scraper. Here's a way to remove all your chrome with plain old oven cleaner.

  • What Is the Difference Between Chrome & Polished Wheels?

    Both chrome and polished wheels have grown to be popular options for cars in the market. While they may appear similar to some people, they are very different products.

  • How to Refinish Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels can become pitted or damaged over time due to normal driving. Stone chips, road debris, and even parking too close to the curb can damage even the shiniest of chrome wheels. In northern states, salt is used to de-ice roads. This salt can cause damage to the chrome via pitting or corrosion to the exterior finish. Fortunately, refinishing chrome wheels is possible so that you can restore them to their original finish. In lieu of buying new wheels, you can refinish your existing chrome wheels.

  • Caring for Chrome Wheels

    You got the car, and then you went and got the chrome rims to make it even more dazzling. But what do you do to care for those shiny chrome rims to make sure they stay that way? And what happens if the rims begin to rust or the buildup is too stubborn to simply wash away? The answers are simple and easy to carry out.

  • About PT Cruiser Customs

    Since American automaker Chrysler began producing the PT Cruiser in 2000, custom versions of the car have been popular among amateur and professional auto designers and tuners alike. Today, there are many options for customizing a PT Cruiser, from purchasing one of the specialty models from an aftermarket autobuilder to using accessories and modifications to make a standard model more unique.

  • How to Protect Chrome Wheels in the Winter

    Winter weather can be harsh on chrome wheels if they are not properly protected. The best way to protect them is to remove them from the vehicle and store them for the winter. If this is not possible, or you prefer to continue using your sporty chrome wheels, you can take steps to protect them from the winter weather. These steps must occur before the winter weather is upon you, and throughout the winter as well.

  • 1956 Chevrolet Convertible Facts

    The 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible sits in the middle of the iconic 1955 to '57 Chevrolets that defined '50s American pop culture. The 1956 model is somewhat lost between the '55 model, which represented a historic redesign of the 1948 to '52 Chevys, and the flashier '57 version, with its distinct fins and liberal use of chrome. Yet it's recognized for its restrained styling that perhaps brings out the best of all three models.

  • How to Paint Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels are a popular way to customize your car or truck. But what happens when you get tired of having the same wheels, or worse, when the chrome gets scratched and faded? Re-plating chrome wheels can be expensive when professionally done and so can buying new rims. Learn how to paint chrome wheels and solve your problems. Customize your car even further by painting chrome rims to match your car.

  • How to Remove Rust From Chrome Wheels

    Chrome wheels are an added touch that spices up the look of a motorcycle, bicycle or car. Who can resist the glint of chrome in the sunlight and the way that chromed wheels "pop" from under the fenders of your ride? However, one disadvantage of chrome wheels is their tendency to rust if they get scratched or wear over time. Even just surface rust can be unsightly and hurt the integrity of your wheel set. There is a way that you can combat rust though, regardless of how much or how deep the rust penetrates.

  • About Chrome Wheels

    When it comes to the appearance of a vehicle, one thing can make a big difference--the type of wheels. Car owners that value a clean, shiny look are increasingly turning to chrome. Made of a steel or aluminum base, these wheels are covered with natural chromium through a process known as electroplating. The chrome plating not only makes the material stronger, but also gives it a highly coveted, mirrored finish that is difficult to duplicate.

  • How to Buy a Jeep

    When you're shopping for an off-road automobile, the Jeep instantly springs to mind. With its ability to navigate rough terrain and the exclusive clubs of happy Jeep owners that meet annually to trek over rocky passes, the Jeep is a favorite of back-road wanderers everywhere. However, it doesn't fare as well in comparison to other vehicles for highway travel.

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