RE-CHROME PLATING
Table Of Contents (Click Below To Get Started)
1. Pricing & Payment
2. What Can I Expect For Results?
3. How Does Rechrome Work?
4. Optional Additional Procedures
4A. Copper Plating
4B. Bead Blasting
4C. Primer and Paint
5. Gallery
6. Reasons To Get Your Wheels Rechromed
7. What Do I Do If My Chrome Wheels Are Severely Corroded Or Pitted?
8. Bad Re-Chrome Candidates
9. Concealing Of Corroded Areas (Lugnut Holes, Inside Barrel)
10. Our Rechrome Procedure In Summary
11. What About Inner Barrel Polishing On A Rechrome?
12. FAQ
13. How Do I Determine What Kind Of Wheel I Have?
14. No Warrantee On Rechromes
15. How Do I Get Started? Step By Step Instructions On How To Send Your Wheels/Parts To Us
In order to determine if your wheels are too severely pitted or corroded, please send us some pictures of all angles of the wheel. This will help us provide you a more accurate evaluation. If your wheels are acceptable, they will be eligible for a rechrome. However, if your wheels are too severely pitted or corroded, Our Fusion Powder Coating Process is recommended as an alternative to help save the wheel. A chrome plater such as ourselves has the technology to remove the old plating without damaging the base alloy. You cannot apply coatings on top of a corroded plated wheel. We will remove the original metals chemically. Never attempt to remove chrome plating by bead blasting or by other mechanical means as it will damage the base alloy.
Pricing & Payment
| Wheel_Pricing: | Starts at $295 per automotive wheel. For other sizes please Request A Estimate and send photos as it makes for more accurate pricing. Things that affect pricing are wheel condition, wheel diameter, wheel width, and the difficulty in polishing/copper buff. For example, wheels with multiple (10) spokes require more polishing/copper buff time than a wheel that has 5 spokes. If your wheels are currently chrome plated, we will have to remove the old existing plating chemically first. If your request is just remove the old metals, chrome strip starts at $50 per wheel. |
| Wheel_Turn_Around_Time: | Est. 4-6 business weeks depending on our workload |
| Parts Pricing: | Price varies. Please send photos as it makes for more accurate estimates. |
| What can we chrome: | All types of automotive wheels, motorcycle wheels, and parts |
Payment is required prior to any work being performed. Payment for work is accepted via Personal / Company check and Bank Wire Transfer. Do not send payment along with the wheels. We will ask for payment once the wheels arrive. We will send you an invoice via your provided email address. Please make sure this is an email address that you check regularly.
** For rechroming of wheels and parts, WE DO NOT accept credit cards for payment. Local customers can drop off and pick up to save freight costs. Los Angeles sales tax is 9.5%. No sales tax if shipped outside of California. All prices estimates are in US Dollars. All out of country orders Bank Wire Transfer is the method of payment. In review, once we have received payment the processing of your wheels or parts begins. If for some reason you have not heard from us requesting payment for processing after your parts have arrived, please double-check that we have received your payment
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR RESULTS?
Rechroming of an existing Chrome is a very special procedure. Unlike chrome plating an original OE (Original Equipment) painted wheel or part, extra steps and care need to be taken to process a previously chrome plated wheel or part. In performing the rechrome, the main focus is on the front side of the wheel. Because we are able to add copper to the wheel and then buff the face mechanically pushing copper plating into the pores of the face which helps fill in the porosity. This makes a rechrome possible. The machinery used to do this is an upright buffing machine where the operator can push the face of the wheel into the buffing pad pushing the copper into pores of the alloy. Buffing is not possible on the inside barrel and backside of the wheel. Examples shown below are what to be expected showing before and after. There may be some residual pitting that is unavoidable upon completion of a rechrome. Please see photo of acceptable pitting
Take a look below to see samples of good wheel/part candidates for rechrome. This will help you understand what to expect from rechrome results. Rechroming is far from a perfect process. The plating will be new, but any damage on the base alloy will show through. These examples below will give you an idea of what the finished product may look like. Our concentration is the face side of the wheel. If you have an open wheel design and have corrosion currently on the inner barrel look closely to get an idea of what this area will look like upon completion of the rechrome. There are additional processes that can be performed to help improve the look in the barrel area. Such as bead blasting and/or painting this area to conceal the corrosion damage. See examples of this process. Contact us by phone or email form and send pictures of what you would want to have rechromed.
Example One - Wheels
Customer very happy
Example two - Wheels
Customer very happy
Example three - Parts
Not acceptable to customer
Here is a 1 star review that was left by our customer:
“Bad work
Probably the worst rechrome work I have ever seen ,the job was to frchrome a super high quality Arlen ness coil cover from the 90s the chrome was bad and had pitting but this is billet aluminum not cast ,it came back with pitting still and the face which was a perfect mirror flatness now has ripples in it from an unbelievably poor polish job don’t get work done by these people it’s the worst”
-Anthony goldstone morris
? What did we not do correctly on this job ? We probably did not explain the rechrome process thoroughly to this customer. We thought, due to the age of the part, we assumed the customer took this into consideration, and the part being from Hawaii. Unfortunately, as you can see in the pictures above, the plating (on the right) is brand new but the substrate of the part the plating is going over is not. In fact, this part is over 30 years old shows corrosion or dissolving of the base material. These are some of the physical conditions any plater cannot overcome. This part, with today’s most advanced technologies, was done to the best of our ability. Unfortunately, it did not meet the customer’s expectations. The current condition of the part can effect the outcome of the final product. Please contact us for more information if you feel your parts fall into this category.
How Does rechrome work?
step 1 - Send us your information
Upon receiving your information, we will send info back about your request and pricing if possible. Rechrome pricing is slightly more than a first time chrome plate due to the removal of the existing metals currently on the wheel/part. When you are ready to send your wheel/part to have rechrome work done then fill out the customer instruction sheet, package up your order, and ship to us. We recommend using FedEx.
step 2 - cataloging in your parts
Upon receiving your parts we will catalog them into our system, take pictures, and engrave them as your parts.
step 3 - Double checking your request
We will contact you to discuss your instructions and go through your customer instruction sheet to make sure we are all on the same page.
STEP 4 - Requesting payment
Payment will be requested. For rechromes we accept personal checks, wire transfers, and money orders. We do not accept credit cards for rechromes at this time.
STEP 5 - chrome stripping
Once payment is received we will begin our rechroming processing which begins with chrome stripping, removing all the previous metals and examining the raw wheel for any corrosion issues.
step 6 - obtaining your approval
Upon the review of your raw wheel’s condition, we will contact you, send you pictures, discuss and obtain your approval to the continue rechrome plating process.
step 7 - Optional Additional procedures
After the old plating has been removed, we send pictures of the base substrate, (your part in its raw form) to see if there are any corrosion or damage issues to discuss. Oftentimes, the wheels or parts are in satisfactory condition to continue the rechrome process. There may be areas of concern that make the wheel/part not a good candidate to be rechromed. Each case is individual and each part is individual. Oftentimes there are other processes that can be utilized to correct issues. Other options may be possible to assist removing or smoothing out of corroded areas of concern. Such as bead blasting, additional copper cycle, painting inner barrel, or even going into a different process. These options vary in cost, ultimately you the customer decides whether or not these additional options are needed with our guidance. See procedures below.
Shown here, is a successful Rechome of a set of Viper Truck wheels shown with additional procedures to achieve the final results. These additional procedures, Copper Plating, Bead Blasting, Primer and Painting one or all may be utilized to help achieve the best possible results on a Rechrome. The customer was extremely happy with the outcome.
step 7a - Optional Additional procedures - copper plating
Step 7B - Optional Additional Porcedures - Bead Blasting Procedure
Step 7C - Optional Additional Porcedures - Primer and Paint
STEP 8 - status check
Work in progress – Your salesman will be able to approximately estimate the processing time needed to complete your order in the beginning. Please allow enough processing time before checking on the status of your order. This link goes to our customer service folder, please allow a day or 2 to receive a response back. Thank you for your patience.
STEP 9 - completion & exit photos
Upon completion of the rechrome we will send you exit photos so you can see the
completed part before shipping. Verifying it is your part, correct finish, and double-checking shipping address, etc.
Most customers are satisfied with the outcome of rechroming but each wheel/part is different in terms of why they needed rechroming in the first place. It is our job as your plating professional to explain and show examples to the best of our ability as what customers can expect of the outcome of their rechrome. Rechroming is a difficult process and customer expectations need to be realistic as we are not working with a brand new part. This may sound like a lot of attention to detail, but our communication helps both parties work through a very custom process, “Rechrome”.
STEP 10 Our Packaging
Our expandable foam protective inner liners and our extra reinforced double wall boxes guarantee that your order will get to you undamaged. We developed this packaging about 15 years ago and we do not experience freight damage claims like our competition.
STEP 11 - Happy Customer
REASONS TO GET YOUR WHEELS RECHROMED
Rechrome wheel pricing starts at $300 per wheel. All wheels are thoroughly inspected once received. Due to the nature of verbal or email estimates, we can only estimate the work that you are describing that needs to be performed. If upon our physical inspections, we determine that additional work is required, and the actual repair cost is different from the original assessment, we will contact you with an exact figure based on our professional examination of the wheels. It is our job as a professional in this field, to determine all necessary re-chroming / repairs that need to be done. An example of this is, you may send wheels noticing only curb scraping and were requesting a rechrome. Being unable to check the wheel at speed, you would be unable to see a lateral runout condition or flat spots on the back side of the wheel. You as the customer ultimately make the decision on how much work is to be performed. Get your price estimate here. Please send pictures of your wheels or parts in their current condition to receive an accurate estimate. See below to see examples of reasons to get your wheels rechromed.
Here is an example of acceptable pitting
Rechroming of an existing Chrome is a very special procedure. Unlike chrome plating an original OE (Original Equipment) painted wheel or part, extra steps and care need to be taken to process a previously chrome plated wheel or part. In performing the rechrome, the main focus is on the front side of the wheel. Because we are able to add copper to the wheel and then buff the face mechanically pushing copper plating into the pores of the face which helps fill in the porosity This makes a rechrome possible. The machinery used to do this is an upright buffing machine where the operator can push the face of the wheel into the buffing pad pushing the copper into pores of the alloy. Buffing is not possible on the inside barrel and backside of the wheel. Corrosion can cause pitting which may show through the new chrome. We will rechrome the wheel with the best effort to make the wheel look as good as possible. There may be some residual pitting that is unavoidable upon completion of a rechrome.
What do I do if my chrome wheels are severely corroded?
See what CalChrome can do to resurrect with our Fusion Coat process
Photos above are of a set of Infiniti received in for rechrome. After removing the existing plating there is substantial corrosion damage. These wheels were not good candidates for a rechrome, but instead of purchasing new wheels we were able to process into our fusion powder coat process which filled in the corrosion and made the wheels useful again. Customer was extremely happy with the outcome. He chose Evo Grey Fusion Coat as his color of choice. We could have done the wheels in any color even original OEM Silver. Call for more details if your wheels are severely corded and see what other options we have to choose from.
Here is another example of unacceptable pitting for rechrome. This wheel was saved with fusion powder coating
Bad Re-Chrome Candidates
If the wheels you want to send have sustained extensive damage, they may not be able to be processed for rechroming. The photos below are examples of wheels that cannot be rechromed due to various types of damage.
Concealing of corroded areas (Lugnut Holes, Inside Barrel)
Often times an open-design wheel may have corrosion on the inside barrel or lugnut holes. This damage cannot be filled inefficiently with just plating. We utilize an epoxy sealer coat and then a liquid finish color of your choice (usually silver, grey, or black).
Here below is an example of a Rechrome where the inside barrel still shows corrosion damage after processing with new chrome. The face looked great, but the inside barrel needed additional attention which we achieved by concealing with sealer, grey color coat, and clear coat. See completed product above.
We rechrome parts and wheels
From slightly to severely damaged, we can fix it! If you have a chrome wheel that has rubbed against the curb or flat spotted from a pothole, we can repair and refinish the part for far less than it would cost to purchase a new one. In addition to rechrome we also offer paint match, powder coating, clear coating, and wheel repair services.
OUR RECHROME PROCEDURE in summary
Before the procedure begins, all wheels we receive are inspected, photographed, and catalogued to evaluate their current condition. If any specified instructions accompany the wheels, these are reviewed at this time (please remember to include a Customer Instruction Sheet and review these helpful shipping instructions).
Our process starts by removing the chrome plating and other base metals to bring the wheel into raw form. At this point, we inspect the wheels for trueness and for any repairs that might be necessary. For repairs, if needed, Call For Pricing 661-294-0170 depending on the severity. Also, a concern is any possible corrosion or pitting damage that was not apparent prior to the removal of the plating. Similar to the damage caused to wood by termites, some damage may not be visible from the outside. Aluminum alloy wheels are a softer material than the metals plated on them and corrosion will attack the softer metal first.
What about inner barrel polishing on a Rechrome?
As explained in the sections above, rechroming of an alloy wheel is a difficult process. In performing the rechrome, the main focus is on the front side of the wheel. Because we are able to add copper to the wheel and then buff the face mechanically pushing copper plating into the pores of the face which helps fill in the porosity. This makes a rechrome possible. The machinery used to do this is an upright buffing machine where the operator can push the face of the wheel into the buffing pad pushing the copper into pores of the alloy. Buffing is not possible on the inside barrel and backside of the wheel.
We virtually never offer inner barrel polishing on a rechrome order. If the inner barrels of the wheels have been previously polished, we may offer to repolish this area of the wheel to make it bright and shiny like the face of the wheel. If corrosion occurs on a chrome plated alloy wheel, it can often times affect the inner barrel more than the face of the wheel. This is due to several reasons. This area of the wheel is most susceptible to brake dust built up, it is the area also where road salt tends to settle, and it is the most difficult area of the wheel to keep clean.
Because of the protective shell that chrome plating provides to the base alloy wheel, it is sometimes difficult to see corrosive damage to the base substrate. Aluminum alloy is softer than the chrome plating that has been applied to the wheel, therefore the corrosion will attack the softest material first. Once the chrome is removed we will be better able to determine whether inner barrel polishing will be available. This decision is somewhat subjective and based on our experience and expertise.
What is corrosion? Unlike steel, which oxidizes and turns to a rust color, corrosion on aluminum dissolves the material. Once the material is gone, it is difficult to polish or grind the area smooth, without compromising the thickness and integrity of the wheel. Unlike a painted wheel, in which the corrosive pits may be filled with bondo, on chrome plated wheels these pits will still show due to the reflectivity of chrome plating.
Polishing swirl marks from hand tool polishing may be visible in areas difficult to access and may vary due to wheel size and design.
At California Chrome Wheel Inc. every attempt is made to produce the highest quality finish available. However due to all of the circumstances which are beyond our and your control, all rechrome work is done on a best effort basis. If you are unsatisfied with the results, requesting us to rechrome the wheel again will only amplify these problems. This explanation is to give you the facts about rechroming. Understanding these facts hopefully prevents an unrealistic expectation of the results of rechroming an alloy wheel.
Shown in the photos below, are examples (front and back) of completed rechrome inner barrel polishing (see A and B). Compare to a wheel without inner barrel polishing (see C).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & INFO
Please refer to our Shipping Instructions guide.
When sending in your wheels to be re-chrome plated, we do require that a form be sent in along with the wheels. The Customer Instruction Sheet can be found here.
This contract is in place to assist in communications between all parties to help insure a smooth re-chroming transaction. Please make sure you fill out and send with your wheels for re-chrome.
Upon receiving your wheels, we will review the re-chrome contract information you have sent to us, along with your wheels, and determine all charges required to perform the work requested. We will estimate and contact you if there is any additional work needed. Full payment (except shipping charges) is required before beginning any procedures. Payment can be made in one of three ways. For domestic customers, you may send us your personal check and upon us receiving the funds, and the check clearing, the procedures will begin at that time. As an alternative, to expedite time, you can send a cashiers check / money order. For international customers, wire transfer is available as well. Credit card / PayPal payment is not available on re-chrome plating and repairs. Any remaining balance, such as freight is due upon completion.
Total processing time may vary and is approximately 10-20+ work days depending on how difficult your wheels are to process, any repairs that may be necessary, and our current work load. Please do call for more info.
*Important information for wheels with cosmetic rivets.* The cosmetic rivets will need to be removed before chrome plating. We can remove and install the rivets Call For Pricing 661-294-0170. Most rivets can be removed and reinstalled. However, some rivets may need to be drilled out and lost. You may want to contact the manufacturer to see if replacement rivets are available before shipping the wheels to us. We may be able to supply replacement rivets at an additional cost but the replacement rivets may not match the original size or design and some rivets may not be available at all.
If your wheels have sustained minor curb damage (scraping), more often than not, your wheels will be able to be plated. The photos below are examples of acceptable curb damage that we are able to blend in during our polishing procedure at no additional charge.
Many times the reason for rechroming can be an air leakage problem. This is where the plating has lost the adhesion between the tire and wheel assembly (bead). Often times this condition is found when having new tires installed to older chrome plated wheels. Many factors can cause this issue, such as older plating, improper tire mounting solution, or fix-a-flat tire sealant. When performing a rechrome we will first remove the plating to examine the corrosion damage to the base material of the wheel. Unfortunately, the damaged area may reveal more pitting/corrosion than was apparent with the old plating on the wheel.
During the rechrome process every effort is performed to provide as much copper plating time to help fill in the porous holes caused by the corrosion. Due to the severity of the corrosion, this area may still be a concern once the new plating has been applied. Keep in mind, the chrome plating will be brand new, but the end result is only as good as the base material that it is plated on. If the corrosion is very severe, there are additional remedies we can provide to help seal the tire and wheel assembly. Pictured below is an example of a corroded bead area that was successfully rechromed.
Old Chrome
Chrome Removed
RechromedWe recommend wheels with corrosion and pitting be bead blasted to help reduce some of the smaller pits and give the wheel a more uniform look. For the bead blast cost Call For Pricing 661-294-0170.
Unfortunately, NO. Often times the wheels we are working with have had a corrosion issue. Corrosion will actually affect the alloy because it is a softer material than the plating that surrounds it. These pitted areas can develop blisters after the processing. Customers sometimes are unhappy with results due to these pitted areas and ask for the wheel to be redone again. Unfortunately, if we attempt to remove the plating and process again the pitted area always opens up even more creating a bigger pit and a bigger issue. The next option would be to provide us a new virgin casting to process. Many times a replacement wheel is no longer available. Rechromes are processed on a best-effort basis. Please consider this issue before attempting to rechrome your wheel.
How do I determine what kind of wheel I have?
How do I determine what kind of wheels I have? Read our illustrated Wheel Type Guide.
