ba-b4

Instead of buying new rims I'm thinking about chroming my ISP's. Does the chroming process make the wheels heavier much?

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

I would presume so.

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

i would think so also but minimal....

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Minimal.

Quite insignificant, especially since the car stock is already 3400 lbs...

Giggity

chrome is the devil. and yes it adds a healthy amount of weight to the wheel, there are 2 or 3 other materials that the wheel is dipped into so that the chrome will adhere to the wheel- google "chroming process"

ba-b4

Yeah that's what I was thinking too, that it's more of a plate shell than a coat of paint.. question is just how much heavier is that plating going to be? I was thinking about getting a black or greyish silver chrome. Should look pretty good on ISP's I haven't seen anyone with a set like that yet but it'll look sorta like the IS-F's rims a bit.

black chromed ISP's will look like just smaller...

Giggity

There is a paint that looks 99% like chrome, my brother has had 3 sets of wheels done with a smoked chrome paint finish that looks really sharp.
I'll find out where he sent them out to have it done and post back.

ba-b4

but is that paint strong enough for wheels?

Gr8Dane

DON'T DO IT! Chrome wheels are significantly heavier than painted wheels, though you probably won't be able to tell while driving. Also, in order to get a GOOD chrome job, it will cost you about 1K. Since the chrome, nickel, and copper don't adhere evenly, chrome wheels tend to have heavy spots when it comes to balancing. And the worst part about chrome wheels is they corrode and flake. Chrome peel usually happens on the inside of the tire where you can't see, due to the moisture build up. And all chrome wheels eventually peel!

Little E

iTrader: (2)

Not true. I had a Honda Accord with 19" chome rims for 8 eights years, and they held up fine. But then again, I live in sunny socal (no road salt during the winter).

ba-b4

Yeah that's what I'm afraid of peeling, chipping and added weight but I think there are some synthetic kinds of stuff out there that looks like black chrome but is actually something else like a polymer or something. I had a link to a place that does that but lost it.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

the chrome layer is not that heavy.....

ajmtbm

I have heard that factory chrome is usually pretty good and concerns of peeling and deterioration are low. after market chroming of course varies depending on how good the place is that does them. also depeneds on how much the rims have been on the road; the longer they have been the more opprtunity for pitting, material sticking to them, etc, that may hamper the chroming process.