WEIGHT.....Chrome vs. Silver
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From: D2'sville
WEIGHT.....Chrome vs. Silver
Does anyone have verified data stating the weight differences between chorme and silver? Whenever I tell people that I wanna USA chrome my Dronells, some say "oh its gonna be heavy then". I have always wondered, just how much heavier is chrome than clearcoated silver?
If someone could post numbers for the SAME wheel, SAME size, etc in Chrome vs. Silver, I would appreciate it.
If someone could post numbers for the SAME wheel, SAME size, etc in Chrome vs. Silver, I would appreciate it.
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,044
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From: Lake Ontario
I don't have an answer to your question, but I read somewhere (I forget now, perhaps SoCalSc4 - Bob Hale will post something on this thread), but high quality wheel manufacturers don't usually recommend chroming wheels for some very good reasons.
The first being that chrome obviously has different characteristics from the metal it is covering (characteristics such as expansion rate with temperature change) and they don't recommend chroming wheels if you are **** about quality and the "perfect" wheel.
I know what I just said will cause a flurry of posts, but I also wanted to put that out there to get confirmation of what I have read online.
I am also not trying to put anyone down by making the comments above. Some of the best looking GS's on this board usually have chrome wheels and I am sure their owners are very happy with the quality of their wheels.
The first being that chrome obviously has different characteristics from the metal it is covering (characteristics such as expansion rate with temperature change) and they don't recommend chroming wheels if you are **** about quality and the "perfect" wheel.
I know what I just said will cause a flurry of posts, but I also wanted to put that out there to get confirmation of what I have read online.
I am also not trying to put anyone down by making the comments above. Some of the best looking GS's on this board usually have chrome wheels and I am sure their owners are very happy with the quality of their wheels.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: California
Re: WEIGHT.....Chrome vs. Silver
Interesting point....
Taking this literally, does it mean that the chrome GS4 wheels are actually heavier than the silver version?
Jon
Taking this literally, does it mean that the chrome GS4 wheels are actually heavier than the silver version?
Jon
Originally posted by DGOT20s
Does anyone have verified data stating the weight differences between chorme and silver? Whenever I tell people that I wanna USA chrome my Dronells, some say "oh its gonna be heavy then". I have always wondered, just how much heavier is chrome than clearcoated silver?
If someone could post numbers for the SAME wheel, SAME size, etc in Chrome vs. Silver, I would appreciate it.
Does anyone have verified data stating the weight differences between chorme and silver? Whenever I tell people that I wanna USA chrome my Dronells, some say "oh its gonna be heavy then". I have always wondered, just how much heavier is chrome than clearcoated silver?
If someone could post numbers for the SAME wheel, SAME size, etc in Chrome vs. Silver, I would appreciate it.
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,001
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From: D2'sville
Re: Re: WEIGHT.....Chrome vs. Silver
Originally posted by Baby ///M3
Interesting point....
Taking this literally, does it mean that the chrome GS4 wheels are actually heavier than the silver version?
Jon
Interesting point....
Taking this literally, does it mean that the chrome GS4 wheels are actually heavier than the silver version?
Jon
I dont know for sure, but I have always heard people say that chrome is heavier! Your question is EXACTLY what I wanna know, same exact wheel, only changing the finish and if there is a weight difference!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,375
Likes: 21
From: California
Re: Re: Re: WEIGHT.....Chrome vs. Silver
Maybe that's the reason why some GS400s are able to outrun the GS430 (as this subject's been beaten to death many times). 
Jon
Jon
Originally posted by DGOT20s
I dont know for sure, but I have always heard people say that chrome is heavier! Your question is EXACTLY what I wanna know, same exact wheel, only changing the finish and if there is a weight difference!
I dont know for sure, but I have always heard people say that chrome is heavier! Your question is EXACTLY what I wanna know, same exact wheel, only changing the finish and if there is a weight difference!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 14
From: Cali
Chrome wheels can weigh up to a full pound more than the same wheel in silver- but this depends on the wheels' construction
Most manufacturers of forged aluminum alloy wheels don't like to chrome their wheels because the chrome process can affect the heat-treated properties of the base aluminum material. Basically, the wheels become both heavier and weaker when they are chromed...
Also, Hameed is right on the money- chrome is a 'dissimilar' metal when compared to aluminum, so there can be adhesion issues. This is why the 'triple chrome' process exists (any chrome wheel should be triple chromed).
After polishing & preparing the wheels' surface, the first plating process is to copper plate the wheel. This is to establish an adhesion layer on the aluminum for the plating layers to follow.
Then, Nickel is applied: this gives the final finish its' silvery color.
Finally, chrome is applied, which is essentially a reflective clearcoat. This gives the finish its' depth and reflectivity.
Bottom line: chrome for show.... silver for go!
Most manufacturers of forged aluminum alloy wheels don't like to chrome their wheels because the chrome process can affect the heat-treated properties of the base aluminum material. Basically, the wheels become both heavier and weaker when they are chromed...
Also, Hameed is right on the money- chrome is a 'dissimilar' metal when compared to aluminum, so there can be adhesion issues. This is why the 'triple chrome' process exists (any chrome wheel should be triple chromed).
After polishing & preparing the wheels' surface, the first plating process is to copper plate the wheel. This is to establish an adhesion layer on the aluminum for the plating layers to follow.
Then, Nickel is applied: this gives the final finish its' silvery color.
Finally, chrome is applied, which is essentially a reflective clearcoat. This gives the finish its' depth and reflectivity.
Bottom line: chrome for show.... silver for go!
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Joined: Oct 2001
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From: OHIO
Originally posted by SoCalSC4
Chrome wheels can weigh up to a full pound more than the same wheel in silver- but this depends on the wheels' construction
Most manufacturers of forged aluminum alloy wheels don't like to chrome their wheels because the chrome process can affect the heat-treated properties of the base aluminum material. Basically, the wheels become both heavier and weaker when they are chromed...
Also, Hameed is right on the money- chrome is a 'dissimilar' metal when compared to aluminum, so there can be adhesion issues. This is why the 'triple chrome' process exists (any chrome wheel should be triple chromed).
After polishing & preparing the wheels' surface, the first plating process is to copper plate the wheel. This is to establish an adhesion layer on the aluminum for the plating layers to follow.
Then, Nickel is applied: this gives the final finish its' silvery color.
Finally, chrome is applied, which is essentially a reflective clearcoat. This gives the finish its' depth and reflectivity.
Bottom line: chrome for show.... silver for go!
Chrome wheels can weigh up to a full pound more than the same wheel in silver- but this depends on the wheels' construction
Most manufacturers of forged aluminum alloy wheels don't like to chrome their wheels because the chrome process can affect the heat-treated properties of the base aluminum material. Basically, the wheels become both heavier and weaker when they are chromed...
Also, Hameed is right on the money- chrome is a 'dissimilar' metal when compared to aluminum, so there can be adhesion issues. This is why the 'triple chrome' process exists (any chrome wheel should be triple chromed).
After polishing & preparing the wheels' surface, the first plating process is to copper plate the wheel. This is to establish an adhesion layer on the aluminum for the plating layers to follow.
Then, Nickel is applied: this gives the final finish its' silvery color.
Finally, chrome is applied, which is essentially a reflective clearcoat. This gives the finish its' depth and reflectivity.
Bottom line: chrome for show.... silver for go!
Can i ask you a question...i know HRE prefers to only polish lips and does offer chrome centers. Does HRE provide chrome lips with chrome centers as well?
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Originally posted by SoCalSC4
Chrome wheels can weigh up to a full pound more than the same wheel in silver- but this depends on the wheels' construction
Chrome wheels can weigh up to a full pound more than the same wheel in silver- but this depends on the wheels' construction
-Steve
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,243
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From: USA
Originally posted by AzLex
4pounds total who cares it's not like were running Le Mans. Plus chrome has a bling factor that polishing can only come so close to.
-Steve
4pounds total who cares it's not like were running Le Mans. Plus chrome has a bling factor that polishing can only come so close to.
-Steve
Last edited by bluelex; Oct 10, 2003 at 09:42 AM.
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,044
Likes: 612
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by bluelex
thats my view aswell, a whole pound per wheel...wow......all this time when u hear people say "ya i went with polish cus it weighs less" they were talking about a total of 4 mayb 5 pounds total. it makes me laugh so hard now when i think about it. espeacially from 400 owners like they don't have enough power 2 pull an xtra 4 pounds......i rather have 4 pounds xtra and have that great texture of chrome than poilish which is a pain and 5 times as hard 2 maintain.....jmo
thats my view aswell, a whole pound per wheel...wow......all this time when u hear people say "ya i went with polish cus it weighs less" they were talking about a total of 4 mayb 5 pounds total. it makes me laugh so hard now when i think about it. espeacially from 400 owners like they don't have enough power 2 pull an xtra 4 pounds......i rather have 4 pounds xtra and have that great texture of chrome than poilish which is a pain and 5 times as hard 2 maintain.....jmo
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 771
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From: California
Originally posted by AzLex
4pounds total who cares it's not like were running Le Mans. Plus chrome has a bling factor that polishing can only come so close to.
-Steve
4pounds total who cares it's not like were running Le Mans. Plus chrome has a bling factor that polishing can only come so close to.
-Steve
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 14
From: Cali
i know HRE prefers to only polish lips and does offer chrome centers. Does HRE provide chrome lips with chrome centers as well?
My carlssons weigh 50 lbs.
Plus chrome has a bling factor that polishing can only come so close to.
on our display wheels or our ad print media.
Compare our polished wheel to any chrome wheel, you will be blown away. I actually prefer the polished because it is a bit more 'silvery' or 'liquid' looking than the chrome. The chrome is a bit different, and reflects light "darker" looking than the polished finish.
Last edited by SoCalSC4; Oct 10, 2003 at 05:56 PM.
EV ftw!!!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,044
Likes: 612
From: Lake Ontario
Originally posted by SoCalSC4
Have you ever seen a polished forged wheel? Every year at the SEMA show, countless people ask who does our chrome plating... what makes this interesting is HRE DOES NOT SHOW ANY CHROME
on our display wheels or our ad print media.
Compare our polished wheel to any chrome wheel, you will be blown away. I actually prefer the polished because it is a bit more 'silvery' or 'liquid' looking than the chrome. The chrome is a bit different, and reflects light "darker" looking than the polished finish.
Have you ever seen a polished forged wheel? Every year at the SEMA show, countless people ask who does our chrome plating... what makes this interesting is HRE DOES NOT SHOW ANY CHROME
on our display wheels or our ad print media.
Compare our polished wheel to any chrome wheel, you will be blown away. I actually prefer the polished because it is a bit more 'silvery' or 'liquid' looking than the chrome. The chrome is a bit different, and reflects light "darker" looking than the polished finish.
How much does the 547R 19 x 10 weigh, Bob? What did you think of the email I sent to you last week?
Last edited by Hameed; Oct 10, 2003 at 06:14 PM.