Hello All!

This is my second post in the forum as I just got my Crossfire two months ago! I purchased a used 2004 model with low mileage and in great condition mechanically, but it does have an issue: the nice OEM Chrysler rims have some serious rust / corrosion issues on the inside portion of the rim, and are starting to corrode on the face as well. I'm new to nice rims, and am not familiar with how to handle issues like this. Can chrome rims be refurbished? Should I just buy new ones?

Thanks!
Anthony

 

Are you sure these are chrome rims - or aluminum alloy? That may make a difference in what product you use. I had horribly pitted and rusted
chrome rims on an old Nissan I once had and the only thing I found that worked was Wenol Polish. I tried alot of waxes and wheel cleaners but that is the only product that would cut through the oxidation. After you get it removed, make sure you wax the wheels to protect them.

http://www.wenolit.com/autowenol2.html

This will probably work just as well on aluminum wheels.

 

I'll have to post a picture so you can see. It's most likely beyond the help of a simple cleaner. Looks like the previous owner let a belt sander do loops on the inside of the rim.

 

Just for the record, the Crossfire never came with Chrome rims. There are after market companies that chrome plate original Crossfire rims, but Chrysler never had anything to do with it.

 

I bet the original owner had them chromed. They're definitely the ones that belong on the vehicle. Now the question is... can I get them UNchromed, or refurbished...

 

This has me curious...because the stock rims are aluminum.

Chroming is usually done with copper and nickel...no iron.

http://www.advancedplating.com/process/process.htm

Iron is what rusts...aluminum typically corrodes with that white pitting...typically called "white rust".

You might want to check the wheels to make sure they are really Ronal wheels. I'm wondering if they are some sort of cheap knock-off?

 

Check back tomorrow evening - I'll take my camera outside and take notes if there's text. Stupid corrosion...

 

This company, Helios Coatings, offers a nice alternative to chrome plating.
I personally don't have any experience with the company, but it looked good on paper. Here is the link.
http://www.helioscoatingsinc.com/

Cheers,
Paul

 

So this is great and all, but does anyone know if it's possible to get these fixed up? They're in terrible shape.

 

It's hard to tell, but it looks like it may have been a cheap plating job to begin with and it has not been cared for properly. Even if you could get the front of the wheels to look decent, I think the backs are beyond hope. It would take alot of elbow grease to get that rust off and then it would be doubtful you could remove all of it.

I think it's time for new rims!

 

There's something else going on there...

Plain and simple...aluminum doesn't rust!

I'm not sure that those are original Ronal wheels...maybe a steel knock-off. It looks like the chrome is pitting due to rust on the face of the wheel as well.

 

This is a pretty good write-up on repairing minor curb rash. It just might work for you on the inside of the wheels.

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=199388

 

Thanks everyone for your input. Clearly, I was hoping for a magic fix... but yeah right. Anyone know where you can get Crossfire rims for a good price? (Aside from ebay, there's usually only one most-likely-not-stolen rim on there at a time).

 

You could try here...

http://www.speedyperformanceparts.co...10021&Nu=brand

 

~ they look as if they have been subjected to winter salt... chrome & salt don't mix.

you may want to contact this company... they can assist with damaged chrome rims...

http://www.calchrome.com/wheels_chrysler.php