DML,
The problem with chrome on Cast aluminum is that the Aluminum is extremely
anodic (zinc and magnesium are the only two casting metals more anodic)
meaning that it wants to corrode. When a metal such as copper is plated to
aluminum as the first step in chrome plating (copper flash is required to
get the chrome to stick) a galvanic cell is set up. Any "rough" or pitted
areas of the aluminum will start to corrode first under the copper/chrome
plate, and will eventually lift the chrome, making your wheel look like
hell. Even chromed machined Aluminum Billet will corrode and lift the
plating over time. This process is inevitable, and its timing depends on
the atmospheric conditions (chloride content in the air, pollutants etc.)
and the casting quality. My Crager SS wheels from the mid 60s have little
or no chrome left on the aluminum center. Bottom line: A high quality
aluminum wheel with chrome plating MAY last up to 15 years before the
plating lifts. Then again, the plating may start lifting in the first year
(Ive seen it). Its a crap shoot. One way or another its going to lift
though. A highly polished aluminum rim looks almost identical to chrome
but can be maintained indefinitly. Trends dont always (ever?) make sense.
BKB
-----Original Message-----
From: Elmer Hanhart [mailto:hanharte@SWBell.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 1998 9:40 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: Shiney wheels!!
Jack Hilton III wrote:
>
> I have heard it is bad to chrome plate aluminum but it sure
> >would be shinier than the polished.
>
> Yeah , doesn't it weaken the wheel ?
>
> W . Jack Hilton III
>
> HEMI@charter.net
I've heard that aluminum somehow has to breath a little and it will
corrode underneath the chrome, but I don't know for sure. Anyone wanna
take a shot?
Erich (wants shiney wheels) Hanhart
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