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To chrome, or not to chrome, that is the ?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by vetter, Jan 30, 2006.

  1. vetter
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 150

    vetter
    Member
    from Mich.

    [​IMG]

    I have these older ET rims, I beleive they are called turbine rims, but I'm not sure. They have the unilug bolt pattern , so they will work perfect for my Olds, I have a 4 3/4" up front, and 5" in the back.
    Anyway, I like the way they look now, not as nostalgic as I would like, but better than billet. I have a buddy who owes me some favors, and he can CNC these rims true, and also have them chrome plated, all at no cost. I'm just wondering if I should do it. Kinda can't pass up the price!
     
  2. Automotive Stud
    Joined: Sep 26, 2004
    Posts: 4,367

    Automotive Stud
    Member

    Well, they are kinda mullet wheels from the '70's, but if it's free, no strings attatched, I'll give you some other stuff you can have him do for me while he's doing your wheels :D
     
  3. Slag Kustom
    Joined: May 10, 2004
    Posts: 4,312

    Slag Kustom
    Member

    would look better with the out side polished and the tops of the fins then painted between them. chrome likes to flake and always looks bad really quick on aluminum.
     
  4. hotrodladycrusr
    Joined: Sep 20, 2002
    Posts: 20,765

    hotrodladycrusr
    Member

    Have him do your bumper or something else "worthwhile":p;):D
     
  5. Bigcheese327
    Joined: Sep 16, 2001
    Posts: 6,703

    Bigcheese327
    Member

    I don't think I'd use those, personally. I'd look for a set of chrome smoothies with bad chrome on the wheel part. Paint 'em up, run the chrome cap and pass the turbine wheels on to somebody with a seventies-themed musclecar.
     
  6. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,248

    19Fordy
    Member

    Those wheels do nothing for the car-- even if they were chromed. Check car mags for more ideas with painted steel wheels.
     
  7. Janne
    Joined: Jan 12, 2004
    Posts: 1,185

    Janne
    Member

    Don´t use those wheels.
     
  8. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Chrome the originals!

    Generally accepted reasons amongst 1950's rodders and customizers to chrome a part: Because it's there.

    Generally accepted reasons in the same group NOT to chrome something:
    No bread.

    General life goal of these people: Marry a girl whose father owns a chrome shop.

    A buddy who can chrome things is your best friend. Don't waste his efforts on those things!
     
  9. OldsGuy
    Joined: Aug 12, 2005
    Posts: 425

    OldsGuy
    Member

    I hate to say this but it needs to be said. "Don't use them." They just don't fit the car. Sell the wheels and tires and get something like steel wheels with little dog dishes, or big wide full covers. Really, not bust'in your balls or anything but...

    my avatar shows the wheels I have on my '48.
     
  10. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,863

    Squablow
    Member

    I have to agree with the masses. Those wheels have a place but not on that car, and it's not worth the effort of replating them. Have your buddy do your bumpers or some other chrome plating for your car and do something else with the wheels.

    I wouldn't even chrome the originals, seeing the low cost of new chrome steel wheels. Spend your favor on something more worth while.
     
  11. repoman
    Joined: Jan 2, 2005
    Posts: 1,276

    repoman
    Member

    If your buddy is willing to fire up his CNC mill for free, how about putting some windows in those wheels? They have some potential. How about 5 slot-style windows that go all the way to the rim? Then lay on the chrome.

    Any photochoppers who can help illustrate?
     
  12. CadillacKid
    Joined: Oct 15, 2002
    Posts: 1,507

    CadillacKid
    Member

    I'd say run those wheels, but only if you're gonna do enough body work to that Olds to make it look like a '78 Camaro. Otherwise, they don't jive with your car. Looking for something different to chrome? Have him chrome your hood! :)
     
  13. repoman
    Joined: Jan 2, 2005
    Posts: 1,276

    repoman
    Member

    Does your buddy owe you a BIG favor? Offering to chrome a set of wheels is worth a nice chunk of change. I'm asking because I'd like to know his chrome pricing. Chrome shops are getting more expensive and harder to find.

    I've got some business for him if it's cheap. I bet the people on this board could keep him buried in work and cash if he has time and equipment to spare!

    Then you could buy some new wheels from the kickbacks :)
     
  14. CadillacKid
    Joined: Oct 15, 2002
    Posts: 1,507

    CadillacKid
    Member

    Cheap chrome? Where? Did some one say cheap chrome!....Man! Now you got me all worked up into a frenzy...:D
    It doesn't get much better than shiny stuff...especially if it's cheap, good shiny stuff :)
     
  15. Dino
    Joined: Oct 22, 2002
    Posts: 225

    Dino
    Member

    Those wheels are losing. Also, as another poster said, if your budy wants chrome jobs, we can probably fill his schedule!
     
  16. vetter
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 150

    vetter
    Member
    from Mich.

    Ok, these wheels won't be used on the Olds, I'm going to get them done anyway, and use em on my SBC powered trike instead. Like I said, I can't pass up the price, and he's willing to do these, and some other parts I want done. I'm also getting the handlebars, and front forks from the trike done too, along with some pieces I've made for the Olds.
    This is kind of a deal, my wife is baby sitting his kids for free, so his wife can go to school, they can't afford a baby sitter. So technically, the chromeing isn't really free, but they want to repay me and my wife somehow, so what better way, than chromeing!:D
     
  17. repoman
    Joined: Jan 2, 2005
    Posts: 1,276

    repoman
    Member

    You need your wife back. Send me the address, and tell your buddy the Repoman from NJ will be taking over babysitting duties from now on :D

    "Hey kids, who wants to steal a car from the ghetto!"

    "Now Junior, next time that kid in class picks on you, remember what Uncle Repoman told you about kneecaps."
     
  18. hotrodladycrusr
    Joined: Sep 20, 2002
    Posts: 20,765

    hotrodladycrusr
    Member

    Ahhhh, peer pressure, it's a wonderful thing...........:D

    Good thing too cuz now we don't have to lie to you and tell ya how cool your car looks with those awful wheels.......... we can make fun of the wheels on your trike instead.:eek: ;) :D
     

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