I've got a really nice factory FORD chrome wheel that I'd like to use on a trailer, problem is it has a small crack in it. I'm fairly certain that it can be fixed and made useable but is there any way to reduce the discoloration to the chrome when its welded? I'll weld it from the backside and was wondering if any of that putty thats used to reduce heat expansion into surrounding metal would work as I've never used it before? Thanks for any help and or suggestions.
I think your only option would be to take it to a shop that specializes in repairing wheels,any heat will discolor the chrome,I searched chrome spray bomb....dont bother,those kits can cost as much as $150 or more and they still look horrible.Maybe the wheel shop would be cool enough to tell you if there is a way to do it.Could always go to the junk yard and get another.Thats all I got for ya man,hope this helps a Little
Dont have a shop around here that specializes in wheel repair and you cant find these in junkyards anymore. Guess I'll give it a go and have plenty of cold wet rags available.
I'm sorry, I can't imagine using a welded up wheel on anything, including a trailer. There is a reason the steel cracked. Even if the weld was perfect, did the wheel crack from metal fatigue? I can't imagine using a trailer for anything I didn't value, even my time. Do it if you want to, but don't be surprised when that wheel fails because the metal was fatigued and it comes loose on you and puts you or another driver in harms way.
You would need to grind the chrome off before you weld it or the chromium will will make the weld weak and brittle. Trailer rims see a lot of stress and in different ways than rims on an auto do. This is multiplied when it is in a tandem configuration like on a car trailer. I would not use a repaired rim like this on a trailer for these reasons.
You have a very very good point,welding that wheel may actually change the temper of the metal,would make it even weaker.Try Summit racing .com They have steel chrome wheels starting of at 35.00 and there shipping is super fast
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