New chrome coating process from Rally America

I think it's a good thing to have some alternatives to traditional chroming, for as we all now know, it's getting more expensive and harder to find Shops that will not only do what they say they will do, but to find a way to get it more affordable.

I just bought a new Hilborn set-up, and they polished it and offered a Ceramic Clear Coat option with it-what I don't understand is why they don't use a Cermic Clear Coat on Wheels like this? It seems to be very durable-
http://rukse.com/coatings-application-clear-ceramic.php

Oops! Looks like I was a little slow with my Post!

 

Alright, I asked and the clearcoat is really meant only to be used with this process as a whole. It was designed specifically to go over PVD chrome and doesn't really work out with other applications
Jimmy

 

Just picked this up

 

Can this process be done a steel wheels? I have a set of 13 inch wheels that Diamond Racing Wheels built for me many years ago. I cut out my centers and they welded them into 5.5 inch hoops. I really don't want to cut them apart for chroming, would this be an option?

 

Well if it can stick to chrome and not let the finish lose any luster, then I would love to see it on some chrome plated parts to help with corrosion resistance; especially in low areas where the plating is naturally thinner. As I understand it, the clear is relatively new yet, but it sounds very impressive with other possible uses. I hope its as good as it sounds, as this could change the way OE wheels and bumpers are finished as well.

My theory regarding the PVD chrome needing a clear is that the substrate beneath the chrome is polymer based, so it does not have the hardness or electrochemical bond that traditonal plated chromium has with its nickle substrate. The traditional decorative chromium plate has a much thicker nickel plating underneath. Traditional decorative chromium plating is measured in millionths of an inch; cannot get much thinner than that.

 

Would this be the same process that Ford and Mercury used on some of their wheels? I have an 2003 Sable with what looks to be a plastic chrome outer mated to the factory wheel. It still looks perfect even 9 years later. I didn't even know they were plastic until the first set of replacement tires. If these were aluminum or chrome plated steel they would look awful by now with our Indiana road salt.

 

That's funny. **** Page and I were just talking today about why more people didn't use chrome coating or chrome powder coating on car parts as traditional chrome platers etc are disappearing and way costly.

 

i asked about the screwdriver because it's a test most anybody could try or would already know the outcome. it shows hardness or brittleness (is that a word?) i want this to work as i love chrome, but i'm old enough to remember what good chrome is and it's just not as durable as it once was. i don't want to stop using one ****py product just to turn around and use another. you're going to get alot of funny or odd questions as people try to convince themself's to spend money on the unknown.

 

It is very possible, the shop doing the chroming also does a lot of wheels for dealerships in areas that they use road salts.

 

That looks really nice! Are you planning to market this coating on wheels you sell or will there be an option for someone to send their wheels to you for it?

Thanks

 

well it can...

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jMWtAQ5xJ0A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I know its not chromium, its silver! from my cheap DIY spray on chrome kit..!

 

Jimmy are you doing it in-house or subbing the work. can you do a set of valve covers for me...

 

Both actually, we're going to offer it on all of our wheels, and as a cheaper alternative to restoring the wheels.

Thanks
Jimmy

 

What happened to this thread? Are you still doing this and is it holding up?
I'm still looking for a subs***ute for dipped chrome

 

You might contact American PVD Coatings in Downey. They did a pair of intake Weber manifolds for me for a Hemi and they turned out very nice....

www.americanpvd.com

 

Thanks, how long ago?