Chrome .. how to strip

[NewEnglandRaceFan]

I have rims on my truck that are "different" they are made like Cragars. meaning alum centers with steel hoop.. all chrome , when I had them off I didn't see any markings on them at all.. name part #... nada.. now. I have not taken tires off them so it could be there..
but I'd like to renew these.. but most likely not rechrome them.. as 1) it cost to much and 2) the 2 piece wheels like cragars you can't stop from rusting and lifting/pitting the chrome up where the alum center and steel rim meet..

the alum part (spokes) the chrome is peeling in spots.. the rim is that pitted chrome like rust..
how would you either strip most if not all the chrome off, or at least make it ruff enough that paint will adhere to them..
I was thinking sandblasting, but not sure if it eat the alum part to fast..
if there was an chrome place near me I just have them dip them to remove the chrome.. or whatever they do.. iirc it's dip the parts..


this is one of the better ones, the fronts are much worse.. my guess from disc brake pads, and lack of care.. or the way they are made.. I'm sure the welding the two parts together does the chrome no favors..

thinking argent silver, chrome cap and maybe the chevy vette rally trim rings, if anything at all..

[squirrel]

The problem is lack of maintenance, of a delicate finish.

My guess is you won't get them to look good. Blasting won't remove the chrome, but where the chrome ends the chrome will mask the metal well and blasting will eat up the non-chromed area. I've had chrome removed by a chrome shop, but not on something made of two dissimilar metals.

Tough one...I'd probably scrap them...

[redneckjoe69]

i wonder if a powdercoating shop could tackle them?

[SuperBuickGuy]

use rust converter on the rusty bits, then hit it with scotch brite - it won't look perfect; but the rust spots are so small, you'd have to look very closely to see the flaw. Once you do the scotch brite; hit it with rattle can clear....

[squirrel]

I have some chrome slots that were really rusty, I just rubbed them with steel wool, and left them alone. They look good enough to get pictured in Hot Rod mag, too

http://www.hotrod.com/dragweek/2013/1401_2013_drag_week_worlds_fastest_street_cars/photo_42.html

[NewEnglandRaceFan]

I've heard of using feed grade molasses as a dip to remove the rust.. and may try that if I can find that up here..

I'd think if they dip pot metal parts alum would be fine.. it's just chrome shops are almost dead in the usa

[GFogg]

Maybe this? http://www.wimp.com/rustremoval/

[dulcich]

Blast them to give them a key. It will not remove the chrome, and you don't want to go that far because the blow through spots on the chrome will leave a very rough edge where you have a hole in the chrome going to the base metal. Just a thorough blasting "brush-off" to an evenly blasted texture. Epoxy prime with a color similar to the final finish color desired and then paint with acrylic enamel or urethane. Good wet coats of primer and paint should flow out and level very nicely over the blasted surface without sanding if your spray technique and mix is correctly done.
-dulcich

[BigAL]

I can hook you up with my ex-old lady, that bitch can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch.