I'll be picking up some wheels Sunday afternoon and was wondering if there was a cheap/effective way of removing the chrome without harming the aluminum. The chrome is peeling in some places and I hate the look of chrome to begin with so it has to go. However, I don't want to pay a fortune just to get them de-chromed and then powdercoated or something.

From what I've read, it seems that sandblasting will likely damage the aluminum, and an acid dip at a chrome plating shop is the best way to go. Since they don't need to look perfect, do you think it would be possible to sand the flaking chrome somewhat smooth then shoot the whole wheel in a satin black without the paint flaking off? Would a self etching primer get the job done? They are just track wheels so they don't need anything fancy.

Thanks,
Mike

 

Take them to a chrome shop. They reverse the process, it pulls the chrome right off. I've had some bike parts done this way before. They were steel parts though, so I can't really say about alum. But it won't hurt to ask. You won't get the chrome to feather edge very well, so I don't think I would paint without a total strip. Hope this helps, Dean

 

yup. there will blast it with a bunch of dc currant