I'm trying to find a reputable Chorme Plating company to have some items rechromed on my '67 E-Type, such as front/rear bumpers and wire wheels. My big concern is the rechroming of the Dayton wire wheel hubs. The outer rim chrome is in excellent shape on all wheels, as well as the stainless steel spokes. The wheel centers on all four wheels have an abundance of surface rust on the chrome, so much so that I'm willing to disassemble the wheels to fix the problem. I'm debating about sandblasting and painting vs. rechroming. I would rather rechrome the wheels centers but I have one major concern. I don't think I would want the chrome on the inner splines of the hub for fear of build up of chrome interfering with final fit of the splines on the axle hubs. Should I be worried about this? Can rechroming be done without chroming the splines? I'm assuming since the wheels were chromed to begin with that refitting of the spokes through the holes should not be a problem. If anyone out there has had to do this and was happy with the outcome, I would welcome your thoughts and comments. Any info with regard to names of rechroming companys you have used (and are satisfied with the results)and how to reach them would be appreciated. I have gone the GOOGLE route but would feel more comfortable hearing from a SATISFIED customer. Thanks, Mike
Mike in West Virginia
60 TR3A
67 E Type OTS
74 MGB GT
76 and 77 MGB
80 TR7 Spider
Submitted by mikep67@charter.net on Fri, 10/28/2005 - 19:43
Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 10/27/2005 - 22:07
Rechroming Wire Wheel Hubs
Just a suggestion -- send the wheels back to Dayton. I understand that they do a restoration service on their old wheels that gets them back to you good as new. Whether you send them to Dayton or another wheel restoration shop, have them done by a company that specializes in wheel work. You don't want to screw around with wheels. Having a wheel come apart at 70, 80, 90 mph is not an experience you want to have. I think you can also get that service from Hendrix Wire Wheels. NAYYY.
Steve Weinstein
'70 XKE FHC, '69 XKE OTS
Steve, Thanks for the input. I thought about Dayton but was a little reluctant due to the fact the original chrome didn't seem to hold up as well at it should (or at least as I thought it should). But going with a company that specializes in wires makes sense. I will definitely check out Hendrix (and maybe even give Dayton a shot). Mike
Mike in West Virginia
60 TR3A
67 E Type OTS
74 MGB GT
76 and 77 MGB
80 TR7 Spider