Chrome from LA Wheel

[tboyer]

My seller shipped me the original 18's that came on my S. As you can see the chrome is chipping off. LA Wheels has an eBay exchange program that will replace my OE's with freshly chromed OE's for $687 + $100 color-crest + $300 shipping



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FACTORY-18-Porsche-Boxster-OEM-Chrome-Wheels-Rims-911_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43958QQihZ022QQitem Z350002053099QQtcZphoto

Has anyone delt with LA Wheel before, is there a cheaper way? With a set of fresh OE rims, can I expect the same in an auction that others are demanding?

LA Wheel wants close to $2400 for a complete set of chromed OE's http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FACTORY-18-Porsche-Boxster-OEM-Chrome-Wheels-Rims-911_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43958QQihZ022QQitem Z350002053091QQtcZphoto

Thanks

[blinkwatt]

OE Chrome wheels aren't worth anything despite the prices you see on ebay. There is a reason why there are a ton for sale without a bid.

[Burg Boxster]

agree - chrome does not look "natural" on 986 wheels (or 987s IMNSHO).

If you really want them re-done, I'd look into more local options. There is a guy in Evans City, PA (1hr north of Pittsburgh) who is well know for doing excellent chrome work - especially restorations of older cars. I used him a long time ago. The shop looks like it could use a make over but the quality of work is top notch.

Paul's Chrome Plating, Inc.
90 Pattison Street
Evans City, PA 16033
(800)245-8679

http://www.paulschrome.com/

[djomlas]

ooo man, plesae, say no to chrome.
just powder coat them black or color match to your car, and then you may have something.
also, they are really nothing special to look at, but good candidates for some auto-X action

Wow, lots of haters, LA Wheel is a good place to work with ask for Jennifer. although lately they have been prickly about price drive your own deal. My car wasn't even polished yet in this pic, it was just being moved to my detail place, I like the way they look wxed but I understand they aren't for everyone.

[Grizzly]

Personally, I'd have the rest of the chrome removed and paint them the original silver. Wurth makes paint that's a perfect match.

[JoshMD]

I say powdercoat them black with a yellow pinstripe for some badass looking track wheels

please no chrome

[husker boxster]

Exchanging your wheels + $1200 is a bit pricey. For that money you can buy a variety of wheels from Wheel Dynamics and still have your old wheels.

Might want to be careful about powder coating wheels. There was a thread a few months back suggesting powder coated wheels may be susceptible to cracking or breaking. The extreme heat used to cure the coating may make the wheel brittle. Might want to research it further before going that route.

If you like the look of chrome, go for it. It's your car. I have chrome lobster claws and love them (they're my summer tires so my sig reflects my winter look).

I thought LA wheel did a good job, they check each wheel and have it trued before chroming if needed. They offer a finish called black chrome, you might want to see some pics, all the wheels I wanted would have cost much more than than the process. Anyhow, good luck with the decision, if you go for it, pack your own wheels, it will save you quite a bit.

[tboyer]

Thanks for the tips, since the wheels were included in my deal, gotta do somethin with 'em. I'm thinking black would be a good color choice, I'm planning on changing the roof to a glass black, so, good combination I think.

Before:



After:

[tboyer]

I did a ton of searching in the Washington D.C region for a powder coater who was willing to de-chrome and sandblast rims, after about a dozen phone calls, I was able to find these guys who are willing to do it for $100 a rim. Hope this helps the next guy/gal looking, I'll post the result.

Chesapeake Coating Inc
1917 Benhill Ave
Baltimore MD 21226
410-355-4200 ask for Darren