So, it looks like the chrome wheels have not survived the winter well. This was a car from the desert of California and the wheels looked good when I purchased the car. Unfortunately now the chrome is bubbling on the outside of all 4 and the tire dealer says the fronts leak because of the chrome peeling inside along the bead as well.
I have contacted 3 local wheel repair shops that have a grind and paint repair for the beads at about $65-$100 per wheel, but none of them can rechrome.
So I am at a decision point, replace the wheels or refinish them.
I have emails to those 3 shops about those options, although they may not be able to rechrome them, are there other options like stripping the chrome and putting another finish on them. (I don't need chrome). I think the nearest chrome shop is in California which would be stupid costly to ship.
So what are your thoughts on this topic. I have the stock 19" wheels currently (I think they are 245 40R19 front, 275 35R19 rear).

 

I vote refinish unless you are in love with the chrome look. Bear in mind, I'm not one to look for an excuse to spend extra money if I don't have to.

No chrome on a bead being the cause of a leak seems pretty far-fetched though. I'd think it would be more likely a dent/crack if the wheel is really at fault. If so, then maybe new wheels would make some sense. But still, a warranteed wheel repair would be my first try.

 

Nope its definitely peeling chrome along the inner bead, well known issue on chrome wheels. The wheels are not bent...

 

Have you checked into having them polished then clear-coated? Just a thought and option...

Chrome is often an issue with wear especially if the car is driven/housed in a salt air climate

 

Chrome plating thickness is typically between 0.0005" to about 0.025".

25 mils isn't nothing, but were also talking an interface that is in the form of a rubberized bead.

I'd get a second opinion.

 

Leeper, what is that process, do they strip of the chrome?

 

yes they would remove the chrome. Polishing is not expensive but it is very messy and requires the right machinery(buffing wheels) to do. Once done they clear coat them and they then resemble chrome but I prefer the look much more so. The process is to remove the chrome, there are a few ways to do that, then they use a buffing wheel and various wheels/polishing rouge to bring out the shine. When done it looks pretty much like a mirror then they will clear coat it to protect no different then if it were painted like the stock wheels so they will not need to be constantly rebuffed to maintain the look. I'd recommend using CQuarts after everything has cured to make cleaning super easy no different than stock wheels.

Just one example, no affiliation but shows a price range which is nominal -
Wheel Polishing Services Los Angeles

 

Thanks Leeper. That is a great tip. The price is fantastic, its a lot of work.

Its a real bear to get chrome off. Good luck. I need to strip chrome on different wheels, if anyone finds a source let me know. It may be more cost effective to buy new wheels.

I use chrome in my manufacturing- its eye-wateringly expensive. Justifiably, they have to nickel plate it- then copper- then chrome- then polish.

 

Atlas Chrome Plating - Houston, Texas.Deplating and Stripping

to chrome -
How much does it cost to chrome 4 rims? - Corvette Forum

Again no affiliation but the prices are low to "de-plate". I've had my business partner go through the very same thing a few years ago when the chrome lifted.chipped on his 300E, chrome isn't known to last on most auto wheels and once it starts to peel off there's no solution but to remove the chrome or replace as there aren't any repairs that can be done. I've also seen pretty low prices for chroming done but as said I've not been a fan of chroming on anything but trim pieces.

 

Also forgot to mention that another option would be just having them stripped of the chrome/nickel, then painting them yourself with products like "Wurth" (can be found on Amazon). Their products have excellent reviews and are very cost-effective. You could go with factory color or darken a bit or black-out... whatever suits your fancy. To see what you like most maybe try some Plasti-Dip and get used to them before deciding on final color then just peel that stuff off and shoot with paint.

 

The rechroming is simply not an option due to time and cost, after calling around and researching.
So my two options are to have the chrome stripped and then polished or painted, or to simply buy new wheels, ugh....

 

I vote for new wheels.

 

Less than $1000 for 4 would be nice, anyone have some leads/suggestions

 

Check with Coventry Wheels, a Forum Sponsor. They specialize in aftermarket Jaguar wheels. Or see if Tire Rack has anything that fits your car.

 

It may be a factor of timing and cost of shipping but you may well face that same issue if buying used Jag wheels as you'd probably have to have those shipped also. To have them stripped of the chrome may run from $160-500 for all 4 wheels plus shipping costs and time off car unless you can find a place nearby that can do that. Have you tried looking around your area? Maybe give that place I provided the link to and ask for local recommendations or solutions to your issue? The primer, paint, clear coat from Wurth's would be under $100.

Due to curb rash by previous owner I'll be touching up my wheels soon with Wurth's products

 

Thanks, I have email inquiries in to 4 local wheel repair shops asking the questions about stripping chrome and painting/buffing.

 

No experience with them but -
Plating by Queen City Plating Inc.

They could certainly advise you on costs of de-plating and other options as well

They're near you

 

Called them previously, they won't touch wheels. But they did say for "rechroming" is not available in the Pacific NW, only in California and Texax!

 

If your wheels are not too badly damaged you might want to consider swapping wheels with California Chrome. They will swap wheels for about $900 plus shipping. their website is:
California Chrome Wheel Inc. - Factory OEM Chrome Wheels and Rims for Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Lexus, BMW and more! - Chrome your rims at CalChrome!

I had their wheels on my 12 XK vert.

 

I agree with Stuart S's post above.

1st) Try the Coventry Wheels which are made for the Jaguar brand, and they are very well priced. For under $1200 you can get a great set. Discount Tire sells the Coventry brand. There are several Discount Tire stores in the Tacoma/Seattle area.

2nd) I worked with Fastco in Canada to make wheels for my 2009 XKR Portfolio Edition. Although my wheels had to be custom milled for the Alcon brakes, your wheels at 19" poses no problems in finding a nice aftermarket wheel. These are the Braelin BR02 wheels.

My 20" wheels delivered to my home in New Mexico was under $1300.00 for al four including a new lug set.

A 19" set would be closer to the $1100 to $1200 price. You want to find a set made in the exact offset, and center bore for the Jaguar, so no wheel spacers are used.

Here's my 2009 XKR with the Fastco Braelin BR02 wheels in 20" front and rear.

Click the image to enlarge then click again for full screen.

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