Chrome vs. powder coat

[GPX]

I'm going to get some 18" wheels for the GP. What are opinions/pros/cons of a painted/coated surface compared to chrome. I see that chrome wheels weigh about a pound more and cost $50 or so more.

[Andrew]

Chrome is higher maint. Powdercoating is awesome because of the limitless color options.

 

Really is just comes down to preference.

[GTP091]

Powder coating is tough as nuts but doesn't have the bling factor nice chrome will give you.

[RobertISaar]

i've seen some decent "chrome" powdercoats.... some of the ones that really catch my attention are the imitation anodized ones...

[GOT2B GM]

What look are you going for?

[GnatGoSplat]

Chrome is actually a very low-maintenance and durable finish IF you don't use them in the winter. The main benefit is no coated or polished finish is remotely as smooth or has as much reflective depth as chrome.

The chrome wheels on my 94 vert have never seen a winter and as far as I can tell, are in perfect condition with no deterioration over many years. They clean super easy as well.

However, I put chrome wheels on my truck and left them on during the winter. They are horrible. The chrome is pitted on the smooth surfaces and has corroded badly on the inner surfaces. They also leak from the beads almost every Spring so far and I have to get them grinded and resealed. It only takes ONE winter to ruin a perfectly good set of chrome wheels, and we're talking Missouri winters which are significantly milder than what you get in Vermont.

 

DO NOT let chrome wheels see road salt EVER. If having a 2nd set of winter wheels is too cumbersome, then don't get chrome.

[GPX]

Chrome is actually a very low-maintenance and durable finish IF you don't use them in the winter. The main benefit is no coated or polished finish is remotely as smooth or has as much reflective depth as chrome....DO NOT let chrome wheels see road salt EVER. If having a 2nd set of winter wheels is too cumbersome, then don't get chrome.

This is what I wanted to hear. The car came with General studded snow tires. I've always wanted to have two sets of tires here--the roads are so great to drive on in summer--nary a straight road to be found. And they are pure hell in the winter. I've always wanted to try the studded snows--they say it's the only thing for ice.