Does anyone have an opinion on chrome vs polished rims? Any issues on rust, etc? To be specific, the rims I’m thinking of are the Torque Thrust design in the Cragar and American racing brands. Any opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.
I think you said it right there, it comes down to opinion. Personally I like the look of chrome on older cars, although I had aluminum slot mags before and liked them as well. I have never really had a rust problem with chrome but I always try to keep it clean. A steel rim is much heavier than aluminum if you care about that, but they are more forgiving when bumping against curbs. To help aid your decision you may want to try and find photos of cars as close to yours as possible with similar wheels so you can make a comparison before purchasing. I am amazed how sometimes a nice looking wheel can look like junk on some cars but great on others.
Here is a comparison of polished wheel versus natural spoke wheels in the same style - American Racing 200s. The front wheels will be the wheels of choice to go with the wider rims I'm working on for the rear. Hope this helps. And it is all personal choice - your car, your wheel choice. Bruce
I'm with Jason on chrome wheels looking the part on older cars. I do like wheels like Weld Draglites on older cars too but like was mentioned, steel is a lot more forgiving on curbs and potholes. Especially the skinnier wheels. I must've replaced FOUR Draglite front runners during the ten year period I owned my 89 Mustang and ZERO wheels replaced on my Cragar SST front wheels I had on my 67 Mustang that I had for the same length of time. I've gotta admit that I did like the look of the Welds but hated having to replace them after a while ESPECIALLY when the front runner wheels doubled in price suddenly. Went from $98 per wheel to $200 per wheel. What tha heck??
my chrome rims would have a rust ring around the lugnut holes. I got the same style in a polished and love them. as any rim you have to keep them clean...JMO
Forgot to mention that but keeping them clean is the key whether it's steel or aluminum. Mine always looked really good due to that fact.
Hey, just realized I didn't add the picture but may be a moot point by now. Aren't most polished wheels clear coated from the factory? Bruce
yes some are... a lot of people use an aluminum polish on them and mess up the clearcoat. those just get polished with a clearcoat safe polish.
EDIT: In that picture the rear are 7" x 14" w/245/60R14 tires (and now reside in the basement) while the front wheels were/are 7" x 15" w/ 215/70R15 tires. I have the car at a shop here in town to get the floors cut out for these 14" x 15": We've started cutting and should have it back on it's tires before Father's Day. Bruce