Chrome Rims

CHROME WHEELS

Chrome wheels offer a classic and bright look to your car, SUV, or truck. Compared to other wheel finishes, they offer a true mirror finish with a distinct and unique shine. Tough and scratch resistant, they’re a popular option for classic cars, trucks, or retro vibe projects. They are also typically easy to clean.

Cragar offers the 390C Street Pro and the Smoothie 313 for that proper vintage chrome look, for example.

Be aware that chrome wheels can be heavy and are therefore not an ideal option for performance vehicles or trucks looking to reduce unsprung weight. They are also prone to corrosion due to road salt, winter weather, and wet conditions. And although they are scratch and ding resistant, any damage sustained can’t be spot repaired – the entire wheel must be stripped and then re-chromed.

PVD Wheels

PVD wheels are created by a process called Physical Vapor Deposition to create a chrome-like finish with non-toxic chemicals. Some drivers like this environmentally friendly alternative to chrome. A clear coat is layered on top for additional protection.

These wheels are bright and more resistant to corrosion and scratching. They’re a great option if you live in a region with wet and/or cold seasons.

As an added benefit, PVD wheels are lighter than their chrome counterparts. They tend to cost less upon initial purchase and are less expensive to recoat in the event of damage. However, it can be difficult to perfectly match the new coating to the other wheels.

Some drivers find their PVD wheels are not as durable as chrome wheels, or that their coating flakes off. They also easily show brake dust and need to be regularly cleaned.

BLACK CHROME WHEELS

Drivers looking for “black chrome wheels” usually mean machined wheels. A thin surface layer is removed while spinning to expose the shiny and smooth surface beneath. A clear sealant coat is applied to protect against corrosion.

Machined wheels typically utilize a contrast of black with the “naked” color of the wheel, such as the American Racing AR105 Torq Thrust M. This shiny metallic underlayer is commonly mistaken for chrome. However, many machined wheels are designed to shine with a simple machine surface, like the American Outlaw Dune.

This wheel finish is becoming very popular and is now often an original equipment wheel option for new cars.

CHROME TRUCK RIMS

Aside from classic cars and retro-inspired project cars, trucks (both contemporary and classic) are probably the most likely place you’ll find chrome rims. Classic trucks by their nature are preferably equipped with chrome wheels for authenticity. And the large size and presence of modern trucks make chrome stand out even more.

American Truxx makes some excellent chrome truck wheels, such as the Euphoria and the Lonestar.

When you find what you’re looking for (or if you need more help), save time by buying and booking an appointment online. You can also drop by your nearest location and we’ll get you taken care of. If there’s a specific wheel you can’t find on our website, we can order just about any size, brand, and style rim out there at our usual unbeatable prices!