[Audi Juice]

Wheels just got back from the chrome being stripped and powder coated silver. Came out decent overall. I do like it better than the old peeling chrome look, that's for sure.

Also just installed the H&R Spring kit and played with some different spring pad settings. There are certainly tradoffs with the stiffer suspension. Much flatter & safer cornering, but some addes bumps felt as one might expect. Im pleased for the most part.

The first two photos are of the new set up, but the third is the old set up, just for reference. What ya think?

 

[Benzkid27]

chrome looks better overall,but in your case(the peeling) i say you did the right choice...any reason why you didnt have them rechromed?

 

[[email protected]]

I think the new look is more elegant!

 

[z168]

the hypersilver look is better. glad you ditched the chromes

 

[deanyel]

Putting chrome on automobile wheels is a hideously silly practice. This is true even if you like the looks of it, which you obviously don't.

 

[snik]

looks absolutely amazing and something that I would have done. Chrome's a big no no

question for you though:

I am assuming you have the hydraulic rear shocks like mine... did you just swap out the springs or change the rear shocks too? Can you give me a bit of an explanation as to what you did in the back exactly?

thx

 

[Audi Juice]

looks absolutely amazing and something that I would have done. Chrome's a big no no

question for you though:

I am assuming you have the hydraulic rear shocks like mine... did you just swap out the springs or change the rear shocks too? Can you give me a bit of an explanation as to what you did in the back exactly?

thx

It was a simple spring swap (and spring pads #1), while leaving the stock shocks alone. H&R makes these specifically for self leveling suspensions. If you get them you will be pleased. I personally did not use a spring compressor, although one is recommended.

 

[samm]

Audi Juice,

Is there a very specific way that the chrome must be stripped off or is it the same if you were stripping off a normal finish on an alloy wheel?
Reason is that I have chrome AMGs that have been peeling for a while and many shops in UK keep telling me they cant strip chrome off!
I want to have the exact same finish as you have on your Lorinsers. Car and wheels and drop combined look stunning by the way.

 

[Audi Juice]

Audi Juice,

Is there a very specific way that the chrome must be stripped off or is it the same if you were stripping off a normal finish on an alloy wheel?

Some finishes can be sand blasted off, but chrome stripping is more involved. I know they use acids and other chemicals. There is a lot of competition here in Southern California, when it comes to wheel refinishing businesses, so the prices are fairly inexpensive around here. It could be pricey where you are at.

 

[dantefr]

I like it! Looks way better than before!

 

[snik]

what is the H&R part #? Mine has regular front shocks and self levelling rears, is yours the same?

also, what are spring pads? Dealer item?

 

[Audi Juice]

what is the H&R part #? Mine has regular front shocks and self levelling rears, is yours the same?

also, what are spring pads? Dealer item?

Yes mine is the same style as yours. I got the H&R's through tire rack. It should be easy to find if you go to their site. fa

As far as spring pads go. You can get 4 different heights. I believe they range somewhere between 8mm-20mm in height so the adjustability is minor. Only about 1/2" of adjustability. You can get them from your dealer. You can actually determine which ones you have on there now by looking to see how many rubber nubs are on the outside. Will have 1-4 rubber nubs on the outside of the spring pads. 1 is shortest 4 is tallest.

 

[mbnz230]

i like this aluminum look way better then the chrome. and the lowering makes it look really tight. nicely done.

 

[Haku]

Nice work! Your car is definitely looking a lot more tidy after the wheel and lowering work. Very nicely done. :thumbsup:

 

[ackvig]

Audi Juice,

Is there a very specific way that the chrome must be stripped off or is it the same if you were stripping off a normal finish on an alloy wheel?
Reason is that I have chrome AMGs that have been peeling for a while and many shops in UK keep telling me they cant strip chrome off!
I want to have the exact same finish as you have on your Lorinsers. Car and wheels and drop combined look stunning by the way.

I was told the same thing back when I was loooking to get some chrome stripped off of some rims. Every shop told me it couldn't be down, or, the one guy who said he COULD do it, said he WOULDN'T because the stripped off chrome would mess up his equipment? Dang, in the car world, Cali's got it going on!

 

[Benzkid27]

Putting chrome on automobile wheels is a hideously silly practice. This is true even if you like the looks of it, which you obviously don't.

Thats really not true,being either chrome or something else is really the owners preference and not yours or mine.Just a simple opinion.

 

[deanyel]

Thats really not true,being either chrome or something else is really the owners preference and not yours or mine.Just a simple opinion.

It's not just an appearance issue, the process of chroming a wheel weakens a wheel. Also in about 5 years, as little as 3 years or as many 7, a chrome wheel will stop holding air. The chrome peels on the lip and air will start to escape. This too is a safety issue as it is difficult to maintain proper tire pressure. Chrome wheels are banned in Germany, for good reason. It is not just a matter of personal preference.

 

[Benzkid27]

I have had chrome wheels for years on my cars and never had a problem.Im aware of the weaken myth and I personaly think it all depends on how you drive and the quality of the wheel you buy first and foremost and not just the chrome and reading the post on this issue I assumed it was about appearance. and not "safety" issues where I really dont buy into the chrome myth.Im sure there is something to it about chrome weaken the metal but I have never had any trouble out of my wheels and I will continue to use chrome wheels.

 

[Audi Juice]

There is one thing that is indisputable though...Chrome wheels along with other types of platings will not hold air after a certain amount of time. The plating will peel and the tire will no longer seal on the rim. Ive seen this countless times. I think that chrome does look good on some cars though.

 

[zoso]

Thanks for turning off your wheels, now I can see the car...much better ;-)