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Re: Chrome vs. painted wire wheels

To: Gary Fluke <res0s0t7@verizon.net>, Lizirbydavis@cs.com
Subject: Re: Chrome vs. painted wire wheels
From: "Kai M. Radicke" <kai@radiohead.net>
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 00:40:53 -0400
> If the chrome is plated properly it will have better corrosion
> resistance than the paint.  The key is "if".
>
> Gary
> '73

I find it hard to believe that any of the major suppliers actually carry
chrome wire wheels with chrome spokes.  The chroming process makes the thin
spokes very brittle and potentially causes them to break under load.  Most,
if not all, wire wheels of today have stainless steel spokes.  I can
emphatically say that all Dayton wire wheels, including the ones for our
TR6s, have stainless spokes.  So by going with a chrome wheel, you actually
get a wheel which is 50% stainless, and the finish should last much longer
than a painted wheel (just keep the spokes clean of brake dust on either
finish, and the finish will last quite a long time).

The actual rim itself is still a chromed piece.

If I had to have wires, my preference is for chrome wires on the Triumphs,
it just seems a better fit than painted wires which I associate as more of a
1950/60s era option.  The TRs have a nice bold body shape and with the wood
dash, it just seems to give the entire car an aura of superiority over more
commonplace cars like the MGB, which typically sport painted wires.

Kai

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