Damage to Fuchs from Chrome Plating

[bobmagyar]

I have a friend that is looking to by some chrome plated Fuches from and 85 Carrera. I seem to remember that having fuchs plated essentially ruins them. I mean physically and not cosmetically. I am also talking about chrome plating and not high polish.

The owner of the wheels says that they were a factory option in 1985 but that seems a bit fishy to me.

Can anyone comment accurately on these issues?

Thanks,

Bob

[kenikh]

I recall this, too. I believe the process that is used to chrome plate introduces heat that alters the alumnium's grain structure, which is imparted from the forging process.

[bobmagyar]

I think the VW guys ruined a few wheels doing the chroming. It would be nice if heat treating is the only thing that needs to be restored.

[kenikh]

It doesn't go back the other way unfortunately, since the grain structure from forging is from work hardening, not heating.

[J-P]

I know if you have chromed Fuchs, Wheel Enhancement will not accept them as exchange cores, if that tells you anything.

[dvkk]

Do a Google on "hydrogen embrittlement". That's what happens when you chrome plate Al.

Chromed Fuchs was never an option from Porsche.

What sizes are they, Bob?

Check out this topic over on PP:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...hreadid=291335

[912-2.8]

You can nickel plate w/o hydrogen embrittlement. It is acceptable to use on critical suspension parts. I think it has a 'deeper blue' to it almost like polished stainless that has been hot then re-polished.

tadd