A good friend of mine will be hooking me up with 4 97 z28 chrome 5 star rims but they have rust on them. My question is, is it possible to take off the rust. Mabye by wet sanding, brillow pad, rubbing compound? Or, should i get them powder coated? How much is powder coating? I dont know anything about this and would appreciate any help you guys could give me. Thanks!

 

Chrome does rust, you cant remove the rust with a cleaner. You could strip the chrome off (im not exactly sure how) and then paint them. The rust should only be in the chrome so it shouldnt affect the wheel.

 

you can use aluminum foil,lightly rub the rusted area with it,then put a chrome polish over it.

 

The wheel might be pitting. IF this is the case, your chrome isn't gonna last to much longer. Thats why I always say go for polished over chrome, it won't peel off or chip.

 

I would try steel wool with some soapy water. This has always worked for me with people who neglect their painted aluminum and chromed aluminum wheels. It always got all of that gunked on brake dust that didn't come off with degreaser, soap and a sponge.

I would not use any type of acid on the wheels. Acid will eat the paint off, and it really isn't very good for chrome either.

 

Thanks for the ideas and quick responses guys/girls. Im gonna try those things. If it doesnt come off then i guess im gonna powder coat them. Does anyone have an idea on how much powdercoating will cost for the four rims? thanks! If it makes a differance in prices, i live in Hawaii.