One answer to flaking chrome.

**Chuckmotor** · 01-07-2002, 05:31 PM

I`ve used a few different products on my exterior trim, but none of them lasts. After the least bit of drizzling or rain, it drips and looks worse than it did before I applied anything to it. I`ve thought about ordering Forever Black which is supposed to be a permanent thing, but have any of you had long lasting success with 303 or another similiar product??

Also, the piece of trim on the back of the driver and passenger windows and the front of the rear seat windows is some sort of smooth plastic. I can never get an even blackening or shine no matter what product I use! Any suggestions to making these big pieces evenly, spotlessly, and streaklessly dark?

**Lemonxxs** · 01-07-2002, 05:35 PM

With 303 or similar water based protectants make sure you buff off the excess when done. This helps make it last longer and prevent drip stains.

I had this problem on my truck and someone in a thread on here reccommended buffing it like when applying it to tires. It has helped prevent the drip marks and it seems to last a bit longer.

If it is smooth plastic try using your sealant or wax.

**Chuckmotor** · 01-07-2002, 05:37 PM

I`ve tried buffing and it still comes out spotty or kind of black camoflauge looking. I`ll try the wax suggestion. Thanks!

**imported_Luster** · 09-13-2010, 11:31 PM

Chrome wheels on daily drivers will normally last about 5-7 years without the "backside" of the wheels starting to bubble and flake.

More recently, GM and others have started painting the backside of their wheels to seal them against water damage to the chrome plating.

If it`s good enough for GM it`s good enough for me!

These Pontiac wheels are 7 years old and NOT clear-coated. They were flaking badly on the backside.

So..........

I cleaned them with APC.
Flaked off the excess chrome with a putty knife.
Sanded with 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
Re-washed and dried.
Masked off the front chrome facing.
Sprayed the backsides with Dupli-Color "Gunmetal" SUV, Van and Truck Paint. (Advance Auto Parts)

You can still see a couple bad spots under the paint, but I`m hoping to get a few more years out of them before the flaking breaches the front surfaces!!!X_X

Looks better.....(No before pics, use your imagination!)