I just got a 2WD SuperCrew Lariat. I was messing around and noticed the nice, chrome rims are nothing more than chrome-looking plastic glued on top of a grey steel rim. Anyone else think this is CHEAP?!?! Any problems with those rims?
What is the telephone number to call Ford and complain?
-Michael

 

I, too, discovered all too late that my chrome wheels were a facade.

It's like findind out that your new girlfriend is really a cross-dresser.

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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Are you telling me all of the Ford "chrome" truck wheels aren't? Ouch. I kinda liked some of them until just now.. It's probably the same stuff on the centercaps on my wheels. It's already pitting after one winter. Not horrible, but the c/c aluminum wheels still look new.

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

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[This message has been edited by 2000 F150 4x4 (edited 04-14-2001).]

 

My neighbor runs a body shop and he said the rims weren't plastyic, it was metal. But still, it is glued on to a steel rim. Maybe the looks will last longer without having to use a Brillo pad. I still don't like the "hubcap rims" that came stock. Just another reason to go custom!!!
-Michael

 

Yeah I have the 17" crome wheels which are a steel wheel with a metal cap that is crome plated and attached to the steel wheel. Personally I will take a steel wheel over those aluminum wheels on a 4x4. Yes for performance reasons the aluminum wheels are better mainly due to weight reasons but not for off road use.

Also I believe the metal crome part of the wheel is aluminum which means no rust (which is the downfall of most crome wheels), but the actual wheel underneath the crome cap is steel.

kev

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99 F-150 Red 0RP, 17" factory crome 5-spoke wheels, 5.4L, AT, 3.73 GR, Ext Cab, Putco Bed Rails, Pendaliner, Pioneer P300 head unit. Mods to come: PA 3" body lift and Mickey Baja Belted HP's 35/12.5/17 tires, and dual exhaust.

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87 Chrysler Conquest TSI, 350 HP 2.6L 4cyl turbo, 0.020 over, o-ringed, copper head gasket, HV oil pump, race prepped rods, floating wrist pins, JE forged pistons, sealed power rings, marnal head, 284 cam, HD valve springs, enlarged TB, 125psi fuel pump, BCFPR, MBC, T4/5 20G Model 1a turbo, BOV, hardpipes, etc etc.

72 Honda SL350 on/off road twin bike

78 Honda CX500 twin bike liquid cooled, shaft driven.

67 mustang 6cyl, AT, coupe, AC
condition: rust, waiting for restoration

 

i've found that while the chrome is relatively durable, you need to pay attention to the steel ring where the tire weights are mounted - it has a tendency to rust. I wash my truck often, and it seems to help prevent that rust from reappearing.

Bambino

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Bambino Online
Owners Gallery Truck #179
1999 reg cab/short box/ORP/Silver on Dk Graphite - 3.55; 4.6l 5sp; factory snapless tonneau; kicker sub tubes; Custom Exhaust; Mobil 1 5w30/Motorcraft FL820-S; Amsoil Series 2k in the diffs.

 

call me i have a set of form alum. off of a 4x4 with tires (new) for sale cheap........512-847-2000

 

Actually, you can't just get on Ford for this one (you can, but...). Ford, GM, and Dodge all do thier chrome steel wheels this way. I would imagine someone found it to be more durable for all three companies to go to that. It would be logical that if the steel started to rust a bit, it wouldn't be directly connected to the chrome plate and therefore would be less likely to rust. Anyway, they look the same!
Darrin @ LWM

 

As far as comparing stock wheels, I had the ORP package with aluminum wheels on my 1997. I would not have them again on my ORP Screw. I prefer the chrome look. I swapped them out at the dealer at no charge. They are much easier to clean and stay looking good longer between cleanings. The wheel weights scuff the aluminum and the wheel becomes dingy over time. Just my 2 cents.

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Mine:2001 1/2 F150 Super Crew, Lariat, Oxford white w/silver lower accent and Med. Gray Leather Captain Chairs,4x4 ORP, 5.4L, 3.55LS, 17" Chrome wheels w/GY AT/S LT265/70/17, auto, 6 CD,Towing package, alarm, Westin Chrome nerf bars, Seat Savers and Husky mats for hunting, bed liner, white tail light lens covers.

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Previous: '65 Mustang 289 HiPo, '70 Chevelle SS 396, '70 Vette Conv. 350/350, 72 Datsun PU,'74 Vette TTop, '79 Blazer, '81 F150, '83 Bonneville, '84 Gran Marquis '89 TBird Super Coupe 3.8L SuperCharged, '93 Explorer 4.0L, '97 F150 SC XLT, 4x4 ORP

 

I just remembered something and checked the sales literature that I got before I ordered my truck to be sure. And......drum roll please.....the Wheel option for the 17" wheels is listed as: "ChromED-steel wheels"! Not ChromE.

So FORD gets around this one I guess.

I have had no problem with mine except for the rim weights are completely rusted and look crappy. I'll have to paint them when I have the time.