A while back I picked up a set of chrome 16x8 Lorinser RS90 wheels for my 1986 300sdl. The wheels are generally in decent shape as is the chrome (some minor pitting on one though); however, the thing is I just hate chrome wheels.

I called around today for prices on chrome removal - the best I could get is $35 per wheel, which seems reasonable due to the process/chemicals involved. However, in order to powder coat them it could cost me considerably more than the value of the wheels.

Hence my question is what options do I have for refinishing them? Would it be fine to lightly sand, primer, silver paint and clear coat?

Specifically, I'm interested in hearing if anyone has done this before and how the paint held up. Thanks!

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

i don't think you're far off there, but spending resources to switch from chrome to silver paint sounds like a waste of time to me. they look similar and chrome is much more durable.

i would consider priming and painting a black or another neutral color right over the chrome. adhesion might only be so-so, but at least you'd not have put so much into them up front, and the chrome would be intact if you decided to bail out, revert and sell.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

Thank you for your thoughts bricktron!

I think you're right - I might be better off using them as-is and looking for a second non-chrome set. I am glad I asked before going ahead and doing it.

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

Thought I'd report back - I decided to refinish the Lorinser wheels while I have them off my car. Oddly enough I located a place that manufactures aviation ramps, and they will media blast and powder coat the wheels for about $250/$300, which I think is reasonable for a good set of rare period wheels.

I'll post pics when I get them back.

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"

For those of you interested...I finally got a chance to pick up the wheels. The shop was able to media blast the chrome off without damaging the aluminium. I even got a discount because they thought the end result was too dull and not what I was looking for. FWIW, I hate the bling of chrome, so I'm quite pleased with this 'toned down' look.

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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time"