Stock Wheels Black Chromed pics

31370 Views 48 Replies 39 Participants Last post by Asimo, Jun 19, 2010

vertrkr

Discussion Starter · Jul 13, 2005 (Edited)

3

I got my stock wheels black chromed from a local wheel shop. The process is called PermaStar and is a physical vapor deposition process which is supposed to be more durable than the traditional chroming technique. They actually ordered a few sets of take off wheels from a Honda dealer so they just swapped my tires and I gave them my old wheels. Total cost was $840 before tax but that was with some haggling. The pics come close to how they look but it seems it just can't quite capture the true essance of the smokey chrome look. I think it adds a little bling without being too ostentatious. The wheel shop is called Pacific Rims and the technology is from Goodrich tech:

http://www.pacrims.com/
http://www.goodrichtechnology.com/

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1 - 20 of 49 Posts

denvrfan

· #2 · Jul 13, 2005

One of the few posted aftermarket modifications that I would love to see on my RL. To your point, classy without being gaudy. Nicely done.

zero

· #3 · Jul 13, 2005

Very nice, vertrkr. The wheels came out looking great. Damn, . . . now I have something else to think about.

Thanks for posting the pics.

Sparks

· #4 · Jul 13, 2005

Wow, they look great! I have the factory chrome wheels and the pictures look very similar. I bet that they really do look great in person with the smokey chrome finish. I spent a lot more than $840 on mine. Very nicely done!

Skywalker

· #5 · Jul 13, 2005

I like them.... I like them a lot! Well done.

Tiger

· #6 · Jul 13, 2005

I'm not much on these changes but your wheels look good. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

Tigeer

tedridge

· #7 · Jul 13, 2005

Those wheels look great. I've got the chrome Honda wheels how does "smokey chrome" differ from the OEM chromes ones? They look just as shiney as mine and for half the price.

vertrkr

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 13, 2005 (Edited)

tedridge said:
Those wheels look great. I've got the chrome Honda wheels how does "smokey chrome" differ from the OEM chromes ones? They look just as shiney as mine and for half the price.

It's a very different look that just doesn't come out in the pics. Both are very shiny with reflective hi-lights but the black chrome has a sort of gray/bronze base finish look to it. Depending on viewing angle and lighting it can look more gray or more bronze or actually have both tint colors in different reflections. I've really never seen anything like it before.

tedridge

· #9 · Jul 13, 2005

I bet it looks great with the Steel Blue. The pictures don't do it justice. Nice job.

JulesK

· #10 · Jul 13, 2005

Once again you bring something of value to the forum. The pics are great. Now I have something new to show my wife to buy for the truck. Thanks for all you do.

RangerAV8R

· #11 · Jul 13, 2005

Do you suppose any wheel shop could do this? Could they do the "H" as well?

vertrkr

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 13, 2005

RangerAV8R said:
Do you suppose any wheel shop could do this? Could they do the "H" as well?

They'd have to have the equipment to do so which is pretty expensive, couple million I believe. I doubt there's many shops which would invest in that.

The center cap thing was kinda odd as they are not the same that come stock with the wheels. Appearantly they bought the chrome H's from a local Honda dealer and stuck them on a flat generic cap that was permastar'd. I liked them better and thought it kinda added to it since the lug nuts are standard chrome too so I really didn't ask why. I kick myself now for not asking now the question has been raised. Perhaps I'll give them a call.

bigridge

· #13 · Jul 14, 2005

All you need now are some low profile tires and it will make it look even better

clayman

· #14 · Jul 14, 2005

Vert:

Very nice modification to your machine. As you've inferred, I think I'd have to see a sample in person to see the full effect, but its definetly something to consider. Thanks for sharing!

shovelhd

· #15 · Jul 14, 2005

I want them.

bellteck

· #16 · Jul 14, 2005

Looks great!! I had a 95 Z that I did it to and my only complaint was keeping them clean from the road and brake dust. Very nice vert!

vertrkr

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 14, 2005

bellteck said:
Looks great!! I had a 95 Z that I did it to and my only complaint was keeping them clean from the road and brake dust. Very nice vert!

You had them Permastar'd or the traditional chromed? The permastar process has only been around for 5 years as I understand. I have no idea how easy they will be to clean but I know they do have a protective coating of a clear powder coat on the surface. My experience with powder coating is it's very durable and easy to clean. We'll see how it goes.

tedridge

· #18 · Jul 15, 2005

Heads up.

There's a guy on ebay swapping your alloy Ridgeline wheels for chromed versions of the same. Charging "pay now" $500 plus shipping - it's not a bid. Here's the link to the site. Includes chrome caps and lug nuts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=43961&item=7985180133

I bought the chrome wheels from Honda and paid three times that. I still have the original alloys that I plan to put snow tires on. I'm thinking I might swap them for chromes one with this guy.

captmiddy

· #19 · Jul 15, 2005

tedridge said:
Heads up.

There's a guy on ebay swapping your alloy Ridgeline wheels for chromed versions of the same. Charging "pay now" $500 plus shipping - it's not a bid. Here's the link to the site. Includes chrome caps and lug nuts.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=43961&item=7985180133

I bought the chrome wheels from Honda and paid three times that. I still have the original alloys that I plan to put snow tires on. I'm thinking I might swap them for chromes one with this guy.

You may want to read their warranty, they do not cover the use of the wheels in winter. I would be concerned if they are calling this out that there may be a problem with their coating and winter issues like road salt and the like.

shovelhd

· #20 · Jul 15, 2005

Aluminum, chrome and salt are not a long-lasting combination.

"Guarantee" and "eBay" are often mutually exclusive. Caveat Emptor. But that's a whole 'nuther topic for a different thread.

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