Hey all, I am noticing rock or stone chips on my factory 18"s... They seem to ding and chip up easily... what gives? What can we put on them to help protect?

I will be putting on the AM 2010 oem chrome rims too. Chrome rims can be sensitive to waxes and stuff what do you guys recommend? That totally "pure " wax like carnuba (sp)? Something else?

I've heard from a few guys that they have their wheels powder coated with a clear. I have a few chips from regular driving too.

They are wheels mate, damage/debris is almost unavoidable.

I just got new chrome rims, and after only 100 miles, I already have some very light scratches on one of the wheels from normal highway driving.

The best protection, in my opinion, is putting some nice wax on it. If the wheel is smooth and slippery, you would think light debris should deflect better.

stay out of te gravel....

The paint quality and application on the wheels on these cars is awful, even on the GT500.

That said, this stuff just happens, no way to avoid it.

Powder coat is an option for durability but, if you do damage it, say with a curbing incident, there is no repair. I'd say stripping and repainting them with good quality caliper paint or similar will give you good durability and easy correction.

I really like Mothers chrome polish.
As far as protection, try to avoid gravel & road construction areas.

This.

A. Thanks for the ideas.

hmm, well I am never in gravel.

"They are rims" excuse doesn't play well. Here's why - After having several, several cars ... I dont have even one that marks up like the factory mustang rims. I think these Ford rims are substandard:

#1 I *slightly" hit one with the lug wrench, it chipped/dented instantly!!
#2 I have another vehicle, different manufacturer, 4x the mileage NO chips, dings, dents.. nothing.
#3 None of my other 20 + cars rims (owned) have ever been so easy to damage. Chrome, satin, metallic, MANY manufacturers - you name it.

I'll try wax... Hope the chromes aren't this bad. Can you clear powdercoat chromes?

Like I said, the paint and its application is crap. I had to have Ford replace a wheel when a big chunk flaked off after a week, and I have the premium bbp wheels.

5.0 stang:

The factory body paint and finish on the rims is terrible. I know someone that while opening their door brushed his key against the paint and immediately took it to the primer. The front end bumper also chips super easily. I actually took my front bumper off and took it to my painter who sprayed another layer of clear on it, instantly making the finish more durable.

The finish of the factory rims is so weak that driving on salted roads will pit/nick them up. My solution....I keep the factory wheels on during the winter months, and use my American Muscle rim/tire combo for spring, summer, and fall.

Jedi Dave

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Eventually, these will get gnarly enough, I will just pull them, strip them and refinish them properly, in a colour that's suits me. I like the look of the BBP wheels but, the factory paint is junk.

I kind of look at it like an opportunity to personalize the car a bit. This is a budget sports car and I expect a few corners cut at this price point. Nothing i can't fix easily though so, no worries. For now, I just try to keep them clean and drive on.

Makes sense man. JediDave, I totally agree with your statements... I wasnt going to mention the paint. But you are correct. I will try to wax the chromes.

Maybe try 3M clear bra? It certainly protects paint/clear coat from chips/defects. If done correctly, you wouldn't know its there. It may be hard to apply with all the contours on wheels, though.

This is sort of extreme...but you can plastic-dip your wheels. I've seen people who dip them in black, then paint over them to give them a similar aluminum or silver finish, even with some gloss. It would be a lot easier than applying a film or bra to it