corroded? chromed wheels - fix?

[Doug.S]

I have a problem: C5 2004: GM chromed wheels:
seem to have some course bumps or corrosion on inside of the wheel that is hard to see from outside
(outside, that you can easily see, looks perfect)

How best to clean, restore, preserve?
What to use? How to do?

or simply ignore? or will be worse later?

I assume taking wheels off is only good way to get to the rough surface.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Once corrosion starts under the plating it will continue to spread. It will eventually spread to the front where you can see it. The only way to stop it is to have the chrome stripped off and the wheel polished and re-plated. It might be cheaper to buy new wheels. There are some businesses that specialize in refurbishing OEM wheels. Do a search for a shop in your area and get a quote.

Another option would be to have the wheels stripped and polished then do a factory type clear coat. It won't be quite as shiny as chrome but if you get any corrosion starting on the back side again you can easily sand it off and touch up with wheel clear coat spray from the auto parts store.

Although chrome over alloy is better now than ever before it has never really held up that well in the long run. I'd never buy a new Corvette with chromed alloy wheels unless I didn't plan on keeping it for a long time.

Tom