Stripping chrome from aluminum? Can it be done at home?

[BADNBLK]

I have a set of 3pc wheels that only 3 of them have chrome plated outer hoops. I'm restoring them and the chrome is flaky and pitted in areas. I plan to strip them and re-polish the outer hoops.

I have seem some Google methods, but has anyone actually stripped chrome from aluminum? Chemically. Not really looking for the grinding wheel answer... if there is any other answer.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated

Brandon

[gak68]

I found this online: Caswell anodizing & chrome stripper at room temperature, connect the hot side of a battery charger to the part being stripped and the negative lead to a 316 stainless steel cathode. Submerge both parts into the solution for 15-20 minutes. At this point the chrome should be gone leaving behind a nickle plate. To remove the nickle, use a solution of 50% water and 50% nitric acid. Hang the part in the solution at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This should remove the nickle and copper underneath the nickle if it is present.

[71RS/SS396]

At Jet Hot we have tried several different things to try to strip chrome and nothing really works well or it ruins the wheel, for us the best thing to do is to send the part to a plater to have them strip them if you want to be sure you don't destroy the wheel.

[csouth]

3 small hoops should be relatively inexpensive to have stripped professionally. Do your lungs and wheels a favor and farm this one out. You would hate to ruin one of them and end up spending more trying to fix a mistake.

[BADNBLK]

I found this online: Caswell anodizing & chrome stripper at room temperature, connect the hot side of a battery charger to the part being stripped and the negative lead to a 316 stainless steel cathode. Submerge both parts into the solution for 15-20 minutes. At this point the chrome should be gone leaving behind a nickle plate. To remove the nickle, use a solution of 50% water and 50% nitric acid. Hang the part in the solution at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This should remove the nickle and copper underneath the nickle if it is present.

This actually scares me... Like either electrocute myself, burn the garage down, or something. I appreciate the reply. I think I'm gonna follow the advise below.


At Jet Hot we have tried several different things to try to strip chrome and nothing really works well or it ruins the wheel, for us the best thing to do is to send the part to a plater to have them strip them if you want to be sure you don't destroy the wheel.

Yeah this is sounding like the best advise. Locally I haven't found anyone yet, but I did talk to the guys at Ogden Chrome while at the GG show.


3 small hoops should be relatively inexpensive to have stripped professionally. Do your lungs and wheels a favor and farm this one out. You would hate to ruin one of them and end up spending more trying to fix a mistake.

I think you right. I'd really kick myself for messing these up. Google provides some pretty crazy homemade methods of stripping chrome, but none I found where actually done on an aluminum wheel. Job best for the pros.


Thanks for the replys fellas!

[LS1-IROC]

What wheels?

[BADNBLK]

What wheels?

Another set of those Epsilon Mesh. The last set I found and re-finished just had polished hoops, so it was simple.