8 replies to this topic

[Getsum]

I'm new to the mini world but have a lot of experience in other types of cars. My one question is: why it is so hard to find chrome rims/alloys for minis? I am looking for 12" rims in chrome. I read all the forums where people are saying not to buy them because of the salt on the roads. Is it because they are made poorly? I have traveled a bit and have had chrome rims elsewhere and there was not a problem as long as they were regularly maintained. I find it hard to believe English salt is more corrosive than other countries'. Is chrome just not popular here? It seems 90% of the minis I see all have the standard Mini lights; which to me seem a bit boring after seeing so many (just my opinion, not meant to insult the masses!). Please educate me.....

Edited by Getsum, 14 September 2006 - 12:03 AM.

[minislapper]

Most of the suppliers of mini wheels sell chrome ones!

Where have you been looking?

[Bungle]

you do see them for sale a lot its just people dont fit them because of the storys about them not lasting

[Pac]

mini world has loads of chromeys homie!!

I had my bike wheels done in chrome effect by a powder coating company they used some special paint/powder coat plus they told me the finish would last longer than a cheap chrome wheel, they still look pukka now and have been on for about 6 months and used daily

[ANDY J]

I'm new to the mini world but have a lot of experience in other types of cars. My one question is: why it is so hard to find chrome rims/alloys for minis? I am looking for 12" rims in chrome. I read all the forums where people are saying not to buy them because of the salt on the roads. Is it because they are made poorly? I have traveled a bit and have had chrome rims elsewhere and there was not a problem as long as they were regularly maintained. I find it hard to believe English salt is more corrosive than other countries'. Is chrome just not popular here? It seems 90% of the minis I see all have the standard Mini lights; which to me seem a bit boring after seeing so many (just my opinion, not meant to insult the masses!). Please educate me.....

hi mate you could always have a compromise and have some that have a coloured inner and a chrome or pollished outer like these
 DEBS_MINI_WHEELS_001.jpg   642.28K   2 downloads  DEBS_MINI_WHEELS_002.jpg   681.66K   2 downloads
and you can buy various chrome wheels from most of the mini specialists try MWS in google

[Jammy]

Midland Wheel Supplies and Huddersfield sell chrome rims, but lots have people have said the laquer flakes off after a few months, and they take a lot of regular cleaning and polishing to keep decent!

[Getsum]

Midland Wheel Supplies and Huddersfield sell chrome rims, but lots have people have said the laquer flakes off after a few months, and they take a lot of regular cleaning and polishing to keep decent!

First off, thanks for all the replies and not attacking the question. I have seen some companies selling them, but they had a whopping 2-3 choices to buy from. IMHO, the rims and tires make the car really stand out. You can take an average car and put some unique rims on it and the whole style of the car changes. I was just curious as to why the market was so limited on Minis. Any other car would have a plethora of choices. My car is burgundy with a black top so chrome really stands out. All of the trim, metal and badges shine so why not rims to match. I think they would really stand out against the paint, of course keeping them from getting nicked seems to be a problem here. I think I'll hook up a 240V hot wire to the car at night...heh heh heh The car currently has a set of 10" Mamba rims with the centers painted black, they don't look bad but chrome would look better. Anyways, thanks for the inputs. If you know of anyone with a set of 12" chrome rims for sale, please let me know.

[Boab]

I have them on my mini, Rab, and trust me, they do not last 2 seconds and I live in Scotland with salt on the roads most of the year

[Jammy]

I think the above answers the reasons why don't see many about, I'm guessing no one has found a chrome plating that lasts long enough, or if they have its been too expensive for the demand.