Hub caps - rechrome or buy new?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Sir Arthur, Feb 4, 2014.

  1. I have a lovely set of baby moons with the embossed VW logo on my wheels. However the rust is bleeding through all four to varying degrees (beyond a polishing job now) and there are some dings that need undinging.

    I've been looking at the usual suspects and it seems almost impossible to buy exact replacements (domed and with the logo on). So should I get a set of flat ones from Megabug or send the originals off to the rechromers?
     
  2. get the originals rechromed...but make sure you're sitting down when they give you an estimate....
     
  3. Well if it's so expensive as to be ridiculous then that's not the best option.
     
  4. It's the polishing that's the expensive bit but re-chrome usually has thicker chrome on it than the newer manufactured parts so not only are they still the originals but they will probably last longer too
     
    Alex VW Heritage likes this.
  5. And what if one falls off? :eek: £ signs bouncing down the road
     
  6. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

  7. Can't answer that, I never lost an original hub cap
     
  8. If they are original and not 'summer chrome', then you can clean rust off them with a little bit of screwed up time foil. Yes it sounds weird and you think it will scratch it, but it works wonders. I cleaned the rust off mine this way.
     
  9. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    Sir Arthur likes this.
  10. Stick with original, the new chrome bits are crap (in my view), I had new mirrors and rusted after one trip to Cornwall.
     
  11. I agree, that works a treat with a little water. Some sort of chemical reaction goes off and it creates a kind of cutting compound that polishes off rust. I got amazing results with a bumper on a pajero which looked ready for the bin and came back amazing!
     
  12. I've had a go with foil and water before but always results in scratching. Usually it's autosol or recently brasso.

    Baysearcher - thanks for that. I'll take a look.
     
  13. I have just been quoted £156 for all five (there's one on the spare wheel) to be stripped, repaired and rechromed.

    Tempted.
     
  14. Stainless ones are cheaper I think aircooled accessories do the set for £110 or around there
     
  15. Definately stick with the originals, the repro ones in this thread are only 5 months old :confused:

    http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=56830



    My originals are getting to the point of a re chrome, but I'm thinking of having them powder coated grey like this

    image.jpg

    But I am an early :)
     
  16. If they're good platers, do it. Cheaper than repros which will rot in five minutes.
     
  17. Moons

    Moons Supporter

    I got a set of stainless ones from Megabug - around £80, though a cursory look on their website isn't showing any - might be a worth a ring.

    The logo is embossed differently, but they haven't rusted thus far.
     

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