trockli Posted August 21, 2011 Report Share Posted August 21, 2011 Just realized now that the 20" chrome wheels on our 11 Edge are not what I expected. Looks like the chrome is a plastic part attached on top of the wheel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dingo Posted August 21, 2011 Report Share Posted August 21, 2011 It's intentional, to prevent corrosion and pitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOEHIO Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) True, it is plastic, .....................................but, I have the same thing on my '06 Explorer, and they still looki like brand new. Edited August 22, 2011 by JOEHIO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ablb Posted August 22, 2011 Report Share Posted August 22, 2011 (edited) Just realized now that the 20" chrome wheels on our 11 Edge are not what I expected. Looks like the chrome is a plastic part attached on top of the wheel? I cant believe youre upset about your $800.00 hub caps! ab Edited August 22, 2011 by ablb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trockli Posted August 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 I can’t believe you’re upset about your $800.00 hub caps! ab Exactly my point! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 My 18s are perfect after 3+ years. And unlike real chrome plated steel - it won't pit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted August 23, 2011 Report Share Posted August 23, 2011 My 18s are perfect after 3+ years. And unlike real chrome plated steel - it won't pit. I had a hard time getting over the plastic rims too. I just wish they were replaceable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 I had a hard time getting over the plastic rims too. I just wish they were replaceable. Yes, that is one drawback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carbonedge+ Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 (edited) My 18s are perfect after 3+ years. And unlike real chrome plated steel - it won't pit. Same here on my now 4+ year old 18s. No issues (knock on plastic...), oh and after 75k+ miles! Edited August 24, 2011 by carbonedge+ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waldo Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 (edited) The only purpose of chrome wheels is appearance. What part about the plastic doesn't look good? Can't be that bad if it took you a long time to notice. Edited August 24, 2011 by Waldo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ablb Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 I think most people are missing the point of this thread. Ford and all other manufactures are charging an unbelievable amount of money for what is basically an unfinished aluminum wheel with a plastic hub cap glued on. I would love to see the profit margin for this 1 upgrade. ab Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_man Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 One downside is that chrome plated steel or aluminum wheels can be repaired if they get bent, but the chrome-clad (plastic covered) wheels can't. I had to have one of my 2011 Edge 20" chrome-clad wheels and tire replaced, which were damaged when I ran over roadway debris (a transformer from a halide street light, but no way to track where it came from). It punctured the tire and bent the rim, including the chrome-clad plastic overlay. I took the damaged wheel to four different wheel shops and was told that they could not repair the chrome-clad wheel because the heat used to repair normal aluminum or steel wheels would melt the plastic overlay, and that they could not remove and replace the overlay. They said a lot of the manufacturers are going the chrome-clad route, the reason being chrome-clad wheels reject brake dust and dirt better than the normal chrome wheels, but I assume the truth is that they're just cheaper to manufacture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swalker Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 I agree. I've had my Edge for about three weeks and didn't realize the 20's were just plastic until the first time I washed it. I was pissed that I paid $900 for plastic, but as others have stated, they should look nice longer barring any unforseen damage. Guess I have to live with them now anyway. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlepse Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 It is definitely cheesy but who thinks any wheel upgrade at a dealer is worth what they charge? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cal3thousand Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 I think most people are missing the point of this thread. Ford and all other manufactures are charging an unbelievable amount of money for what is basically an unfinished aluminum wheel with a plastic hub cap glued on. I would love to see the profit margin for this 1 upgrade. ab Yes, I agree. But when I think of it from their point of view (Ford's), that extra margin can allow the company to "not skimp" in some other area. Corners are going to get cut in car manufacturing and I would rather it be in an area that doesn't have real effect. This plastic "hubcap" as we call it has shown mostly problems in the area of expectations rather than performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 I'd say there's a good chance an aluminum wheel with chrome cladding might actually be more expensive than a simple chrome plated steel wheel. They still have to manufacture the aluminum wheel, chrome plate the "hubcap" and epoxy it to the wheel. So the wheel itself is more expensive and it takes more labor. I don't think this was done to save a buck - I think it was done to save weight and produce a longer lasting product that doesn't get pitted over time. Chrome platers say the finish is just as durable as traditional chrome on steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igcitng Posted August 25, 2011 Report Share Posted August 25, 2011 I wish they would come up with better designs for the chrome clad. I am a little disappointed with the new 20" rims. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wlepse Posted August 25, 2011 Report Share Posted August 25, 2011 I wish they did polished aluminum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igcitng Posted August 25, 2011 Report Share Posted August 25, 2011 I wish they did polished aluminum. [/quote I would go for that. The chrome really does a lot for the look though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwebb2 Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 I have a used 2009 with 25,000 miles and 20" chrome wheels (plastic clad) and just noticed with my first wash that the chrome is bubbling and one have the chrome starting to peel. It sounds like most are pleased with their wheels and no problems noted on this thread. I'm headed to the dealer to see what can be done for replacement... not sure if warranty will apply or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwebb2 Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 I have a used 2009 with 25,000 miles and 20" chrome wheels (plastic clad) and just noticed with my first wash that the chrome is bubbling and one have the chrome starting to peel. It sounds like most are pleased with their wheels and no problems noted on this thread. I'm headed to the dealer to see what can be done for replacement... not sure if warranty will apply or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 28, 2011 Report Share Posted August 28, 2011 I have a used 2009 with 25,000 miles and 20" chrome wheels (plastic clad) and just noticed with my first wash that the chrome is bubbling and one have the chrome starting to peel. It sounds like most are pleased with their wheels and no problems noted on this thread. I'm headed to the dealer to see what can be done for replacement... not sure if warranty will apply or not. There were problems with the 20" chrome wheels. If you're under warranty it shouldn't be an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike08EDGE Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 There was a service bulletin on the 20inch chrome cladders regarding noise coming from them at driving speeds. I received 4 new ones for free from my dealership. Unfortunately, the wife curbed one and I curbed the second. So, my 20 in chrome clads look like crap. The chrome peeled off and the plastic (whitish grey) is visible. The worst thing? I can't find anyplace to repair them, and am not going to buy new wheels. I am 100% happy with my Edge. I am 0% happy with the chrome clads. What a joke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limited59 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 ^ sorry to hear that. I have the 18"s (had 55 series tires on my '10 Terrain) and I wouldn't trade looks for sidewall in the future. I absolutely LOVE my Edge (+ 1 month and 1,600km) but there is a feature I miss from the Terrain and that is the park (reverse) tilt mirrors... that feature worked wonders for protecting the chrome clad wheels on that vehicle (chrome clad are VERY common on today's vehicles) and since I'm the only one driving the Edge I have memory position 2 set to tilt the right side mirror down. It's saved the right wheels from curb rash on a number of occasions... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJPrelude Posted September 30, 2011 Report Share Posted September 30, 2011 Has anyone ever taken the outer plastic piece off and seen what it looks like underneath? i would really like to see a picture of it. i wonder if they are finished enough to be powder coated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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