LOL, you need to play in the shop more!Originally Posted by thedutchguy
Chrome is simply a thin layer of hard metal deposited (electrostatically or chemically) on the base base metal, and like any metal it can be abraded away. If the chrome is properly adhered to the base metal then you wouldn't strip it away completely, although it would appear so as it wouldn't look like what most consider chrome. Of course, as you mentioned, flaking and other problem areas would come right off leaving a relatively uniform surface to prep for whatever coating you choose next.
As for rim "strength", the vast majority of OEM wheels are very over-built and quite stout. Think of the liability a manufacturer would open themselves up to if they produced wheels like the aftermarket. If you root through paper work that's shipped with aftermarket wheels there's fine print in there absolving the manufacturers of any liability for you using their wheels since they can't consult and advise on your particular application, among other legalese.
When powder coating you have to be careful of heat, especially with aluminum. But there are some fantastic finishes out there for powder applications, plus you can layer and even clear powder. The alloy "Bundt cake" wheels on one of my Mercedes diesels I'm thinking about glass beading then clear powder for smooth satin finish. Of course the big hold up for me right now is simply finding a large enough oven!
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