I found a set of 69 rims nice shape but need chrome to be show finish. What should I offer. Not seen a set for sale in a long time.

 

I paid $75 each for 5 last year but they definitely need work. Seems the going rate is $200-$500 each depending on shape. If they are straight with no pitting, I would say $1000-$1200 a set. If they don't have center caps or the stainless trim pieces, adjust down. Please note that Re-chroming is a costly endeavor and it's tough to find someone to do it. Also, the chrome was thin from the factory.

 

I'm facing this problem right now and don't yet have a good answer. The original wheels were chromed in pieces - the outer rim was plated before the center disk was welded in place. To chrome these correctly, you need to machine the center disk out of the wheel, replate the rim, then weld them back together. Few shops will do that, and it's expensive if you find one that will. The alternative is to have them completely plated, then you have the problem of getting the paint on the center disk to stick to the chrome.

 

The usual procedure is to remove the outer hoops (machining through the welds) and weld a NEW chrome hoop onto the original center. The machining of the hoops, I believe, involves cutting ALL AROUND the perimeter of the hoop thus making it un-useable (a channel cut into them on a lathe of some sort).

Find a wheel rebuilder/re-hooper BEFORE you buy them...make sure they can get their hands on the correct 15" hoops and in chrome. One popular Buick rally wheel "re-hooper" recently stopped doing them as he said he can't get the hoops any longer but he made it sound like he didn't do enough volume instead of the hoops no longer being available. Repro places still offer repro wheels so somebody is making the new hoops.