paxton3x@att.net
New member
Have a F800 GS the front wheel is chrome and the rear is black, what would be the best way to get them to match. to expensive to change out the rim. Please help.
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How to turn a chrome rim to black
- Thread starter paxton3x@att.net
- Start date
Go for a long ride on a rainy day on a muddy road. Then don't wash the bike. Ever.
36654
New member
Too bad it isn't the other way around. Chain drive lube can turn any wheel black.....
Well, if you're good at lacing wheels (aren't we all?), disassemble and then sandblast the front rim and either paint or powdercoat it.
There are a number of “self-etching” primer/paint solutions to accomplish changing the chrome to a “blackened” color. As in any paint work, preparation is key.
There is a pretty good tutorial in this article-
https://vikingpaints.com/uncategorized/paint-chrome-surface/
Good luck. Maybe you can post a before and after.
OM
stooie
Member
I feel your pain, as I think wheels can very strongly impact the looks of a bike for either better or worse.
1. Are you sure the front wheel is chrome (rare) and not just painted silver (common)?
2. Am I correct in presuming you have wire and not cast aluminum wheels?
If the front wheel is really chrome then it's a pretty big deal to get rid of it. I think most chrome stripping is done chemically because the chrome is so hard that it's very resistant to sand blasting.
If you want to redo a painted rim it's relatively easy but not free. Prior to sandblasting the wheel bearings need to be removed. This may or may not mean the bearing seals will need to be replaced. If they're wire wheels the spokes need to be removed. After the sand blasting and painting the wheels will need the bearings and seals put back and the spokes reinstalled, tensioned, and trued.
Good luck with it! Let us know what you decide to do and how it turns out.
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Put a "wanted" ad in the Marketplace and Craigslist for a black front wheel or a chrome rear wheel.
Contact your local chapter BMW club and your local dealers.
Check all the BMW recyclers; Beemer Boneyard, Re-psycle, Parts Haus, etc.. Several are listed in the ON.
See if anyone of them wants to trade (plus cash?).
Contact your local chapter BMW club and your local dealers.
Check all the BMW recyclers; Beemer Boneyard, Re-psycle, Parts Haus, etc.. Several are listed in the ON.
See if anyone of them wants to trade (plus cash?).
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lee
Debbie's Servant
Put a "wanted" ad in the Marketplace and Craigslist for a black front wheel or a chrome rear wheel.
The Flea Market on Adventure Rider is another good place to look for GS parts.
https://advrider.com/f/forums/parts.53/
Found these here, maybe find used and sell whichever is left?
http://marketplace.bmwmoa.org/?tabid=137
http://marketplace.bmwmoa.org/?tabid=137
lee
Debbie's Servant
I figured he was looking for a spoke rim if it's not easy to paint or powdercoat the existing rim.
ALIENHITCHHIKER
New member
I have had good luck painting chrome by first sanding it to remove all gloss and then applying multiple (like 5 or 6) coats of rattle can appliance epoxy paint.
However....I would not recommend it for a wheel, particularly if it rolls over dirt or gravel very often. After a few miles and a couple of tire changes you'll probably be disappointed with its appearance.
However....I would not recommend it for a wheel, particularly if it rolls over dirt or gravel very often. After a few miles and a couple of tire changes you'll probably be disappointed with its appearance.
