Chrome wheel update! Question?

grantgoold · February 27, 2007, 07:08:28 PM

After the considering simulators, a suggestion was made to inquire regarding chrome wheels. Here is what I found:

I spoke with Mario from Wester Chrome and he quoted a price of 94.75 per wheel for chrome. For my MCI 9 for six wheel and all the appropriate wheel accessories the entire package would be $695.94.

They are located in Fresno, Ca and can usually trade out your rims for in stock items. They also have a vendor close by that can change out the rims and tires and potentially eliminate the hassle of core charges which are $115.00 per wheel. Of course, that core charge is immediately refundable once cores arrive.

Now, what is your opinion regarding the use of chrome wheels and your experience?

Financially, this package price is only about $50.00 more expensive than simulators without the shipping.

Mario suggests that shipping to and from Fresno from the East coast generally runs $200.00 each way for six wheels.

I am seriously considering the chrome option for my bus.

Skykingrob · February 27, 2007, 07:15:58 PM

Hi Grant
If chrome is what you want, that would be a real bargain. You will see from this link, http://www.carolinarim.com, the cost for refurbished chrome wheels is $200 each plus shipping. BTW, this is the best price I have found on the net. This makes your deal sweet. The only question is, is this an exchange or outright buy?

Rob
91 LeMirageXL
Missouri

Beatenbo · February 27, 2007, 07:17:08 PM

I put the info on Western chrome and I am going to change out at some point. I had chrome wheels on a 4106 years ago and the looked great and were easy to up keep. My thought with simulators is you can't see your wheel and there is always a chance of wheel problems or cracks on our beat up highways today. I had a wheel to crack and break on a 4905 GM about 12 or 13 years ago.

grantgoold · February 27, 2007, 09:08:13 PM

Rob, the cost per wheel is either your rims chromed ( a two week turn around) or you can purchase a set of in stock wheels) You simply need to provide Mario with the wheel numbers on your bus. Beatenbo thanks for the insight. I was shocked frankly at the price and have spoken to two people today who have frequent dealings with Western Chrome and say very nice things about their customer service.

Mario was even willing to have their delivery truck pick up my wheels when they are in my town.

So far pretty impressed with their customer service.

I asked Mario to share with me a local vendor or user so I can see the rims up close and personal. I'll keep you posted as I move forward.

Regards,

Grant

belfert · February 28, 2007, 04:49:58 AM

How does the cost of aluminum wheels compare to chrome wheels? I've never priced aluminum wheels. Of course, aluminum will also require new wheel studs in most cases.

Are the chrome wheels available in a 24.5" size?

Brian Elfert

Len Silva · February 28, 2007, 05:51:23 AM

Grant,

I'm just curious, do they chrome both sides of the wheel so it can be used in any position?

Len

grantgoold · February 28, 2007, 06:51:50 AM

Brian, I was told by someone at Western that the Aluminum rim would be almost $300.00 per rim including the accessories.

Len, I did not ask that specific question. Sounds like something you might ask Mario. Maybe I am missing something but you can use the rims in different positions that allow the rim to be turned around? I thought drives are drives and steers are steers?

I obviously am missing something if something is different.

Grant

Chaz · February 28, 2007, 07:23:25 AM

Quotetold by someone at Western that the Aluminum rim would be almost $300.00 per rim including the accessories.

I'm not anyone with any experience in this topic, but, I'm pretty sure people talk about Alcoa's for something like $2000 apiece. Is there a big difference between Western and Alcoa??

Running in circles,
Chaz

MedicNovo · February 28, 2007, 08:52:34 AM

If anybody could find a deal for chrome rims under $700 on the east coast I would be all over that! Im thinking of buying simulators right now but I would jump on that instead.

Dallas · February 28, 2007, 08:57:31 AM

Quote from: grantgoold on February 28, 2007, 06:51:50 AM
Brian, I was told by someone at Western that the Aluminum rim would be almost $300.00 per rim including the accessories.

Len, I did not ask that specific question. Sounds like something you might ask Mario. Maybe I am missing something but you can use the rims in different positions that allow the rim to be turned around? I thought drives are drives and steers are steers?

I obviously am missing something if something is different.

Grant

Grant,

Bud Wheels are reversable. They work in any position on either end of the bus.

Busted Knuckle · February 28, 2007, 11:15:28 AM

I went back in the archives and copied this and pasted it here ! Trust me guys! I love chrome much as anybody else (I'm an ex-chicken hauler), my dad tells everyone "ya his favorite color is CHROME!" Also it's possible they've made changes since this personal experience which was somewhere between 12-15 yrs ago! But I still would hate to hear of ANYONE (member or not) getting involved in an accident because of a broken wheel, or for that matter having the broken wheel come off an hit and kill someone else! I love CHROME, but for us we'll stick to Alcoa's on our buses! FWIW BK

Keep a good eye on those ghrome wheels! I had 1 trailer that had chrome instead of Aluminum when I was truck'n and no matter who or where they pulled that trailer, they got pulled around back and inspected all the time! I finally asked 'em out in Banning, CA how come it seemed like that trailer seemed to "cause inspections", and the DOT officer's response was. "These chrome wheels are known for cracking from excessive heat, so we're looking out for you as well as the public you share the road with!" Wow was I floored so I started watching them much more closely and yep sure enough 1 cracked around the center of the bolt pattern. So I replaced all 4 (only had 'm on the outside 4 looks!). I know you won't have the DOT pulling you over, but for safety sake check 'm regularly! BK

Also "chrome won't get ya home" that's what dad used tell me! And yes my response was !Ya yer right it might not get me home! "BUT I'LL LOOK GOOD SIT'N BESIDE THE ROAD!" LOL! (Poor ol' dad used to just lower his head and walk away 'cause he new it was a lost cause when it came to me, my truck & CHROME! LOL!) BK

mikeH8H-649 · February 28, 2007, 11:31:01 AM

I'm not anyone with any experience in this topic, but, I'm pretty sure people talk about Alcoa's for something like $2000 apiece. Is there a big difference between Western and Alcoa??

Running in circles,
Chaz
Chaz,I have priced alcoa's and they are about $325 for just the wheel and then you have to get the lug nuts and hats ect total it came up to just over $400 each Mike

Kristinsgrandpa · February 28, 2007, 11:59:55 AM

Chaz, a trucker friend of mine told me of an ad in a truckers mag for new Alcoas at $265 ea. in Louisville KY. (this was 2 mo. ago)

I didn't write down the name since I already have my Alcoas, but I can call the guy and find out the name of the business if you wish. I thought $265 was a very decent price.

Ed

Chaz · February 28, 2007, 01:23:25 PM

Thanx guys,
I'm not going to be needing alcoas anytime soon, but those do sound like good prices. I'm not sure what I had read in the past that I thought they were that much. Must have been for the set.
Thanx for settin me straight!!

"Rollin, rollin, rollin... keep them wheels (doggies) rollin..................."
Chaz

Stan · February 28, 2007, 05:27:07 PM

There is a difference in price on polished both sides, polished one side or unpolished. I expect the new series that supposedly don't need polishing cost more.

Chrome wheel update! Question?

belfert

Dallas