OE vs Aftermarket rims

luvbelly · 05-09-2008, 08:25 AM

I have posted before about my AR rims having pit rust after only 3 months of exposure to winter weather. Now I have a stupid question t I have not been able to answer on my own. I have had all chrome factory rims I have run for several winters and they always cleaned up well in the spring. Why do the OE rims hold up better than aftermarket? Is there a special process or material used? If so, why the heck doesn't the aftermarket use them? I will include a pic of my AR rims as an example. Thanks

**Nissan Mike** · 05-09-2008, 08:32 AM

Your rims don't look like their chromed.They look like polished aluminum.
Some aluminum wheels come with a clear coat to protect them but it dulls the finish,others are bare metal that need to be polished.All OEM aluminum wheels are clear coated to protect the finish

wl07 · 05-09-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvbelly

I have posted before about my AR rims having pit rust after only 3 months of exposure to winter weather. Now I have a stupid question t I have not been able to answer on my own. I have had all chrome factory rims I have run for several winters and they always cleaned up well in the spring. Why do the OE rims hold up better than aftermarket? Is there a special process or material used? If so, why the heck doesn't the aftermarket use them? I will include a pic of my AR rims as an example. Thanks

do you have pic of your truck i just got a leveling kit and looking at putting on same tires that you have would love to see a pic.

Pops · 05-09-2008, 10:30 AM

I've had a couple sets of American Racing wheels and I like the wheels but the only set I had that had a maintenance free finish was called the AR-52 "Gambler" shown in this pic which was more of a brushed than smooth looking finish. For some reason, AR doesn't seem to stay consistent with their clearcoat finishes so some models are better than others and I had problems like yours with the smooth finishes.

luvbelly · 05-09-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wl07

do you have pic of your truck i just got a leveling kit and looking at putting on same tires that you have would love to see a pic.

I am very happy with the tire. I had hoped the rim could be used year round but it seems no luck there. Here is a pic for you. Sorry I don't have anything with a closer shot of the tires, but if I get a chance I shoot a couple.