Cheap Chrome-Clad Rims

[05ExplorerLMTD]

I just purchased an '05 Limited with everything but rear DVD

I absolutely love this truck and have wanted an Ex for a long time, so I traded in the 'Stang for an Ex...

Unfortunately, had I done my research before purchasing, I would have avoided the "chrome" package with the cheap chrome-clad rims...

So, I'm out looking at my truck a week or so after I bought it and noticed that the chrome-clad seems to be bowing away from the rim on all 5 spokes on the front wheels, not so much on the rear.

Now, I checked out this truck top to bottom, front to back before I bought it and don't believe this was the case at the dealership, but there are no marks on them like someone tried to vandalize and/or steal them, etc.

It almost looks like its bowing away from the rim because of stress, etc? I read here that these are plastic chrome covers, I didn't realize plastic could bow like this without splitting, its been 100+ degrees here the last couple days and a friend suggested it was expanding due to the heat?

Anyone have any experience with this? And if so, a remedy?

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I've had rims ruined by excessive brake dust already. It pitted the chrome all the way thru, and destroyed them.

The Limited was the only package with the chrome wheels. I do remember seeing some chrome (real chrome) wheels the same style as yours in the Explorer accessories catalog. Otherwise, I know I've seen them on eBay too.

 

[ghoster]

congrats on the buy, but that one reason i didn't buy a Limited. Oh and also b/c the crappy paint job on the Fords "3 stage" paint. I saw several pearl white limited's and the where all w/ the rims in pretty bad condition and the hood where like starting to rust in the front under the paint, kinda weird if you ask me.

 

[Grey Wolf]

Try to claim it under warranty. I got 2 of mine replaced on my Harley F150 under warranty for bubbling chrome, at $1,100 per wheel!!! Has to be on the face though. Some dealers will accept chrome wheels on warranty, some won't. Good luck