Hello I own a 2011 ecoboost max tow with the chrome xtr package. So far I've had all four rims changed under warranty and the front bumper due to crappy chrome (rusting). I live in Sudbury Ontario where salt is used on the roads but the front bumper was changed four months ago and is already rusting. There is no way this should be rusting so quick. I wash my truck frequently and take care of it. Apparently the big three all have the same problem...what happened to automotive chrome is it that cheap now?? My 1998 GMC barely had any rust on its chrome when I sold it in Feb. 2011. I now have an appointment with the dealer for next Thursday where they will chrome polish all my chrome. I hate doing the same thing over again and expecting different results ..that's the definition of insanity isn't it?? I am waiting on an answer from Ford Canada for different bumpers and rims (FX4 painted bumpers + FX4 rims). Has anybody else experienced this? What do you guys think about Rhino Lining or Line-X on bumpers and rims?? My truck is grey I think flat black rhino-lined bumpers would look sweet...What do you think? What would you guys do in my situation?

 

Another option, if you're still thinking of covering the chrome is "PlastiDip". I've seen a few cars/trucks around here that the owner had done that, and it looks better than all that chrome, IMO.
Just cover the whole wheel, and not just the rim, if you do it.

Do a search for it, I thought I had a link for it, but didn't find it. You could do this yourself, and save some bucks.

 

I'm a big fan of line-x or other protective coatings but that defeats the purpose of the chrome package. In the eyes of a dealer recieving your truck as a trade in the future, it may actually devalue, it whereas I would consider it a plus.

I wouldn't touch the wheels. I would get some nice soummer wheels and leave the pitted wheels for winter.

 

Tim brings up a good pointe about the resale. The good thing about the PlastiDip, is that it can be peeled off, so all that shiny stuff can be seen again.

DipYourCar.com -Plasti Dip For Your Car - Glossifier Blaze Pearlizer Metalizers Pro Car Kits

 

That's some cool stuff!

 

I'd go with some road armor or fab fours bumpers. Won't have to worry about it then

 

Thanks Rob, I've thought about doing some on my Rhino and my wife's Focus.

 

Chrome definitely is not what it used to be. If it doesn't start to rust on the front, the steel itself will rust out from behind. If you have hopes of it lasting, you have to be proactive and consider using something like Sharkhide. My 2010 F150 bumpers were getting rusted when i purchased it with only 27k on the clock. After using some steel wool and chrome polish clean it up, I used this product myself,
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor
It was recommend here on FTE for underbody rust control, but it can be used pretty much anywhere. The company claims that it stops existing rust a gets absorbed into the metal for continued protection. I like this product because it is lanolin based. I can't say how well it works, because I just applied it this fall. Either one of these probably would need to be reapplied before the winter season.

 

I did my bumpers and side steps in the plasti-dip and turned out great. Don't even have a stone chip on the front from it. Unfortunately tho it chips of pretty easy on the side steps. But it is easy to touch up if you need too