2007 Chrome Clad Rims...Outraged!!

[CJGeorge32]

I am on my fourth Expedition (1997, 2003, 2004, 2007) I now have a Black 2007 Limited EL 4x4 with the 20 inch rim upgrade. However I was not aware when you purchased the truck that "Chrome Clad" meant chrome on a piece of plastic stuck on a rim? I honestly cannot believe that my 51k expedition has plastic covers on the rims. I consider myself an expedition expert and I never realized they were plastic covers. I am complaining to the dealer I bought the truck from and they are as surprised as I was. This is one of the biggest Ford dealers in So. Cal and not one salesman knew they were plastic. They remember that the chrome rims were important to me. I cannot believe that more "Expedition Enthusiasts" are not outraged. Everytime I stick with Ford I get slapped in the face. WHEN WILL I LEARN!!!

Definition of Clad:
–verb (used with object), clad, clad·ding. to bond a metal to (another metal), esp. to provide with a protective coat.

 

[green03]

Well, are you unhappy with the chromed plastic caps? Is it flaking off or something. Ford is good at chroming plastic.....LOL

Matt R

 

[CJGeorge32]

You do not get it... the whole rim is a plastic cover....not just the caps like on previous years...like your 2003...

 

[chuck s]

Chromed wheels are gonna cost ya extra.

But since chrome clad is every bit as good functionally and cosmetically as chrome plated I'm wondering why you're upset. Another $1000+ will buy new wheels.

I've got just ordinary wheels on mine, but it was $20,000 less -- but maybe not as pretty! I purchased it to pull my camper.

-- Chuck

 

[CJGeorge32]

I wish people that actually have the rims will reply to my post....

 

[Remo]

I have a 2000, but I do know what you are talking about. It's basically like a plastic wheel cover (or hubcap) that snaps on over the entire rim, correct? If that's the case, I'd be p.o.'ed, too. Wheel covers belong on cheap, economy cars, not $50K suv's. I'd try getting the stock rims and your money back. Then, just put the money into upgrading to a real set of chrome dubs.

 

[4x4Dude]

Maybe you should take a picture to show us what you're talking about.

Are you saying that you paid for a chrome plated hubcap set over steel wheels? or is the whole rim itself plastic?

Calm down though dude....Sometimes it takes a little time for someone to get around to reading your post, and the other people responding are just tryin to help you along.

 

[Remo]

Hey, I just took a look at the Ford website to try to get a better idea of what you were talking about. From their pictures, the rims look like regular chrome rims. They didn't have any close ups, though. I'm sure they still look really good, so try not to stress out about it. I doubt people realize that they are plastic covers, so if you can live with knowing it, just be happy that they look good. Hope that makes you feel a little better.

If you are really that upset about it, though, I'd try working something out with the dealership. I have no idea how well they will cooperate, but its worth a shot.

 

[CJGeorge32]

Even though these are the 18 inch rim for the 2007 Expedition look at this website for more info and pictures.

http://baumbach.com/Expedition.htm

 

[4x4Dude]

Well i think if you paid extra for "chrome" wheels you should take it back to them and see what they can do. Other than that, just drive around like normal and if they start to chip away ford replaces them for you under warranty.

 

[2002EB]

My 02 came with chrome clad wheels too.

But I didn't pay 51k so I'm okay with that.

 

[4x4Dude]

I think buying chrome rims from the dealership is a waste of money. better to get the bone stock wheels and then save up a little extra cash and buy some nice aftermarket ones so your truck has a customized look to it.

 

[ELVATO]

I don't have chrome clad wheels, but I know what you are talking about. I saw one or two "new" Expeditions with what you are talking about. It's almost like a "chromified" hubcap/snap on.

It's like you're walking by, and they catch your attention. "Ooo, look rims." But when you actually look at them, you can tell they're snap on. I thought, "WTF?" to myself. I figured it was Ford's way of offering cheap rims for people who couldn't afford the "chrome" option. As others have said, either take it up with the dealer, or return them, and use the money for some better looking aftermarkets.

 

[chuck s]

http://www.expeditionforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2531

-- Chuck

 

[green03]

Are you guys telling me that the whole wheel is covered with plastic? Or just the center cap as I was assuming......

Matt R

 

[ELVATO]

The whole wheel.

 

[Breezyjr]

Ok, so if this is like my '06 expy limited, I don't see what the big deal is. Yes, I was a bit miffed when I tapped on a spoke only to hear a plastic sound. But, from a distance you can't tell they're plastic.

Ok. in the interest of full disclosure, I did replace my stock wheel and tires, with aftermarket 22" wheels.

In either case, the pics looked like my "old" 06 expy limited wheels. I'm guessing you paid the extra $$ for 20" wheels, not so much for the Chrome. But, if you really don't like them, have the dealership put some "stock" wheels on, get back some $$$, and go out and buy some "real" chrome wheels. they're not that expensive, and they look much better than anything Ford can put on them.....

Good luck.. but, really relax a bit. Gonna send your blood pressure through the roof.

later,
Breezyjr

 

[IQ99]

I have an 08 with the "HUB DUBs" It pissed me off too. No one at the dealer in Stockton seemed to know about them being a chrome wheel cover. I then thought what have they been using to clean them with? I got the Eagle One suggestion when we bought it and mine was listed at 54K. Yes, we got everything on it. I got the 20 inchers as there are more tire choices than 18s. I think Ford needs to do much more explaining about what chrome clad is or hey offer us some different chrome covers or color matched covers. I mean if they are basically hub caps why not give us some choices.

 

[mustangswan]

I also have and '07 limited but with the 18's. I get people all the time saying how much they like the rims. A few did not believe me that they were stock. I had a 00 EB with the chrome clad wheels and they looked great until a 100ft fir tree crushed it in a wind storm. it was a good reason to upgrade to the 07. I think that the extra $ for the 20's is a little much though. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[4x4Dude]

I was at the ford dealer the other day looking at the new expos and i had to walk up and do the tap test on the "upgraded" rims. I guess it was one of those things i didnt believe till i saw for myself, but sure enough, i tapped and it came up with a plastic sound.

I dont know about you, but when i buy aftermarket or upgraded "chrome" rims they better not sound like i'm tapping on the wheels of some 4 year olds big wheel!! Boo on ford for this cheap production of wheels