Topic: Never buy colored stem caps

[bluedevil]

Never buy colored stem caps!

I purchased a set of metallic blue colored stem caps for my wheels a couple years ago.  They used to be deep blue and shiny.  Well not anymore,...... They're weathered, faded and looking like crap.

Instead, invest in a set of stainless ones.

[Troublemaker]

My iphone case is like that too...  was blue and shiny (skullcandy brand) and only had it about a month or 2, and now it's faded.  :(

[bluedevil]

My iphone case is like that too...  was blue and shiny (skullcandy brand) and only had it about a month or 2, and now it's faded.  :(

Mine too

[Enkei]

I have the Locking ones with the Chevy Bowtie in blue on them..  I love watching kids try to take them off.. They spin and spin them and they don't come off....

[Zora Arkus-Duntov]

My Honda Fit came with these.....

.....but they only "lived" 1 day. 

[dnice58]

hey Enkei do they come in differnt colors?

[bluedevil]

My Honda Fit came with these.....

.....but they only "lived" 1 day. 

 

[maverick1974]

Yea I always see them at the car shows and wondered about the color staying.  But of course the vendors buy in bulk so you can get like two and a half sets for 5 bucks.

[Enkei]

Here are the ones I have. I have them in Blue and they have been with me for over 6 years. Yes I had them on my old Av too..


http://www.carbeyondstore.com/auto-parts/Chevrolet-Red-Logo-Anti-Theft-Tire-Valve-Caps/

Item Name:
Theft Deterrent Chevrolet Red Logo Chrome Tire Stem Valve Caps

Item Code:
TVG-TDC-022

Description:
Adorn your wheels with this leading edge technology in design, function and virtually theft proof.

Chevy red logo theft-deterrent tire stem valve caps. Chrome finish.
Tire Valve Stem Caps made from ABS composite materials. For a perfect seal each cap is fitted with a Buna N O-Ring.
Fade-resistant highly detailed logo protected by super-hard polycarbonate.
Cap will fit on standard tire stem. (please check if you have TPMS on your car)
Plastic keys enable you to secure the caps onto your valve stem, making it almost impossible to steal.
4 caps and 2 locking keys included with each set.
Brand new official licensed logo product.

MSRP:
$34.95

PRICE:   
 $22.95
 

[Richie_Rich]

Those colored metal caps are anodized and they probably put the cheapest thinnest anodizing they could.

Where do think they were made?


My company just made a bunch of black anodized handrails for the St. Louis Zoo.
I've found there are a lot of variations with the process.
You can do it half-assed and cheap or have the parts spend a little more time in the bath to allow the anodizing to penetrate deeper.

Your best bet is to get some Duplicolor anodize spray paint to make them look fresh.

[Enkei]

The same ones have been on both of my Av's.. Still shine. I take them off every few months to clean...They still look brand new..

[Sunburst05]

I usually always use the stainless ones. I once bought a set that were aluminum and put them on my winter wheels and ran them for the winter. The following winter I went to check the air in the tires and all four caps had corroded and seized on the stems. I had to have all them stems replaced before I could put the wheels on.