John 316 Posted August 19, 2014 Share Posted August 19, 2014 (edited) Well, I finally received my new 2015 F-350 King Ranch that I ordered on 6-18. The truck was delivered to the dealer on 8-11 and I picked it up on 8-15. The dealer had to install a rear sway bar that I couldn't order on the truck and I had the Platinum door and tailgate chrome handles installed since I had ordered the chrome package which forces you to order the "chrome clad aluminum wheels!" When I started looking the truck over, to my amazement the "chrome clad" wheels were no more than chrome plated plastic wheel covers! I just sold my GMC Denali that had chrome clad aluminum wheels that were actually real aluminum wheels with real chrome cladding, no plastic covers. When I ordered the chrome package for $695.00 I expected the "chrome clad" wheels to be real chrome clad wheels, not plastic covers for an additional $1195.00 upgrade! I told the dealer that this was a "downgrade" from the standard King Ranch wheels, which are polished aluminum with painted pockets. His answer was that I got what I ordered! This is true to the extent that I ordered "chrome clad" wheels as a $1195.00 option, but no where in Fords description does it mention the words "plastic" or "wheelcovers!" Anyone in their right mind would prefer the standard aluminum wheels over a plastic hub cap that cost an additional $1195.00! All that I ask was that they install the standard wheels and refund my $1195.00. The answer was no. Ford needs to look the definition for "clad" up as I have and according to Webster's, the definition is to "bond one type of metal to another." I have called Ford and didn't get anywhere either! I am one un-happy owner of a beautiful new $70,000.00 King Ranch with plastic wheel covers, which I don't think I have ever had on a new vehichle in more than 36 years! Edited August 19, 2014 by John 316 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 (edited) Well, I finally received my new 2015 F-350 King Ranch that I ordered on 6-18. The truck was delivered to the dealer on 8-11 and I picked it up on 8-15. The dealer had to install a rear sway bar that I couldn't order on the truck and I had the Platinum door and tailgate chrome handles installed since I had ordered the chrome package which forces you to order the "chrome clad aluminum wheels!" When I started looking the truck over, to my amazement the "chrome clad" wheels were no more than chrome plated plastic wheel covers! I just sold my GMC Denali that had chrome clad aluminum wheels that were actually real aluminum wheels with real chrome cladding, no plastic covers. When I ordered the chrome package for $695.00 I expected the "chrome clad" wheels to be real chrome clad wheels, not plastic covers for an additional $1195.00 upgrade! I told the dealer that this was a "downgrade" from the standard King Ranch wheels, which are polished aluminum with painted pockets. His answer was that I got what I ordered! This is true to the extent that I ordered "chrome clad" wheels as a $1195.00 option, but no where in Fords description does it mention the words "plastic" or "wheelcovers!" Anyone in their right mind would prefer the standard aluminum wheels over a plastic hub cap that cost an additional $1195.00! All that I ask was that they install the standard wheels and refund my $1195.00. The answer was no. Ford needs to look the definition for "clad" up as I have and according to Webster's, the definition is to "bond one type of metal to another." I have called Ford and didn't get anywhere either! I am one un-happy owner of a beautiful new $70,000.00 King Ranch with plastic wheel covers, which I don't think I have ever had on a new vehichle in more than 36 years! Welcome to the Forum! The wheels behind the clad are aluminum. I would say that the plastic chrome clad holds up better in the long run. I have them on mine, and have no complaints. They look just fine, and you have to physically inspect them to tell the difference. To each his own... Edited August 20, 2014 by danglin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John 316 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 Welcome to the Forum! The wheels behind the clad are aluminum. I would say that the plastic chrome clad holds up better in the long run. I have them on mine, and have no complaints. They look just fine, and you have to physically inspect them to tell the difference. To each his own... You seem to be missing the point! Fords description of the "chrome clad" wheels is false and misleading. Had the description been "chrome plated plastic wheel covers" and I was fool-enough to pay $1195.00 for them, then I would not be un-happy. But when you describe them as "chrome clad" and I pay $1195.00 for plastic wheel covers then I feel like a fool! Apparently you have never owned "chrome clad" aluminum wheels or you would not be so happy with your chrome plated plastic hub-caps, which is what they really are! And no they can not possibly hold up better than "chrome clad" aluminum in the long run. This is just another cost-cutting move by Ford and a deception in the description of the product offered. No one would knowingly pay more for a plastic wheel cover than for a polished aluminum wheel unless they were truely a "fool!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Actually they can hold up better than chrome plated steel wheels. They won't pit over time and they're lighter. The definition of clad says nothing about metal. It just means "clothed". It's real chrome just over plastic instead of steel and it's permanently attached to the rest of the wheel. We had them on our 2008 Edge for 6 years and they looked just as good on the last day as the first day. Other mfrs also use them like Dodge. The downside is if they ever get scratched they can't really be repaired and they're expensive. Other than that they perform better than chrome plated steel. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John 316 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 (edited) Actually they can hold up better than chrome plated steel wheels. They won't pit over time and they're lighter. The definition of clad says nothing about metal. It just means "clothed". It's real chrome just over plastic instead of steel and it's permanently attached to the rest of the wheel. We had them on our 2008 Edge for 6 years and they looked just as good on the last day as the first day. Other mfrs also use them like Dodge. The downside is if they ever get scratched they can't really be repaired and they're expensive. Other than that they perform better than chrome plated steel. "Chrome Clad" aluminum wheels won't pit. Thats why they use aluminum wheels and they are lighter. I am not referring to chrome plated steel wheels. And I don't know what Dictionary you are using, But according to Webster's, when referring to metal " it is the bonding of one type of metal to another type of metal!" "Clothed" has nothing to do with metal! You have obviously never heard of a "clad" coin, which is what the shiny stuff in your pocket is. Look it up and learn. Edited August 20, 2014 by John 316 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Maybe you should look it up and learn. You're looking at the wrong definition in Websters. I'm also pretty sure it's real chrome plating on top - it's just done on top of plastic instead of metal. You can do the same thing with other rigid plastic parts on cars. It holds up even better than chrome plated aluminum over time, it's just really expensive to replace and can't be easily repaired. 2cladadjective \ˈklad\: covered with something specified Full Definition of CLAD 1 : being covered or clothed <ivy-clad buildings> 2 of a coin : consisting of outer layers of one metal bonded to a core of a different metal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John 316 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 Maybe you should look it up and learn. You're looking at the wrong definition in Websters. I'm also pretty sure it's real chrome plating on top - it's just done on top of plastic instead of metal. You can do the same thing with other rigid plastic parts on cars. It holds up even better than chrome plated aluminum over time, it's just really expensive to replace and can't be easily repaired. 2clad adjective \ˈklad\: covered with something specified Full Definition of CLAD 1 : being covered or clothed <ivy-clad buildings> 2 of a coin : consisting of outer layers of one metal bonded to a core of a different metal 3 clad :sheath, face; specifically: to cover [ a metal ] with another metal by bonding. This is what I am referring to when the description of "chrome clad" aluminum wheel is used. Ford does not use the word "plastic" or cover in their description of this wheel. Therefore it is false by any definition. Including #2 that you just listed. Metal bonded to metal! Aka - Chrome to aluminum. Two metals. We are not talking about a ivy- clad building! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 (edited) 3 clad :sheath, face; specifically: to cover [ a metal ] with another metal by bonding. This is what I am referring to when the description of "chrome clad" aluminum wheel is used. Ford does not use the word "plastic" or cover in their description of this wheel. Therefore it is false by any definition. Including #2 that you just listed. Metal bonded to metal! Aka - Chrome to aluminum. Two metals. We are not talking about a ivy- clad building! 'Clad' could mean any of the 3 definitions quoted and not be false. Just because they didn't stick to the definition you chose doesn't mean it was false advertising or that the guide was false. Seriously, as long as the wheels look nice and are as long-lasting as what you are expecting, what is the big deal? I say tomato, you say tomahto...big whoop! If this was really that big of a deal for you, though, you probably should have checked it out before plunking down your hard-earned cash for them. Relax, take a deep breath, realize that the reasons you purchased those wheels over the stock wheels are covered, and enjoy your truck! I could see how it would be a bit disappointing at first, but as time goes on, you either won't notice, or will be glad they came that way since they will hold up better in the long run. Edited August 20, 2014 by fordmantpw 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Ford has been using these wheels since at least 2008. The description is accurate, just not what you expected. Ordering something you haven't seen in person is always risky. Now you know. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 (edited) You seem to be missing the point! Fords description of the "chrome clad" wheels is false and misleading. Had the description been "chrome plated plastic wheel covers" and I was fool-enough to pay $1195.00 for them, then I would not be un-happy. But when you describe them as "chrome clad" and I pay $1195.00 for plastic wheel covers then I feel like a fool! Apparently you have never owned "chrome clad" aluminum wheels or you would not be so happy with your chrome plated plastic hub-caps, which is what they really are! And no they can not possibly hold up better than "chrome clad" aluminum in the long run. This is just another cost-cutting move by Ford and a deception in the description of the product offered. No one would knowingly pay more for a plastic wheel cover than for a polished aluminum wheel unless they were truely a "fool!" Actually my 2011 mustang has upgraded polished aluminum wheels and they are very nice. This does not make me think the wheels on the Superduty are inferior. They are simply different type of wheel. I am happy with both. I would challenge you to prove this was a cost cutting move. Maybe I am just easy to please and a fool! Edited August 20, 2014 by danglin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John 316 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Share Posted August 20, 2014 Actually my 2011 mustang has upgraded polished aluminum wheels and they are very nice. This does not make me think the wheels on the Superduty are inferior. They are simply different type of wheel. I am happy with both. I would challenge you to prove this was a cost cutting move. Maybe I am just easy to please and a fool! Please, put down the Koolaid. You can't be serious. Chrome plated plastic compared to polished aluminum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 http://www.originalwheels.com/blog/2012/06/cladded-chrome-wheels/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted August 20, 2014 Share Posted August 20, 2014 Wait, you mean GMC does the same? If you want to upgrade to a 20″ chrome wheel for your Sierra Denali 1500 most of them are cladded chrome now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 Please, put down the Koolaid. You can't be serious. Chrome plated plastic compared to polished aluminum? I like Koolaid! I get it, you feel ripped off, I do not. I was familiar with these wheels before I purchased the Truck. I have accepted this process for wheels as legitimate with more advantages than disadvantages. Did you read the article about Chrome Clad that akirby posted? It would seem that you will be seeing this more and more... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 He's pissed off and he's not going to let facts get in his way....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford truck guy Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Koolaide ?? Did I doze off and wake up on a towing forum... That's the only place I ever see this term used... And it is only used by Ford haters... So are you saying that you jumped ship over to our side and now getting pressure from someone for doing so ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Found on roadside dead Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 John, I am with you in this sir! this really angers me as well.. After hitting a curb in my king ranch recently, I noticed the fake cheap platic wheel covers!! my blood was boiling! I cannot believe how deceived I had been. But the door handles on each door the chrome began bubbling up last year, the $1,200 each auto running boards (the Chevy equivalent is about half that) the running boards broke at 70k miles, same month an $800 fuel pump repair, and I have noticed more and more plastic and cheap materials in Ford vehicles lately. Sad to say this lifelong Ford owner is now going with The Toyota Tundra very soon. after owning many Ford products over the years, I am done. Owned Econine Van, Taurus, Mustang, 4X4 ranger was the toughest Ford I ever owned...sitting on blocks at the moment. The King Ranch EL Expedition was by far the most expensive vehicle I ever purchased and was the biggest headache of them all. I was thinking of getting her detailed and so and spend the money to get all the issues taken care of so while looking online for a replacement plastic piece of crap king Ranch wheel ...I read your complaint and I agree. CLAD IS NOT BONDING PLASTIC TO METAL! ripoff report needs to do a story on this kind of Auto maker deceit. I had never heard of this kind of junk until tonight. Just glad the frame isnt Clad alluminum I guess...heck maybe it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 (edited) John, I am with you in this sir! this really angers me as well.. After hitting a curb in my king ranch recently, I noticed the fake cheap platic wheel covers!! my blood was boiling! I cannot believe how deceived I had been. But the door handles on each door the chrome began bubbling up last year, the $1,200 each auto running boards (the Chevy equivalent is about half that) the running boards broke at 70k miles, same month an $800 fuel pump repair, and I have noticed more and more plastic and cheap materials in Ford vehicles lately. Sad to say this lifelong Ford owner is now going with The Toyota Tundra very soon. after owning many Ford products over the years, I am done. Owned Econine Van, Taurus, Mustang, 4X4 ranger was the toughest Ford I ever owned...sitting on blocks at the moment. The King Ranch EL Expedition was by far the most expensive vehicle I ever purchased and was the biggest headache of them all. I was thinking of getting her detailed and so and spend the money to get all the issues taken care of so while looking online for a replacement plastic piece of crap king Ranch wheel ...I read your complaint and I agree. CLAD IS NOT BONDING PLASTIC TO METAL! ripoff report needs to do a story on this kind of Auto maker deceit. I had never heard of this kind of junk until tonight. Just glad the frame isnt Clad alluminum I guess...heck maybe it is. post re-edited by me and deleted. Edited October 12, 2015 by twintornados Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Actually, they are real chrome that's clad onto a plastic substrate. They don't pit at all. Ours were still pristine after 6 years. They are much harder to repair but they're lighter and last longer than chrome plated steel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blwnsmoke Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 John, I am with you in this sir! this really angers me as well.. After hitting a curb in my king ranch recently, I noticed the fake cheap platic wheel covers!! my blood was boiling! I cannot believe how deceived I had been. But the door handles on each door the chrome began bubbling up last year, the $1,200 each auto running boards (the Chevy equivalent is about half that) the running boards broke at 70k miles, same month an $800 fuel pump repair, and I have noticed more and more plastic and cheap materials in Ford vehicles lately. Sad to say this lifelong Ford owner is now going with The Toyota Tundra very soon. after owning many Ford products over the years, I am done. Owned Econine Van, Taurus, Mustang, 4X4 ranger was the toughest Ford I ever owned...sitting on blocks at the moment. The King Ranch EL Expedition was by far the most expensive vehicle I ever purchased and was the biggest headache of them all. I was thinking of getting her detailed and so and spend the money to get all the issues taken care of so while looking online for a replacement plastic piece of crap king Ranch wheel ...I read your complaint and I agree. CLAD IS NOT BONDING PLASTIC TO METAL! ripoff report needs to do a story on this kind of Auto maker deceit. I had never heard of this kind of junk until tonight. Just glad the frame isnt Clad alluminum I guess...heck maybe it is. Joined just to post you are going to a Tundra?? Ya, good luck with that. Great username by the way.. very ingenius.. Don't let the door hit ya..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danglin Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Actually, they are real chrome that's clad onto a plastic substrate. They don't pit at all. Ours were still pristine after 6 years. They are much harder to repair but they're lighter and last longer than chrome plated steel. The troll won't listen to facts! Good luck with the Junkra F.O.R.D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YT90SC Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 A simple Google search shows that Tundra wheels are built just like Ford's... And GMC's... And Chevy's... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 post re-edited by me and deleted. akirby edited my original posting for, what I presume to be is a too harsh reply to a posting that I thought deserved that kind of reply....in the future, please allow me the courtesy of revising it instead of just "editing" it for me...make a clear concise case and I have been known to <ahem> refine my postings by myself...and if needed, issue an apology for offending anyone....since my original reply was edited, I went ahead and deleted the entire comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 akirby edited my original posting for, what I presume to be is a too harsh reply to a posting that I thought deserved that kind of reply....in the future, please allow me the courtesy of revising it instead of just "editing" it for me...make a clear concise case and I have been known to <ahem> refine my postings by myself...and if needed, issue an apology for offending anyone....since my original reply was edited, I went ahead and deleted the entire comment. Ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
94bronco Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Had the same experience with these wheels when I bought my truck, a base Lariat was the only way to get a real aluminum rim. Who in there right mind would pay more for a cheap looking plastics hub cap? Reminds me of the autozone crap wheel covers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.