hey whats the proper way to remove the lug nuts w/o scratching/chipping the chrome on them? im afraid to just take a metal socket to it as i think it might cause the lug nuts to peel. thanks!

 

Ummm they don't make any plastic lug sockets to my knowledge, I have a set that are teflon coated on the outside so they don't scratch the wheels but I've never seen any with plastic on the inside. I changed wheels constantly on my MY2000 (every other weekend or so for 4 years), and never noticed the lugs looking bad. Use a socket that fits right and isn't strecthed or rounded out in any way and make sure it's on all the way, that's about all you can do.
Good Luck!
M

EDIT*** CORRECTION
I just went and googled (wheel lug protecting socket) and they do make plastic lined lug sockets, I don't know how many uses they'd be good for before the plastic inserts deformed at 80 ft-lbs of torque but if you're really concerned you could certainly pick some up on ebay and try 'em out.
M

 

perfect i figured there wasn't much of a secret to it. thanks!