mrvette
Phantom of the Opera
It is obvious what my opinion is....but what are the opinions across the board here....on engine/car chrome......
:fishing:
:fishing:
Chrome or not???
- Thread starter mrvette
- Start date
chevy69
Well-known member
I think an engine can look great w/o all the chrome if it's detailed nicely. My SB in my '69 will look mostly stock when I am finished.
Oh, and I really like the look of aluminum. To me it looks high tech, clean and purposeful.
Oh, and I really like the look of aluminum. To me it looks high tech, clean and purposeful.
big2bird
Charter Member, Founder Bird-Run, Cruise-In Bird-R
The most striking examples of automobiles have always been a blend of function and style. Chrome was introduced to automobiles via the chrome bumpers of the 20's. Being constructed of spring steel, a more durable/cleanable surface was chrome. It was also more expensive, as is today.
Since it worked well for durability, it was a sign of concern for "quality."
After time, it became synonymous with wealth as well. Chrome on cars, when done tastefully, was the Mark. Henry Ford chromed the radiator shroud of the T in 26-27 as a failed attempt to exude this on an otherwise "cheap" car.
Chrome was used on well used surfaces such as radiators, grills, oil fillers, and wherever the paint of the day would quickly scratch/chip/peel.
As muscle cars came into being, aluminum was introduced to attack the war on HP/weight ratio from 2 fronts, and, as with chrome and quality, aluminum became synonymous with performance. (Carbon fiber is the new entry into this phenomenon).
De-chroming is also becoming qualified with performance. Although a very durable surface for wiper arms, it also hinders visibility. Who wants extra glare while going 100MPH?? It is also about weight reduction now possible with todays plastics and coatings.
In closing, to me, it's all about what you are trying to accomplish. Hot Rodding has, and will always be, the art of updating an otherwise obsolete car, or pushing the envelope of technology. If that is what you intend to accomplish, stick with a common theme.
If you are building / restoring a vintage racer, carbon fiber is a no no. Raw aluminum is in. And correct PERIOD parts are a must. An original Grand Sport would look stupid with carbon fiber.
If you are restoring a Rolls Royce, make sure it's triple marine chrome.:drink:
Since it worked well for durability, it was a sign of concern for "quality."
After time, it became synonymous with wealth as well. Chrome on cars, when done tastefully, was the Mark. Henry Ford chromed the radiator shroud of the T in 26-27 as a failed attempt to exude this on an otherwise "cheap" car.
Chrome was used on well used surfaces such as radiators, grills, oil fillers, and wherever the paint of the day would quickly scratch/chip/peel.
As muscle cars came into being, aluminum was introduced to attack the war on HP/weight ratio from 2 fronts, and, as with chrome and quality, aluminum became synonymous with performance. (Carbon fiber is the new entry into this phenomenon).
De-chroming is also becoming qualified with performance. Although a very durable surface for wiper arms, it also hinders visibility. Who wants extra glare while going 100MPH?? It is also about weight reduction now possible with todays plastics and coatings.
In closing, to me, it's all about what you are trying to accomplish. Hot Rodding has, and will always be, the art of updating an otherwise obsolete car, or pushing the envelope of technology. If that is what you intend to accomplish, stick with a common theme.
If you are building / restoring a vintage racer, carbon fiber is a no no. Raw aluminum is in. And correct PERIOD parts are a must. An original Grand Sport would look stupid with carbon fiber.
If you are restoring a Rolls Royce, make sure it's triple marine chrome.:drink:
kwplot34
Heart Attack
Chrome looks good as long as the owner keeps it clean. But i prefer the Raw alum look,one look under my hood will show that,not the polished or endurashine alum but the raw unfinished alum,to me it just says muscle car. Not to mention the weight savings.
But raw alum with all the pores collects dirt and grease and is a bear to get clean again,so what i have done is powder coated it with a clear,it fills in the pores and the dirt and grime just wipes right off.
But raw alum with all the pores collects dirt and grease and is a bear to get clean again,so what i have done is powder coated it with a clear,it fills in the pores and the dirt and grime just wipes right off.
Yellow73SB
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2008
- Messages
- 1,201
Poser
I like my shiny chrome side pipes though, who says I'm not a post though
I like my shiny chrome side pipes though, who says I'm not a post though
kwplot34
Heart Attack
Poser
I like my shiny chrome side pipes though, who says I'm not a post though
Who! ME? :bump:
big2bird
Charter Member, Founder Bird-Run, Cruise-In Bird-R
BECAUSE, it makes sense.
kwplot34
Heart Attack
Chrome side pipes and vette's go together
redvetracr
Well-known member
not..........
kwplot34
Heart Attack
OK let me try again. Side Pipes and vettes go together
Just to let you know the only chrome on my car is the chrome it came from the factory with.
TimAT
Addict, Cruise-In Bird-Run 1 Veteran
Ol' red wears 8 pieces of chrome-- 2 rocker covers (factory) and the air cleaner lid. The wheels are factory style rallys that are chrome and the PO installed a chrome 1 wire alternator. (I changed the regulator back to the 3 wire)
Even the "Stingray" and "Corvette" emblems are gone
Even the "Stingray" and "Corvette" emblems are gone
big2bird
Charter Member, Founder Bird-Run, Cruise-In Bird-R
OK let me try again. Side Pipes and vettes go together
Just to let you know the only chrome on my car is the chrome it came from the factory with.
Chrome is fine for street car maintenece on a side pipe. I believe Howards stance would mean zero chrome means ALL BUSINESS. Racers of the day painted their pipes. Chrome added weight, and unnecessary cost.
MotorHead
Member
Chrome seems to go in and out of fashion just like the white lettering on the BFG's, outside or inside. I usually just choose what "I" like and if it isn't in vogue at the moment I just sit back and wait until it comes back in fashion then I am one of the first ones to have it. At the moment I am waiting for carpet to come back "in" in my house 
Anyway regarding chrome, I don't mind it, I prefer polished aluminum but have spent too many years polishing the stuff, so whenever I can get something in chrome that's the way I am going :thumbs:
Anyway regarding chrome, I don't mind it, I prefer polished aluminum but have spent too many years polishing the stuff, so whenever I can get something in chrome that's the way I am going :thumbs:
Last edited:
Twin_Turbo
Der Maulwurf
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2008
- Messages
- 7,575
chrome don't bring you home
I prefer bare machined, I don't like polished either. Anodized...yes I like that!
I prefer bare machined, I don't like polished either. Anodized...yes I like that!
Kid Vette
Master-Baiter
No chrome here.
Twin_Turbo
Der Maulwurf
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2008
- Messages
- 7,575
...mirrors.....
kwplot34
Heart Attack
Anodized :thumbs: yeah i like the looks of that also,and polishing alum does get old if you know somebody that has powder coating equipment have your alum parts pc in clear,no more polishing problems. You can purchase a pc set up from Eastwoods pretty cheap 
ush:
ush:
Kid Vette
Master-Baiter
Busted me! :clobbered: I've got sport mirrors;just haven't put them on yet. And the rocker covers are off now, putting glass side pipe covers on....mirrors.....
cascotty
Well-known member
Seem's to me like there is a distinction being drawn by some between chrome, polished alum. and or stainless steel; since we are commenting on appearance, to me it is all the same (bright shiny silver). Anyone who has seen my 71 knows that I like the stuff.
I've seen some chrome bumper cars that had the bumpers removed for that race car look or the bumpers painted to match the body color: some looked pretty good and some looked really bad, so there is a lot to be said about execution of a design idea. With that said, I always like the good old chrome bumper car with the chrome moldings, door handles, mirrors etc. Taking the chrome under the hood is a natural extension of the car's design. Even so I chose to powder coat engine acces. brackets, v-belt pulleys, and other stuff grey, to make it look right.
It is good that there are the people who have different approaches though, I really enjoy seeing something different that is well done and I hope to never see another car that looks just like mine.
I've seen some chrome bumper cars that had the bumpers removed for that race car look or the bumpers painted to match the body color: some looked pretty good and some looked really bad, so there is a lot to be said about execution of a design idea. With that said, I always like the good old chrome bumper car with the chrome moldings, door handles, mirrors etc. Taking the chrome under the hood is a natural extension of the car's design. Even so I chose to powder coat engine acces. brackets, v-belt pulleys, and other stuff grey, to make it look right.
It is good that there are the people who have different approaches though, I really enjoy seeing something different that is well done and I hope to never see another car that looks just like mine.
