Everyone knows that the US experienced a Baby Boom like no other in its history. It paralleled a roaring economy and spurred a desire to live life to its fullest after years of worry and fear.
Barreling along with the powerful economic tide was a robust car industry. Manufacturers added capacity as fast they could to meet this new demand from post-war consumers and a growing middle class. As the number of new drivers grew, competition for their business picked up. To feed this call for new designs technology and style were merged – a sign of customers’ changing wants and hunger for status.
The cars of the 50s where marked with chrome, chrome and more chrome. Chrome showed up in grills that the blind could see coming, bold tail-fins as well as chrome center caps and hubs, the demand for this shiny metal seemed insatiable. The more, the better.
This fascination with the shine and sparkle of chrome is alive and well with today’s car enthusiasts. And why shouldn’t they be? Chrome plating is resistant to corrosion, can be tinted and just has an innate visual appeal – sorta like diamonds, sparkles and blinking lights… just more manly.
Aftermarket tailpipes, running boards and roll bars are covered with unalloyed chromium through electroplating. Aftermarket rims and rim center caps are common ways to step up the looks of your car, too.
You can get chrome plating in different thicknesses, so look at the specs to get an impression of what wear resistance one can reasonably expect. If you can’t find it, ask the sale rep. A better idea is to ask the manufacturer. You should always research before you part with your hard earned cash. “Rim Remorse” is not a desirable experience – especially after spending a week or two of paychecks.
With the help of a good website, you can find parts by the maker’s SKU or the Hollander number. Another choice is to employ a locator service to find the chrome grill, chrome tail pipes, wheel center caps (chrome, of course) or any other chrome part that can take your car from stock to stoked!