Chrome Adds The Shine Your Ride Needs
Everyone knows that the US went through 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.
A booming car industry got to ride the robust economy. Like a tidal wave, car manufacturing ramped up to meet the demands of post-war consumers and a broadening middle class. As the number of new drivers grew, competition for their business picked up. Style and technology joined together to satiate this hunger for new designs – a sign of customers’ changing wants and hunger for status.
Chrome, chrome and more chrome marked the cars of the 1950s. It was reflected in grill work of chrome that wouldn’t quit, gleaming chrome center caps or bold tail fins of chrome, consumers couldn’t seem to get enough of the sun-reflecting metal. The more, the better.
To this day car fanatics are attracted to this reflective metal like moths to a flame. And why not? With resistance to corrosion, the ability to tint it and a strong visual allure – not unlike icicles, glitter or diamonds… but manly.
Everything from tailpipes to roll-bars to running boards can be electroplated with unalloyed chromium. Aftermarket rims and rim center caps are common ways to step up the looks of your car, too.
Chrome plating comes in various thickness levels, so when making a decision check the specs to get an idea of the resistance to wear you can expect. If you can’t find it, ask the salesperson. A better idea is to ask the manufacturer. Do your due diligence before you lay down your money. “Rim remorse” is an easily avoidable experience – especially if it set you back a paycheck or two.
Enlist the help of the web, you can find parts by the manufacturer’s SKU or the Hollander number. A locator service is another way to help you locate the chrome grill, chrome tail pipes, wheel center caps (chrome, of course) and other chrome accessories that will take your vehicle from nice to “va-va-vavoom!”
