As we all know, the United States experienced a spectacular Baby Boom. It paralleled a soaring economy and a desire to live the good life after years of fear and tight wallets.
Like the soaring economy the car industry’s tide was exceptionally high. Like a tsunami, car manufacturing ramped up to meet the demands of post-war consumers and a broadening middle class. With new drivers growing in number so did the competition for their dollars. Style and technology joined together to satiate this hunger for new designs - a clear sign of changing tastes and the new found desire for status.
The 50s consumer couldn’t get enough of chrome on their cars. Chrome showed up in grills that the blind could see coming, bold tail-fins as well as chrome center caps and hubs, the hunger for this shiny metal seemed insatiable. The more, the better.
To this day car fanatics are drawn 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.
Using electroplating almost every car part can be coated with chrome. Center caps for rims and aftermarket rims are popular ways to upgrade the fashion statement of your vehicle, too.
You can get chrome plating in different thicknesses, so check out the specifications to determine the potential wear resistance of your accessory when making a decision. If it’s not listed, ask the dealer. Better yet, ask the manufacturer. Do your due diligence before you lay down your money. Don’t catch a case of “rim remorse” - especially if it set you back a paycheck or two.
Enlist the help of the web, you can look up parts by Hollander number or the parts number (SKU) issued by the part maker. A locator service is another way to help you find 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!”
