Thread: To Chrome or Not to Chrome?

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My concern with a DD and chrome underhood parts is rust and crud. Good ones wont leak any more the tha OEM steel pieces, but....they WILL rust - quickly. For a DD, a good paint job will suffice plus be much easier to keep clean then the chrome versions. Mine are - gasp, gag - Billet Specialties aluminum (those valve covers are not the Billet Specialties that are on the engine now, but inexpensive Summit's).

IC2 wrote:

Mine are - gasp, gag - Billet Specialties aluminum

Well now, there's a confession you won't find over on the HAMB!

As to Chrome engine parts, I've always heard the same stuff about leakage of water pumps, intakes, and charging issues with chrome alternator housings, etc.

My experience is that if you buy quality chrome (or billet) parts, install them per instructions, you won't have anymore problems with them than you would with non-coated parts. I have several chrome parts on my engine and have never had any problems.

Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by mopar34

IC2 wrote:


Well now, there's a confession you won't find over on the HAMB!


Just my 2 cents.

Bob - the secret is out and now you know why I seldom frequent HAMB

Didn't some of the muscle cars have chrome valve covers from the factory?

Originally Posted by Steves32

Didn't some of the muscle cars have chrome valve covers from the factory?

Yep, Fords with the HiPo big blocks, GTO's (ex's '68) ,348 and 409 Chebbies just to name a few. Interestingly though, not all versions, even the same year had them. My early '63 Ford with a 406 had chrome, my buddies late '63 427 didn't. My '68 Torino GT with 390/325Hp did, the standard 390/300Hp didn't.