Thread: To chrome or not to chrome?????

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I would bet that the majority of cars running around with chrome suspension and steering components have not seen the extra baking step. I have never had a chrome shop offer to do that for me, and I bet the off the shelf chromed axles, etc that are sold by speed shops are not baked either.

My point is, how many failures have you ever seen? I think this is one of those things that "could" happen, but in reality rarely does. I say chrome it.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I would bet that the majority of cars running around with chrome suspension and steering components have not seen the extra baking step. I have never had a chrome shop offer to do that for me, and I bet the off the shelf chromed axles, etc that are sold by speed shops are not baked either.

My point is, how many failures have you ever seen? I think this is one of those things that "could" happen, but in reality rarely does. I say chrome it.

Don

Friend of mine many years back had a CAE axle break right between the spring perch mount and the spindle.... He came out ok, but the car was junk. Only one I've ever actually SEEN break---but one's enough!!! Going to get with one of my old Profs. at SDSU, he's been instructing mechanical engineering for decades, plus drives a wicked blown Deuce roadster!!!! Maybe the chroming and baking could become someone's project??? He could get a good grade, and I could go fast and be safe and shiny!!!!

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

My point is, how many failures have you ever seen? I think this is one of those things that "could" happen, but in reality rarely does.

The father of the young lady I dated in High School had a USAC sprint. He recruited a Super Modified driver who was a real hot shoe and a nice guy to boot. The car was down for an overhaul, so the driver, Stan Bowman, hooked a ride with another car owner for the race a Terre Haute, Indiana, a dirt track. The front axle was chrome. Coming down the front straight, the axle broke, flipping the car down the straight. In those days, if any of you remember, there was very little roll bar on the cars. Stan was mortally injured when they got to him in the first turn. So yes, this does happen and there are those of us who remember it.

Last year, I happened upon a fellow on the HAMB who not only knew Stan as a driver, but knew where he is buried!!
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg...r&GRid=6141158