Car Doesn’t Shine Enough? Time For Chrome

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.

Like the surging economy the car industry’s tide was exceptionally high. Manufacturers added manufacturing as fast they could to meet this new demand from post-war consumers and an expanding middle class. With new drivers growing in number so did the competition for their dollars. To feed this desire 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. It was reflected in grill work of chrome that wouldn’t quit, gleaming chrome center caps or bold tail fins of chrome, there appeared to be no end for this bright gleaming metal. The more, the better.

To this day car fanatics are attracted to this reflective metal like moths to a flame. And why shouldn’t they be? With resistance to corrosion, the ability to tint it and a strong visual appeal - sorta like diamonds, sparkles and blinking lights… just more manly.

Using electroplating almost every car part can be covered with chrome. 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 look at the specs to get an idea of what wear resistance one can reasonably expect. If it’s not listed, ask the dealer. A better idea is to ask the manufacturer. It should go without saying that you should do your research before putting down your money. No one wants to experience “rim remorse” - especially if it set you back a paycheck or two.

With the help available on the web, finding parts can be done by either the manufacturer’s part number or the Hollander id. Another option is to enlist a locator service to find the chrome lug nuts, chrome wheel center cap sets, chrome rims and other chrome parts that can transform your ride from blah to blingin’!