VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 chrome vs nickel plating

Can someone help me understand or make a case for chroming vs. nickel plating on the necessary parts for a 4 dr "29"? This would be the headlight stantions, hood trim, headlight and parking light trim rings, the radiator splash guard trim, door handles, front and rear bumper, and anything else that shines. What are the pros and cons? Is tolerance a problem or does either or both of these processes effect fit? I am trying to decide and would like some input. Thanks.

The chrome is shinier and more durable, whereas the nickel has a slightly yellow cast to it and is not as hard. If you want to restore to the original, all exterior parts were chrome plated, and all interior parts (e-brake release, instrument bezels, control knobs, electrolock ferrule,etc) were originally nickel plated.

The "normal" chrome plating process consists of three layers of plating, applied sequentially: Copper, nickel, chrome. So, for the parts that are nickel plated, you get only the first two.

I recommend that you put it back the way it left the factory: Chrome on the outside, and Nickel on the inside.

All the Best, Chip

Definitly go with the nickel!

Why do you suggest nickel?

Also to answer your tolerance question, yes it certainly does effect tolerances.
I found that out when I had all the parts of a Sportlite re-plated. Parts that fit together before the plating did not fit together after the plating. I had to very carefully grind the plating down on these parts to have the original fit.

If you go with nickel on the exterior you will be making a big mistake and you probably won't like the results as good as chrome, and there are not many tolerances to deal with on the exterior.

Chip is correct, all 1929 models came with chrome on the exterior and nickel on the interior.

Hum, the light rings rad bezel where chrome, but for the bumpers, I would only go nickle,,,, Chrome rusts and the nickle plate can be put on heavy, which you can buff happy for years..... should be cheaper too
every thing I find chromed went over a thin cover of Nickle to save money, thus rusted

The 1929 bumpers came from the manufacturer triple plated; copper, nickel and chrome. You definitely want chrome on your bumpers because it was way more durable than nickel and the nickel appears to rust easier than the chrome.

The bumpers on my 1930 Sport Coupe were chrome plated in 1969-70 and they still look great. Definitely go for chrome bumpers.
Karl

all chrome plating is not created equal! minimum amounts of copper, nickle, and chromium equals rust but at a low cost. Done correctly objects will remain rust free for years with little
maintenance.


nickle has a unique luster but doesn't do well when exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. The thin layer of chromium protects the nickle at the cost of changing the appearance.