Hardware refinishing

[Dave Erickson]

So the obvious question is, why not chrome plate after welding? Then the welds would be plated too.

[Alan Klingen 2]

The original was cadmium but that is a very toxic material we have found at The Stable that dull zinc is a good replacement. Alan The Stable.

[Greg Bryan]

Dave - I don’t think the chrome will deposit correctly where the wheel center and the rim meet if they’re together. It really doesn’t matter considering where the weld is and I think it’s painted. This is the same way the factory wheels were done.

[Alan Klingen 2]

Re-chroming wheels relies on the wheel to be seperated into outer rim and center section for a proper job. Alan The Stable.

[Dave Erickson]

No answers to my question as to why. Caswell plating site says to plate after welding, to avoid the problem, but they are not experts on wheels.

[Martin Benade]

At least part of the problem is the deep vee space where the outer rim and center part meet. Polishing and plating are both difficult.

[Jim Morris]

Chrome does not plate into narrow caves (such as on the wheel halves) because the electrodes cannot be positioned effectively. That is why the wheels are indeed chromed as two separate pieces, then welded together.

[Dave Erickson]

OK, that makes sense. Its too bad it doesn't work, that slot is where my chrome wheels have always started to rust.

[Alan Klingen 2]

The original was cadmium which is a very toxic material like lead I have found the next best thing is Dull Zinc. Also some of the very early cars had black oxide. Which you still can get done. Alan The Stable.