Little Rant
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 823
Likes: 4
From: Calais, Vermont
Little Rant
Ten years ago I started what turned out to be a painfully slow rebuild of my 53 F100. I was so optimistic at the beginning that I bought many parts, some of which I am finally in a position to use. Among these are the chrome plated "F-100" hood side emblems. It is with some dismay that I recently opened the package with the emblems and discovered that the plating is already starting to show the bubbles associated with corrosion / failing plate bond that goes along with plating on pot metal. If these emblems had been on the truck for years and years and started to show this, I wouldn't be writing this now. But, they were never even taken out of the original plastic bag that they came in. There's no point in identifying the vendor; I am certain that there is only one global source for such parts. My hope now is that the useful life of all the rubber window seals and miscellaneous rubber gaskets hasn't expired while they have been sitting in their packaging.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
Years ago I had a discussion with my plater regarding the chrome plating of aluminum, specifically why there were so few shops that would take on the task. He explained to me the issues with the porous metal and how it would trap solvents from the plating tanks. These solvents would be in the pores of the metal underneath the new plating and would eventually bubble the plating. Billet is not so bad since there are less pores in the metal, however, cast is very porous and cheap cast is worse yet.
On my current 56 project I had all the original pot metal parts replated and I am very happy with the results. A bit more expensive but the OEM parts seem to be much better to plate than the aftermarket parts.
On my current 56 project I had all the original pot metal parts replated and I am very happy with the results. A bit more expensive but the OEM parts seem to be much better to plate than the aftermarket parts.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,297
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 146
From: Goulburn, NSW
Same here with the rubber door trim. Brand new in bag. Opened it up after having had it for about two years, and saw that it was already starting to fray. Very poor quality. Different story with the windscreen rubber. Whoever made that, did a nice quality repro. The guys fitting my glass (O'Brien Glass) said the US made rubber windscreen product was better than our local product.
Good luck with whatever else you find.
Good luck with whatever else you find.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 21
From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
In defense of Harbor Freight, I have their long shaft1" drive impact wrench and socket set. So far nothing has exploded using it on old & tight cement mixer fasteners, 1-1/4" nuts (2" socket). And in my lifetime I have broken many Snap-On, Proto, and Craftsman sockets.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
Did ya take it back and get a new one? Lifetime warranty.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 215
Likes: 2
I have a lot of HF stuff ... you just have to know what you're getting. By way of balance, the last time I went through a Craftsman ratchet handle, the clerk pulled out her stash of 'refurbished' replacements as soon as she saw me approaching the desk.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 24
From: Maryland
When you take back a Craftsmen tool from 25 years ago and they give you a new one immediately you feel the difference in the 2. Im starting to think its all junk now. I tend to buy most of my tools from older men getting rid of their tools.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
yzhammer
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Feb 2, 2017 07:11 PM
mOROTBREATH
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 25, 2008 08:18 PM
ibuzzard
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
May 13, 2007 09:40 PM
F100Central
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Jun 29, 2006 07:48 AM
darkhorse54
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 15, 2002 03:43 PM