Chroming
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Burnaby BC, Canada
Chroming
Hi everyone,
I'm thinking of chroming my 9" diff. Anyone have any pro's or con's to mention? I was originaly gonna sandblast and powdercoat it but then thought it might look pretty good chromed.
Don W.
I'm thinking of chroming my 9" diff. Anyone have any pro's or con's to mention? I was originaly gonna sandblast and powdercoat it but then thought it might look pretty good chromed.
Don W.
New User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Calgary Canada
Chroming
Don, I'd really weigh thee odds #1 the price of chroming vs. powder coating #2 Think of all the rock chips and sand, pitting the chrome,I just thought you might want to consider these thoughts. But I do agree it would look really sharp.
Hope it works out
Eric
Hope it works out
Eric
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
Chroming
Don,
I don't know what experience you have chroming but, most rearends have been soaking in 90 weight gear lube for 20 years+. They will be next to impossible to get clean enough for chroming.
Secondly, good aftermarket chroming is not affordable, unless you go to Mexico, and even then you got to get lucky.
Thirdly, There is an significant weight gain after chroming. The rearend is heavy enough already.
They will plate the steel part with nickel (expensive) then they plate with chrome (expensive!)
Other than that, I think it's a great idea!
KingFisher
I don't know what experience you have chroming but, most rearends have been soaking in 90 weight gear lube for 20 years+. They will be next to impossible to get clean enough for chroming.
Secondly, good aftermarket chroming is not affordable, unless you go to Mexico, and even then you got to get lucky.
Thirdly, There is an significant weight gain after chroming. The rearend is heavy enough already.
They will plate the steel part with nickel (expensive) then they plate with chrome (expensive!)
Other than that, I think it's a great idea!
KingFisher
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: NE Oregon
Chroming
Aye. Chrome plating can cause hydrogen embrittlement unless the part is baked correctly to release the gas. Another point, chrome will keep heat in the differential case, not what you want on a highly stressed part. Best just sandblast the axle and use a good chassis black paint.
