C1 Window Trim - Flash Chrome

[Mike Harpster]

I have got the windshield apart on my '62 and am considering polishing the upper and lower SS moldings. Are these moldings flash chromed?

Thanks,
Mike
#40,893

[John M.]

Re: C1 Window Trim - Flash Chrome

Yes,they are. All the stainless trim on C1 and C2 cars is flash chromed.

Regards, John McGraw

[Mike Harpster]

Re: C1 Window Trim - Flash Chrome

Thanks John! Glad I asked the question.

[Richard M.]

Re: Flash Chrome

Why is this an issue? What are you NOT supposed to do to them? Can they NOT be buffed out?

Rich

[Patrick H.]

Re: Flash Chrome

Rich,

The flash chrome is quite thin. You can easily buff through it, and since the underlying stainless appears a different color ("yellower") than the chrome it will be noticed.

Patrick

[John M.]

Re: Flash Chrome

Rich,

You can buff them, but you stand the chance of buffing through the chrome layer which will leave a mottled appearance. The areas where the chrome still is will have a slight bluish cast to it while the areas where you buff through to the stainless will have a slight yellow cast to it. It is only really noticeable when it is mixed like this. I usually just strip the chrome off with muriatic acid prior to sanding and polishing. It takes a pretty critical eye to be able to discern the difference if recently polished. Polished stainless will turn a little more yellow as time goes on, but a little hand polishing every so often will keep it looking pretty good. I have had parts flash chromed again after polishing, but I usually will only do this on wheelcovers where they are more noticeable. I have Top Flighted many times with trim that was stripped and polished, and nobody ever made note of it during judging. It is a pretty subtle difference, and most people would never notice. Stainless that has been let oxidize for a long period of time will look real yellow, but it just takes a few minutes with chrome polish to bring it back. I suspect that the low maintenance of the chrome was the primary reason that GM flash chromed these pieces originaly. I have a C2 windshield molding that I buffed through the chrome in some places a couple of weeks ago, just to show someone the difference, and it looks like crap!

Regards, John McGraw

[Richard M.]

Re: Flash Chrome

Thanks for the information and the excellent description. I did not know this.

Rich