C2

[Robert N.]

What is Flash Chrome as compared to chrome?e?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2

Bob----

Flash chrome is a thin chrome plating applied without polishing and pre-plating the part. Other chrome plating, like that typically used for bumpers, is often referred to as "triple chrome plating". In this type of plating, the part receives two preparatory platings of copper and nickel followed by the chrome plating.

In any type of electroplating, the thickness of the plating is directly related to the amount of time that the part is immersed in the plating bath. For "flash chrome" plating, the parts were not left in the bath too long. For "triple chrome" plating, the parts were left in the bath much longer.

Most factory underhood parts which were chromed were "flash chromed".

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2

Actually all chrome parts are flash chrome plated. When the parts are placed in the chrome vat, the current is turned on for only a few seconds. The nickle is what gives the part the color and the chrome is in effect like a clear coat to seal and protect the nickle. Those parts of which Dale speaks of as being flash chromed are usually stainless parts which would otherwise have a slightly orange tint if not plated or some other bright metal that needs some protection. You can think of the plating process like a paint job. The copper is layed thick and is used to smooth the surface and seal and protect the bare metal like a primer. The nickle is the color coat and gives it the brightness. The chrome is the clear coat for shine and protection.

[Gary B.]

Wayne: Air cleaner lids; flash vs. triple

Wayne,

When Paragon advertizes two air cleaner lids for mid-years, one flash chromed and one triple chromed, what is the difference? I doubt either one is stainless underneath the chrome.

Gary

[Wayne W.]

Re: Wayne: Air cleaner lids; flash vs. triple

No they are not SS but the originals were not the perfect things that we typically see at the shows. Its their way of telling you that they are more of a satin finish like the origianls.