1957 Chevy bel air

 

What does a 57 Chevy and a 2009 Ford F150 have in common? What can make your old truck look new again?  What is the hottest trend to hit the automotive market in years?  The answer to all of these questions are the same…….. CHROME…..

More and more truck owners have found the way to add a bit of bling to their vehicle through chrome accessories.  Whether it be, just a door handle, or a bumper to bumper chrome makeover, chrome is the latest and greatest trend to hit the market. 

Chrome accessories, run the spectrum from door handle inserts  and headlight trim to the full gamut of Grille inserts, Tubular assist steps, wheel covers , mirror caps brushed grill guards, and exhaust tips. Whether you drive a 1984 Dodge W150 pickup or a 2009 Ford F-250, truck chrome can be a cost effective way to personalize your vehicle to fit your personality and your budget. 

Sales of chrome trim have sky-rocketed by more than 73% between 2004 and 2005.  GM has come up with improved chrome accessories that will be displayed at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas in November of 2009.

Why the sudden increase? And just when did chrome become hip again? Chrome has been used over the years with different meanings.  Ice Cube said in the movie “Robin Hood,”,  “Now I gotta follow him home with the chrome.”   Or, how about “I’m sitting on chrome” sang by Master Ace.  Chrome, in it’s slang sense means hot or fine… “Man that dog is chrome…” And let’s not forget Paul Simon’s  1973 hit, Kodachrome.  Chrome has been a staple of the 20^th century. 

But how did chrome begin?  In the early 1900’s top line coach builders would use brass and later bright nickel to personalize their vehicles.  In 1929 Cadillac was the first to use chrome plating on its vehicles.  The 1931 Cadillac V-16, featured a distictive chrome wire mesh grille that is still modeled today.  Chrome trim is a part of our heritage and it will never really go out of style.

Chrome plating , or otherwise referred to as just chrome, is achieved by applying a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal base surface.  The chromed layer can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and increase surface hardness.  Today, chrome can keep a showroom finish if maintained properly.

A inexpensive way to add just a bit of chrome trim to your ride is to add chrome door handles to your doors. These are easy to install with double stick adhesive tape, and will last for years. Want to make the biggest impact with chome?  Then oversized wheels are the way to go.  Imagine your Excursion with 22” chrome wheels…  Bug shields, which protect not only your windshield and hood are an excellent way to add some chrome.  Chrome bug shields protect your truck from the bugs and dirt that hit your car while driving. 

When buying chrome accessories, it’s important to choose a reputable supplier. Do they have a large supply of truck chrome? Look for a company that provides you a toll free number, in case you need to contact them. How long have they been in business? Look at several different brand names, and how the product installs.  Does the company charge you shipping and how are returns handled? These are all important things to consider when spending your dollar especially in tough economic times.