1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

[John C.]

I am restoring a 1969 427/435 convertible and have discovered that must of the rear suspension components and fasteners were chrome plated and then painted black sometime during the life of the vehicle. The car does not appear to have been disassembled due to aged and cracked rubber bushings. Is there a possibility the chrome plated components were installed at the factory?

Thank you,
John Carroll

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

Not typical factory production. My '69 L/99 had chrome half shafts, rear spring, etc. Second owner was responsible for that.

[Domenic T.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

Not a lot of guys know that Chroming of hardened steel can damage it.

I didn't say it would but there was an airplane that chromed the spring steel landing gear and it failed (broke) so it was not allowed (chrome) on components.

It was hydrogen embrittlement I believe.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

I am restoring a 1969 427/435 convertible and have discovered that must of the rear suspension components and fasteners were chrome plated and then painted black sometime during the life of the vehicle. The car does not appear to have been disassembled due to aged and cracked rubber bushings. Is there a possibility the chrome plated components were installed at the factory?

Thank you,
John Carroll

John-----


If you're talking about a car that came out of the St. Louis factory, I think I can safely say never, ever.

[Tom D.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

Some interior trim parts where chrome (or stainless?) and painted.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

Not a lot of guys know that Chroming of hardened steel can damage it.

I didn't say it would but there was an airplane that chromed the spring steel landing gear and it failed (broke) so it was not allowed (chrome) on components.

It was hydrogen embrittlement I believe.

DOM

DOM------

Absolutely. The factory would never chrome SAFETY-RELATED suspension components for exactly the reason you describe, if not for a lot of other reasons. This is why I feel very confident in saying it never, ever happened.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 427 Convertible with chrome plated rear suspension components.

Some interior trim parts where chrome (or stainless?) and painted.

Tom------


Usually, these are interior pieces which have a chrome element but are otherwise black. In these cases, it's easier for the manufacturer to chrome the entire piece and, then, "black out" the designated areas. They might not do it that way today, though, due to the high cost of chrome plating nowadays. Most of these pieces are zinc diecast substrate and have very little strength requirement.