Re: Stainless Polishing
JR -
We're talking about the original GM process, not the triple (copper-nickel-chrome) "show-chrome" process used by outside/aftermarket platers. GM didn't use copper as a plating base (except for some Cadillac applications) - GM "factory chrome" was nickel on a bare steel base, then (clear) chrome .0002"-.0004" (that's ten-thousandths, not thousandths) thick to protect the nickel from oxidation. A good friend of mine was the Production Manager at Chevrolet-Livonia Spring & Bumper, where ALL Chevrolet bumpers were made, and I witnessed that entire process several times in the late 60's.
GM factory stainless exterior (and most interior) bright polished trim moldings were "flash-chromed" (also called "smack-chromed") after stamping and polishing to protect the stainless substrate from oxidation/dulling. Most of these parts were made by Fisher Body or by Ternstedt Division, and every Fisher and Ternstedt plant had its own chrome plating line for flash-chroming stainless parts; I witnessed several of those Fisher Body flash-chrome plating processes too (specifically on windshield and backlite reveal moldings).
Don't confuse aftermarket/restoration plating practices with the original GM factory plating processes - they're different.
JR -
We're talking about the original GM process, not the triple (copper-nickel-chrome) "show-chrome" process used by outside/aftermarket platers. GM didn't use copper as a plating base (except for some Cadillac applications) - GM "factory chrome" was nickel on a bare steel base, then (clear) chrome .0002"-.0004" (that's ten-thousandths, not thousandths) thick to protect the nickel from oxidation. A good friend of mine was the Production Manager at Chevrolet-Livonia Spring & Bumper, where ALL Chevrolet bumpers were made, and I witnessed that entire process several times in the late 60's.
GM factory stainless exterior (and most interior) bright polished trim moldings were "flash-chromed" (also called "smack-chromed") after stamping and polishing to protect the stainless substrate from oxidation/dulling. Most of these parts were made by Fisher Body or by Ternstedt Division, and every Fisher and Ternstedt plant had its own chrome plating line for flash-chroming stainless parts; I witnessed several of those Fisher Body flash-chrome plating processes too (specifically on windshield and backlite reveal moldings).
Don't confuse aftermarket/restoration plating practices with the original GM factory plating processes - they're different.
Comment