<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and is somewhat porous. If you happen to read about the gas cap with the chrome peeling due to vapors trapped underneath (another topic here in the Forum), that is a typical problem. However when I saw the back of the cap, it looked as if there was possibly machining oil still present when it was plated, another common problem.
More problems, in many cases, are due to the shape of the part to be plated.
Imagine chrome is like metal dust. If you were to sprinkle this metal dust over a magnet shaped like the letter “V”, the dust will cling to one side or the other and never make it to the bottom. This problem is overcome by making what is called an anode.
Anodes are lead bars connected to the positive electric pole and strategically placed to activate the plating process. Anodes aren’t always used where they should be because of the lengthy process required to set them up. This results in poor coverage in cracks and corners.
Since aluminum expands and contracts much more than chrome, under even mild temperature changes, the results are stress cracks that allow the weather to enter and do further damage. This is the primary reason for even the best of work that’s gone bad.
In regards to chrome over steel, well that’s a whole separate set of pros & cons.
I hope this wasn’t too boring and maybe even answered a question or two.
To everyone who has trusted me to polish his or her skid plate, I thank you very much! And Jason, thank you—this site rocks! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
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