Chrome free!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Chrome free!
Im sure im not the only one who doesnt really care for chrome. So lets see some pics of your engine bay with little or NO chrome bits! Im putting together parts for my '78 and want to get some ideas, show me what you got!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Patience my friend. You are not alone.
One of the many items on my list is to blackout most, if not all, of the exterior brightwork on my shark ('78). Except for possibly the valve covers, I'm not particularly looking to have any underhood chrome, and already have a second set of black Hooker sidemounts awaiting installation when everything goes back together. Haven't completely decided about how far to take this with the wheels yet.
Don't get me wrong, chrome fans. I appreciate a nice looking ride as much as anyone else. It's just that my eye tends moreso to appreciate beauty in the form of function than from applied bling.
One of the many items on my list is to blackout most, if not all, of the exterior brightwork on my shark ('78). Except for possibly the valve covers, I'm not particularly looking to have any underhood chrome, and already have a second set of black Hooker sidemounts awaiting installation when everything goes back together. Haven't completely decided about how far to take this with the wheels yet.
Don't get me wrong, chrome fans. I appreciate a nice looking ride as much as anyone else. It's just that my eye tends moreso to appreciate beauty in the form of function than from applied bling.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I used to have more chrome accents on the stock engine, but now the only chrome is the MC cover and the radiator hoses. I did polish the top of the aluminum radiator and the expansion tank.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I don't like an over abundance of chrome...too gaudy. Chrome accents are nice, but a dirty engine bay looks crappy whether with chrome or painted parts.
My '69 427 has the original flash chromed valve covers which are in very nice shape, but the factory flash chrome quality was never the best plus the dimples from the welds for the drippers doesn't make for a first class appearance.
If it wasn't for the car being correct and original I'd find a nice set of aluminum valve covers, but I'm OK with keeping it original.
My '69 427 has the original flash chromed valve covers which are in very nice shape, but the factory flash chrome quality was never the best plus the dimples from the welds for the drippers doesn't make for a first class appearance.
If it wasn't for the car being correct and original I'd find a nice set of aluminum valve covers, but I'm OK with keeping it original.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 225
From: Beecher Illinois
My black79.
Before. Mods were done in 1984 when I bought it with 5K miles on it
LOT of chrome not visible in the pics.
After, returned to stock in 2009 with 8K miles on it
My chrome parts are now scattered all over the US and Canada
Before. Mods were done in 1984 when I bought it with 5K miles on it
LOT of chrome not visible in the pics.After, returned to stock in 2009 with 8K miles on it
My chrome parts are now scattered all over the US and Canada
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Sounds like a cool project, skunkworks. I would love black sidepipes on my red 78 but I dont think it's in the budget for now.
I love those fuel rail covers. I'm thinking of using a pair of the fined covers and painting them. I'll have to use a spacer to clear the roller rockers I guess.
I love those fuel rail covers. I'm thinking of using a pair of the fined covers and painting them. I'll have to use a spacer to clear the roller rockers I guess.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Valley AL
No Chrome
Im not a big chrome person either. I black powder coated all the chrome on my car, even the t-top hardware and the windshield trim. The only chrome I have now is the L82 emblems and the Stringray script.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Chrome has its place with lots of folks; not a bad thing at all. I tend not to support it as a rust protectant as I once did for the same reasons quoted.
I like a touch of it, like the ignition shield. In my case, the new MC came out of the box with the cover plated. Certainly not polished and if I find an easy method to blend it more with the rest of the motor, I'll do that.
I recently replaced the beat up old chrome valve covers with some brushed aluminum covers. Still not exactly what I want but they fit in my current budget. I like these ok.
I favor a more subtle look with painted, coated, or brushed finishes. Let the function do the talking.
I like my engine bay in black and white but hey, that's me.
