Where's the chrome? (vehicles, tires, engine, Dodge)

[Rcoast911]

OK, this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I currently own a 2005 Honda Accord with chrome doorknobs and other accents. I have been test driving some vehicles with more plastic than ever. Really? Plastic doorknobs? I'm not just talking Hondas and Fords, I mean Volvo's too! These cars are void of any chrome!

I am just not impressed with the interiors of several of todays cars. Very depressing. Rant over.

[TheViking85]

Chrome is somewhat of a thing of the past. A lot of people think it's gaudy and tacky and prefer more subtle materials.

It has less to do with cost and far more to do with current trends, where people will repaint or vinyl wrap the chromed pieces on their car. (which, in all fairness, were plastic anyway, in most cases.)

[High_Plains_Retired]

I think that most of the stuff we call chrome is just brushed and polished aluminum. Large chrome shops are pretty much a thing of the past, shot through the heart by enviros.

[schmidty223]

Most people don't care about interiors, especially door knobs.

[rbohm]

back in the late 50s chrome was the thing to have on a car. some automakers went way overboard though, the 58 gm products for instance. chrome started going away in the 60s, and with safety regulations, bumper requirements, integrated design elements, etc. chrome is essentially a thing of the past, and i think it is a good thing too. chrome plated plastics fail quicker than chrome plated metal does, but plastic is easier to mold in to the various shapes that are used today, lighter than metal, and more flexible.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by High_Plains_Retired

I think that most of the stuff we call chrome is just brushed and polished aluminum. Large chrome shops are pretty much a thing of the past, shot through the heart by enviros.

Actually, what you might think is chrome inside that 05 Accord is plastic.

[Fleet]

Originally Posted by Rcoast911

OK, this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I currently own a 2005 Honda Accord with chrome doorknobs and other accents. I have been test driving some vehicles with more plastic than ever. Really? Plastic doorknobs? I'm not just talking Hondas and Fords, I mean Volvo's too! These cars are void of any chrome!

I am just not impressed with the interiors of several of todays cars. Very depressing. Rant over.

I know what you mean.

I'll take chrome over plastic any time. Plastic looks (and is) cheap. Chrome has class! I really like when items such as the outside door handles and inside door pulls are chrome-plated. Also, chrome on the door sills. An example:

[Bigg Mann]

I just bought a used Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 and noticed on front Chrome grill that it is bubbling and looks like a type of film overlay that looks like chrome. I love chrome and will look into getting custom chrome grill to replace.

Also there is no chrome strips on fender wells so will have to get those too. Otherwise love the truck.

[steel7]

My car (85 olds) has chrome everywhere incl the license plate frames. I like chrome & always have.

[High_Plains_Retired]

Originally Posted by bisjoe

Actually, what you might think is chrome inside that 05 Accord is plastic.

As are external emblems and plaques and many transmission and engine parts on most newer cars. This is why I haven't posted in the thread called, ""what cars of the late 80's or early 90's do you think will become future collector cars? " No cars since the late 1950s will withstand barn storage for too many years. The interior plastic clips that hold the upholstery on will curl or crack and fall away. Worse, the plastic transmission and engine parts will deteriorate causing massive failure.

I have a 1920s car that was stored in an old barn from 1941 until just a few years ago. After I put tires on it, it started right up. The leather upholstery is pretty much still intact although it is cracked and sagging. I can't even imagine what condition a 1980s or 1990s car would be in after being stored for almost 70 years.