The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Chrome vs. Stainless

I have an opportunity to purchase a set of NOS reproduction hubcaps for my 54 3100. The sales pitch is they are older reproduction that are chrome and not the currently available stainless that everyone else sells. What is your opinion on the chrome vs. polished stainless for hubcaps. I assume the market has shifted to polished stainless not because it is superior but because of the cost of chrome? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Also, is the appearance similar enough you would not notice a difference or can you clearly tell the Chrome vs. stainless?

Most people can't tell the difference by sight unless chrome and stainless parts are side by side. As to why a seller would sell one or the other but not both, I have no idea. Availability maybe??

I have sets of both types. IMO the difference in appearance is so slight I doubt most people can tell the difference, unless they are set side by side and in good light. Even then it would nothing I'd be concerned about.

My guess is stainless is now used because production costs are less.

Have to be careful with modern chrome, much is not triple plated, rusts overnight. Old chrome should be OK.

Ed

They are advertising it as new old stock and that the original manufacture does not make them any more. I am making the assumption they switched to stainless.

"NOS reproduction hubcaps for my 54 3100" (in your first post)

"new old stock" reproduction 1954 hub caps?

Accessory stainless-steel full-wheel covers were available for 54/55st 31xx (1/2 ton) 16" wheels.

Chevs of 40s - chrome or stainless?

That is how they represented them. Old reproductions.

The normal vernacular these days for non OEM old stock is NORS (New Old Reproduction Stock) where NOS is for new old OEM parts. Calling NORS parts NOS is like calling an Impala a Ford. I'm not picking nits or calling you out, just clarifying to help prevent confusion. A lot of folks get the terms mixed up so when you buy old parts that are listed as NOS be sure to ask questions. We're starting to get off topic so I'll end my non chrome/stainless contribution there.

I just purchased a set of stainless caps from "Classic Parts" for my 54 and I could not be happier. I am usually very critical of the fit and finish of Taiwan parts, however these caps are very highly polished and I can't tell that they are not chrome. They are very heavy and made like the originals with a inner and outer shell. It is my belief that the original accessory caps were chrome. Being stainless they may take a bit of maintenance to keep them looking good.

I think I have been convinced. If I go with stainless and they start to dis-color or rust a little I can polish them out. Bad chrome will possibly pit and no amount of polishing will resolved that issue.

Unlikely the stainless will rust unless you get the surface contaminated with steel particles such as grinding dust or sparks. If you have the caps around welding or grinding, keep them covered. Wax them like your paint.