I'm in the process of doing a frame off and doing some powder coating and chrome work for detailing. I was wondering if you could have the tie rod ends and the centerlink chrome plated without damaging the ball and socket and keep it drivable and safe and not have it be a trailer only vehicle? Any input from any experienced detailers would be greatly appreciated :D

You're looking at a LOT of prep work to get them in shape to be chrome plated - every pit and bump on the material will be magnified when you chrome plate it. (I'm cleaning mine up just to paint them, it's a pain.)

If you wanted too, though, I think you'd be safe to put tape or a cap over the areas you didn't want chromed, like the threads and the working surfaces.

doesn't chrome plating weaken the metal- i recall something about hydrogen gas getting caught in the "pores" of the metal or something and making it more brittle.

Hydrogen embrittlement....bad for your heat treat! :eek: I wouldn't do it.

Ditto on the Hydrogen Embrittlement! Not an expert, but I remember reading somewhere that if the parts are baked/heated after chroming it negates the effects. (Think about all the Rodder's that have chrome axles and wishbones)

Sounds to me like you need to consult a GOOD plating shop that will back up (in writing) a failure against their work!

Thanks for the input. I'll have to research it a little more with a reputable chrome shop and see what they think graemlins/beers.gif

If you're diehard on having to have chrome on those areas, have you considered painting it chrome? I know it sounds tacky, but some of the finishes these days aren't half bad; least for something like this (where it'd be viewed from afar mostly)...it'd take the right touch to make it look good, but anything can be done, if that's what you really want ;)

Like others have said though, I personally wouldn't put the tie rods thru the process of chroming, risking the structural integretity of a crucial element...then again, you'd *probably* be OK, but why chance it on that sort of safety-related thing...(steering, tires and suspension are definitely things you want to be sure are 100% up to par, imo)...