Technical Need suggestions for chroming leaf springs

Thinking bout chroming the front leaf springs on my Stude. Haven't had any springs chromed before and would appreciate any tips on making sure the springs are prepped right. I read somewhere that the front and rear edges should have the sharp corners smoothed off?? I like the chrome look but not sure how well it holds up under the flexing of the springs.
Also heard just get 'em powder coated and forget the chrome?
I am sure there are other things to consider and I want to get this right.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

Just make sure your plater knows the proper procedure to avoid "hydrogen embrittlement" during the plating process. The last thing you need is a broken spring when driving your car.

 

Id consider the upkeep.....cleaning and keeping rust at bay will be a full time job.Chrome looks great when it's at its best but ratty,rusty chrome looks bad.

 

I have been a hot rodder and a chrome plater ,all of my adult life, I can tell you this .DONT electroplate steering or suspension parts .The plated parts will have Hydrogen embrittlement and more prone to failure. sure you see it now and then ,mostly show cars . always carries an increased risk of failure . SNAP !

 

springs at some point will flex - chrome does not like to flex

 

Dads A has had chrome suspension, and has been on the road for over 30 years. Leaf spring has never rusted, I cant remember how he prepped it, but I know there are all rounded edges on the spring.
The drawback is it definitely weakened the spring. weve had it re-arched a few times as it sags over time. Looks cool yes, not the best idea though. Take it with a grain of salt
(and yes, this car has been driven heavily for over 15 years, not as much recently)

 

Every coil over set I have had have had chromed springs. There must be a way to safety do it.


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Their is a company that make chrome springs with a Teflon button on the end of each leaf. Can’t remember the name but they will custom make them for you probably cheaper than getting yours chromed. Had a set made for a roadster 30 years ago and they are still there....check with a chassis builder and I bet they could hook you up.


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Found it.........Posies is the name of the company, the springs are called Super Glide


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Thanks, gents. Keep 'em coming!

I hear there is a powder coating or two out there that looks fairly similar to chrome but a little duller? (Performachrome, others?). Not sure how that coating on my springs would look bolted up to a chromed axle, but then I haven't seen any of those coatings either. Anyone have experience with any of them? How glossy and durable are they? Would this be an option for the leaf springs?

 

Why not Consider The Spray on Chrome, that way you can do all the
Car Undercrage.
Do a Search for it on the Net, I was reading about it on one
of the Treads on the HAMB

Just my 3.5 cents

Live Learn & Die a Fool

 

I dont know about proper prep for chrome, but I dont think the spring should have any sharp edges on it anywhere...esp along the working parts.
And I personally would not plate the main leaf. If any of the others crack, you probably can make it home. But a broken main is a different story.

 

I believe chroming springs used "Hexavalent Chromium", unfortunatly it is highly toxic carciagen and banned in some counties. a movie about it was made "Erin Brockavich"

 

Fullhouse296... X 2....Any chrome steering of suspension parts prohibited in Australia....polished stainless OK

 

Would a nickel plate or bright zinc still have the hydrogen embrittlement issues?

 

Posies seems to sell a lot of chrome Super Slide springs with no apparent problems. Have one on my new '32 chassis.
SPark

 

I have my front multi leaf chromed . Teflon buttons between the leafs. Never had an issue.

 

NO, But the H-E issue can be elimiated by baking the parts when they come out of the chrome tank, the question then becomes whether it was baked or not

 

Thanks for all the help. I am going to use paint or powder coat on the springs...no chrome.

 

Oh , and by the way ,the oven baking must be done within 7hrs of chroming or wont work ! just keeps gettin better eh ?

 

Down here a certificate is required certifying that the part has been heat treated for hydrogen embrittlement to the industry standard, additionally heat treatment needs to be done within a very short time window after the chroming takes place.