What is so wrong with chrome?
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: FL
I'm 32 and I like the chrome. For me, it all depends on the base color of the car. Certain colors really lend themselves well to the blackout look. I think Pepper White and Chili Red really stand out with the chrome pieces blacked out. But for my BRG, I think the chrome really compliments it well.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Okemos, Michigan USA
JoanieB You're awesome. I completely feel the same way!
You know, I don't know how you can see any difference in chrome treatment on plastic vs. metal. Here is a pic of my wiper arms on my R53 I sold earlier this year. The nut cover caps at the base of the arms are plastic, the arms themselves are metal. I had both chromed and I couldn't tell the difference at all. It looked like metal plating top to bottom to me so I never thought of chrome (plastic or otherwise) as cheap:
Valvashon: That picture is a perfect example of what I mean. Look at the bumper! They even preserved the retro feel of a chrome bumper by adding those inserts on the leading edge of the bumper. I love that look. It feels cheaper to me to do that all painted or black plastic. Black plastic grilles and intakes are common on cars from Hyundai to Ford and everything in-between. Chrome, not so much.
The pitting thing happens to all front ends. Metal, plastic, painted, whatever - they all start looking like hell after enough miles.
Looks like it's all just personal preference. Maybe I'll get laughed at by other Mini owners. I've certainly heard the "If it don't go, chrome it" phrase before. It won't apply to my new JCW though...
You know, I don't know how you can see any difference in chrome treatment on plastic vs. metal. Here is a pic of my wiper arms on my R53 I sold earlier this year. The nut cover caps at the base of the arms are plastic, the arms themselves are metal. I had both chromed and I couldn't tell the difference at all. It looked like metal plating top to bottom to me so I never thought of chrome (plastic or otherwise) as cheap:
Valvashon: That picture is a perfect example of what I mean. Look at the bumper! They even preserved the retro feel of a chrome bumper by adding those inserts on the leading edge of the bumper. I love that look. It feels cheaper to me to do that all painted or black plastic. Black plastic grilles and intakes are common on cars from Hyundai to Ford and everything in-between. Chrome, not so much.
The pitting thing happens to all front ends. Metal, plastic, painted, whatever - they all start looking like hell after enough miles.
Looks like it's all just personal preference. Maybe I'll get laughed at by other Mini owners. I've certainly heard the "If it don't go, chrome it" phrase before. It won't apply to my new JCW though...
Yeah, I'm a proud 55 yr. old youngster, enjoying my first MINI. Laser Blue with lots of chrome AND stickers. Now you've given me something else to think about.......(after the KWv2's, roll bar, Recaro seat, and on, and on....
)
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Being 60 it is possible that I am wrong but I thought alot of chrome was coming from Africa (late 70's) and it was in short supply for some time? I will take any color or trim package compared to the "jelly bean" 90's style cars. Have had my 2007 mini for 3 weeks and love it. I had the grandfather of these cars and the jeep in my 1930 American Austin. I love small cars, but this car I just picked up, so much to read up on.
I'm sure that in 1970s, which saw gas and oil shortages, may have also seen some metal shortages too. The 1970s did bring about the chromed plastic trend. Back then, the chrome just flaked off the plastic and luxury cars would advertise metal (although not neccesarily chromed) not plastic grills. These days the chrome on the plastic looks close to chrome on metal and does not have the same flaking issues. I think some of that "chromed plastic is cheap" sentiment is holdover from the 1970s and 1980s, and seeing those cars still on the road. I've never seen chrome flake off a mini.
The American Austin is a great car. Did you have a coupe or a Roadster?
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