Storing NOS Chrome Parts

[Richard G.]

Everyone;
I have had a non-heated attached garage for years.
I am just finishing up my 63 and was disappointed in the condition of some of my prized chromed NOS parts.
This a only a reminder for those NCRS members that don't already know the risks.
Some parts were just fine. I have to sometimes remind myself is these cars were never designed to last more than 7 years or so.
I am confident the plating was done as inexpensively as possible. Bottom line is keep them in a heated space or grease them up.

I have included a couple pictures of a horn button as an example. I have NOS C2 tail lights that look about the same or slightly worse.

[Phillip M.]

Re: Storing NOS Chrome Parts

Everyone;
I have had a non-heated attached garage for years.
I am just finishing up my 63 and was disappointed in the condition of some of my prized chromed NOS parts.
This a only a reminder for those NCRS members that don't already know the risks.
Some parts were just fine. I have to sometimes remind myself is these cars were never designed to last more than 7 years or so.
I am confident the plating was done as inexpensively as possible. Bottom line is keep them in a heated space or grease them up.

I have included a couple pictures of a horn button as an example. I have NOS C2 tail lights that look about the same or slightly worse.

Richard, for small parts as you have shown, I recommend vacuum food storage bags. I have stored polished brass (cartridge cases), for years with no hint of corrosion.
Phil

[Joe L.]

Re: Storing NOS Chrome Parts

Everyone;
I have had a non-heated attached garage for years.
I am just finishing up my 63 and was disappointed in the condition of some of my prized chromed NOS parts.
This a only a reminder for those NCRS members that don't already know the risks.
Some parts were just fine. I have to sometimes remind myself is these cars were never designed to last more than 7 years or so.
I am confident the plating was done as inexpensively as possible. Bottom line is keep them in a heated space or grease them up.

I have included a couple pictures of a horn button as an example. I have NOS C2 tail lights that look about the same or slightly worse.

Richard------

The horn button and the tail lights are zinc diecast ("pot metal") pieces. Chromed zinc diecast pieces have a propensity for this kind of deterioration. Unfortunately, there are lots of zinc diecast pieces on a Corvette. I don't think you would usually see this kind of problem on chromed steel pieces (e.g. bumpers, etc.).

[Gene M.]

Re: Storing NOS Chrome Parts

Parts such as those are fine for years if installed on the car. I have pieces on my cars that are over 30 years old and still look good no pitting at all. I think the normal polishing of Corvette up keep helps.

[Edward B.]

Re: Storing NOS Chrome Parts

Have you tried Quick-Glo or Nevr-Dull. Those marks are common and should be removable with little effort.

[Troy P.]

Re: Storing NOS Chrome Parts

I believe its pitting, not marks.

The pot metal flippers on my 53-55 NOS wheel covers have bubbles formed under the chrome. Some are much worse than others, which is interesting since they are the same age and have the same storage history.