Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Quote:

What is defense chrome??

During the Korean war some plating metals were in very limited supply. To stretch what was available, mfgs went to different materials, eliminated what plating steps they could or thinned what was applied on non essential items such as decorative exterior chrome and some non handled interior pieces.

The eliminated steps and the thin layers resulted in very poor quality chrome. The pieces lost their shine, corroded or just generally did not hold up well much past the time the car left the showroom. In addition to the poor quality plating, in an effort to protect what was there, the piece was often painted with a clear lacquer or enamel which was worn off or deteriorated rapidly and added to the problem.

Packard published an article with details & care suggestions in SC Vol25 #14 -- here is an excerpt showing some pieces affected.

Attach file:

---

  (36.89 KB)

The front grill that is on my '54 came from a '53 parts car, and it was for sure "Defense" chrome. Sprayer with lacquer to protect the thin chrome. Most of that clear lacquer turns yellow after all these years and was then polished off. My left (drivers side) parking light housing has a copper hue to it where the chrome/nickel coating has worn away is a so thin. But for some reason I keep finding only good passenger side ones. All the drivers side one the chrome is worse than mine, or the housing is cracked. Go figure.

Thanks for the info. Now I do remember reading something about the inferior 1953 chrome. Glad I don't have any of it.

FWIW "defense chrome" was also a problem for 1952 Packards.
Ken

Makes me even happier I have a 51. Here is a picture of my grill that stills boasts it's original chrome.

Attach file:

---

  (90.26 KB)


  (32.83 KB)

Very nice chrome! Wish mine were that good. Nice looking car too!
Ken

Quote:

Thanks Ken. The only sad thing is I live spitting distance from the ocean and I don't have a garage. The car has to sit out. I keep the chrome waxed and now that the car is down with the front end off I've drenched everything with WD-40. So far so good.

I know the feeling. I don't have enough garages. The Packard gets the garage. General transportation gets stuck out in the weather. Maybe you should check into one of these steel or aluminum pipe frame and canvas or vinyl fabric "garages" or "carports" they sell at some of the bigger auto part stores if the neighbors wouldn't complain and zoning permits. They aren't as good as garages but they are better than nothing.
Ken