Chromed Frame

[aviationfred]

Here is a 1986 frame that has been 100% chromed. It belongs to a guy in Texas that I have spoken with a few times. I don't know if he is on the forum or not.





Fred

[TexasDave]

Not a good idea as it causes hydrogen embrittlement and weakens the steel. Back in the 70's some skydivers thought chroming the hardware on their parachute harnesses would make them look prettier. After a couple had fatal hardware failures word got around about hydrogen embrittlement during the chroming process. FAA licensed senior parachute rigger.   Dave

[yamaha fj rider]

Please remember this is Fred. Show him something shinny and FJ, he has to have it. 

Kurt

[Pat Conlon]

That's very interesting Dave, just goes to show, chrome has no business on a FJ.
Polished aluminum, sure, chrome no.

Chrome belongs on Harleys.

[roverfj1200]

Shout up and take my money................. 

[fj1289]

The turbo nitrous FJ1100 fromthe Sport Rider competition had a chrome frame.

I seem to recall the hot rod crowd had figured out a way to reduce the embrittlement problem -- may a controlled bake and cool down in an oven?  I didn't really pay attention since I'm not really into chrome...

You might can find the shop that did the work and discuss the concerns with them.  

[NickS]

Same in motorsports suspension parts.  The reasons given were the plating could hide cracks as well as the hydrogen embrittlement thing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement   
Could be a double whammy, with a welding process which doesn't take into account subsequent 3rd party electroplating and a "who knows" quality of service from an unknown source.
Nick