I just pick up a bunch of parts from the chrome shop and I was inspecting their work when I noticed that several of my parts had what appeared to be a white powdery substance on the areas where the chrome plating will not reach. For example..,inside thread holes, inside the caliper piston holes and heavy in the o-ring area. Also, alot inside the front brake master cylinder. It appears to be surface corrosion of the pot metal/aluminium or what ever they are made of. I have been a heavy aircraft mechanic for 20 years and it looks like corrosion to me. I sent the parts back to the shop and they said they will look at them. Anyone know what this might be or what would cause it...have you seen anything like it after chroming?

 

could be polishing compound,,,

read thought this to learn more.
http://freepages.pavilion.net/nickfull/chrome.htm

 

Thanks oct for the link. It definitely was not polishing compound. I should have posted pics but I am on my phone. Anyway, if I scratched some of it off with my thumb nail it looked like the metal was flaking away. Kind of a darker grey color under the white flakey stuff.

 

It is corrosion. You were exactly right. It's from the electricity when the parts are plated. The plating company should have masked or plugged the areas the plating did not get to (or was shaded). And they should have dang sure cleaned them up before sending them back to you. Without the proper tooling chrome plating intricate parts is a pain in the .....

 

I kinda figured that was the case. I am afraid to put a screw and I may never get it back out. Anyway the parts are on the way back to the chrome platers. They have been in business for 50 years I'm sure they will make it right... at least they better.

 

Let me know if you're satisfied with the work and pm me the name of the business. I've been looking for a good chromer closer to NC. I've been shipping my parts to CA and have good results but would like to cut down on the turn around time.

 

I see that you are in Kentucky, so I'm guessing you're talking about Brown's? If so, no worries! They are the best in the business... if they can't get it right, no one can.

 

I actually took my stuff to DG Custom Chrome in Cincinnati. I looked at browns but Damn! He wanted 750 to do the swing arm vs. 275. So far I am pleased with the finish but time is the test. I sent the brake components back yesterday so we will see what happens.