I just always assumed that they were chromed steel...

I haven't been shopping for cars in a while, so I didn't really pay attention until I heard it on a commercial. I have seen the commercial again since I posted, and it is Lincoln that is advertising chromed aluminum rims.

And, nice looking cranks. Did they come that way, or done after market? (Perhaps showing my Campagnolo ignorance).

So, what the heck kind of nasty goop did Campagnolo use to coat their components? I have a couple pairs of early NR Brake calipers in near mint condition, but which have the dullest foggy finish imaginable. Most other anodized components from anyone else, and of similar age (e.g. Cinelli Stems, Coloral bottles), seem to have maintained their luster, and if they were nicely polished to begin with it, definitely have stayed quite bright and shiny for many years. The Olde Campy alloy stuff seems to develop the worst "patina" of any old coated components I can think of!

~ Does anyone know their dark secret?

Maybe those calipers were owned by one of those people that think that harsh cleaning products like Simple green are appropriate for cleaning bike parts.

I just finished stripping and polishing some late NR calipers. I was surprised to find rough spots and pits that had been concealed by that thick anodizing.

Dirtdrop, could you please explain your cranks? I though chrome plating was limited to ferrous metals.

You were wrong.

http://www.tiswheels.com/viewimage.a...eel_img_03.jpg

Chrome plating aluminum is very common. Caswell offers a home chrome plating kit. It's pricey but it could be used for a small home based business.

Here's what needs to be done to chrome plate aluminum.

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/zincate.htm

uh wow. i feel kind of dumb now. wasnt thinking quite right at 2:22 last night