For Bugatti Atlantic fans

[Ace-Garageguy]

Can I ask a slightly off-topic, potentially dumb question?

How does chroming wires make them brittle? And does it have a similar effect on other metals (e.g., bumpers, door handles, etc.?)

Charlie Larkin

Not a dumb question at all, Charlie. The phenomenon encountered during electroplating is usually referred to as "hydrogen embrittlement", explained here...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement

It's of particular concern in aviation, for obvious reasons. Some paint strippers also cause hydrogen embrittlement of metals, and special chemicals and mechanical processes have been developed to avoid it.

[charlie8575]

Not a dumb question at all, Charlie. The phenomenon encountered during electroplating is usually referred to as "hydrogen embrittlement", explained here...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement

It's of particular concern in aviation, for obvious reasons. Some paint strippers also cause hydrogen embrittlement of metals, and special chemicals and mechanical processes have been developed to avoid it.

Most interesting.

Thinking back, I think I remember having something about that being mentioned during one of my failed attempts at learning how to weld (I could never get the hang of seeing what I was doing with the tinted glass.)

I can see where that would be a problem for aircraft, or anything else that requires high strength. I can also see where it might be a concern for racing wheels, but not as much for street wheels- much less stress.

It also explains in part, I would think, why stainless wires became popular- eliminates the problem altogether and still look nice and shiny when polished out.

Charlie Larkin

[Cato]

Not a dumb question at all, Charlie. The phenomenon encountered during electroplating is usually referred to as "hydrogen embrittlement", explained here...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement

I think Dayton Wire circumvented that by essentially using heavier gauge wire spokes in their chromed wheels. As opposed to the '60's-era English and Italian sport wheels. They are never seen on racecars however.

[Ace-Garageguy]

It also explains in part, I would think, why stainless wires became popular- eliminates the problem altogether and still look nice and shiny when polished out.

Charlie Larkin

Stainless wires are considered OK for motorcycles, but not really for cars because of the higher lateral loads on 4-wheeled vehicles.

http://www.borraniamericas.com/html/technical.html

[DonW]

Most interesting.

I can see where that would be a problem for aircraft, or anything else that requires high strength. I can also see where it might be a concern for racing wheels, but not as much for street wheels- much less stress.

Charlie Larkin

Hmm - you don't get so many potholes or high kerbs on a racetrack and they can cause massive stress at highway speeds. Chrome wire wheels are probably OK for the likes of Ralph L because their show cars don't get driven properly in the real world, they are safe on their trailers.

[Eric Macleod]

Interesting topic here. I am an avid modeler but my primarly interest is in the CCCA classics (both in 1:24 scale and in 1:1 scale as well). I happen to own a couple Full Classics and an "over-restored" pair of Ford Model T's. I am here to tell you that the notion that just because a car occasionally gets transported in a trailer does not mean it is not roadworthy. Otten I transport a couple cars to a show in my trailer and then drive the wheels off of them when I arrive. The problem is, I find it difficult to get a pair of cars to a show or tour 100-2000 miles away and still have them relatively clean when I arrive, Not to mention the problem of time off work to get there. For me, often the problem is not that the car is incapable of the drive there, Instead the problem is with me; I as the owner do not have the time or energy to relay two or three vehicles to one place without using a trailer. Most of my CCCA and AACA friends are in the same position. So....look down your nose at the trailer queen if you want, but understand there is another side to the story. As for the Lauren car, I was at the Meadowbrook Concours when it won best of show there and later saw his Mercedes when it won best of show as well. Both cars were stunning. I really am patial to disc wheels so I liked the Bugatti on them though I preferred the overall look of the Black Prince Mercedes on black painted wheels. At least he has the good sense NOT to put wide whitewalls on his cars!

My 2 cents worth!

Eric

[sjordan2]

As a regular visitor to the AACA forum, I get what you say that European classics shouldn't have whitewalls, but I'm not as fussy about that as a lot of AACA members. As for chrome wire wheels, I believe the only Mercedes of the old days to have standard chromed factory wire wheels was the 540K coupe that was introduced at the 1936 Paris Salon (available as a somewhat inaccurate Monogram kit). However, they were available on special order.

[Agent G]

My first thought is that the production crew put the wires on the car for the commercial. Black car, black wheels, it cannot be seen on film well.

G

[Modelmartin]

. At least he has the good sense NOT to put wide whitewalls on his cars!

My 2 cents worth!

Eric

My two cents, also! I detest wide whites put on anything older. Some classics had them but most didn't and they do look better without them.

[sjordan2]

My two cents, also! I detest wide whites put on anything older. Some classics had them but most didn't and they do look better without them.

Ralph Lauren and his main restoration expert, Paul Russell, are not fools.