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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw me?
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Message started by Spiff on 07/18/08 at 05:54:39

Title: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw me?
Post by Spiff on 07/18/08 at 05:54:39

Hi all,

I bought these turn signals from an eBay seller:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320271817894

They were listed as "Suzuki Savage Intruder Volusia 800 FULL CHROME SIGNALS"

They are plastic, covered with chrome, but they are not metal covered with chrome.

So, my question to the group: When you think of "chrome" do you assume that it's metal, or can chrome plating on plastic be considered "full chrome" as stated in the title of this eBay auction?

I'm trying to determine whether I have a legitimate beef with this seller.

Thanks.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 07/18/08 at 06:02:31

Mr. Webster says chrome is "Something plated with a chromium alloy." I'd be hacked off too, but if there's chrome on that plastic, you're probably out of luck. Then again, how would they cover plastic with molten metal?

Send him a nastygram and see what is answer is. That will probably tell you more than anything.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Starlifter on 07/18/08 at 06:11:01

Any normal person would think from the description presented that the items in question were 100% chromed metal.
Webster's defines chrome as: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating...again suggesting metal.
All of the old cars of the 1950's were full of chrome. Rock solid metal that would get pitted over time, but could be polished back to it's original self.

But today I just don't know. Everything is made out of that cheap shiny plastic that is called chromed, but will break if you brush by it.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by T Mack 1 on 07/18/08 at 06:33:54

17302536282D22302136440 wrote:

A vacuum process to chrome plate plastics has been done for years.

Now I understand they deposit/paint a copper layer then use that as a base to do the std nickel and chrome layers.

To tell if it's chrome, just hold it up against your handle bars. If it's the same tint, then it's chrome.

As to breaking.... that's relative to the thickness of the plastic.....

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Mr. Hyde on 07/18/08 at 06:34:56

Do a search on Google under "plastic chrome" and be prepared to read alot. Some companies refer to it as a 'chrome like finish on plastic', while others say it's 'electro plating'. Bottom line is - question everything. Almost nothing is what it appears to be anymore.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Spiff on 07/18/08 at 06:43:18

556A3650617C7D180 wrote:

Almost nothing is what it appears to be anymore.

I guess someone named "Mr. Hyde" would know all about that, eh? ;)

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by mornhm on 07/18/08 at 06:54:12

If we are going by definitions, full means "containing all that is possible." Most of the definitions that I read of Chrome puts the first (preferred) definition as the metal itself and something plated with chrome after that. So I think you have a legitimate beef.

If "full chrome" means chrome plating on plastic to this seller, what does "chrome" mean. What are they trying to differentiate? Or are they trying to make someone think they are selling something different.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by verslagen1 on 07/18/08 at 07:28:33

7900604C4E461C2D0 wrote:

Yes chrome finish has been applied to plastics and metals other than steel for many years.

But "full chrome" is a term used to describe a high quality finish that can only be accomplished by first plating the surface with copper, then nickle then chrome.

It appears this ignoramous thinks that "full" means all over. nail 'em to the wall >:(

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Mr. Hyde on 07/18/08 at 07:35:33

Quote:

I guess someone named "Mr. Hyde" would know all about that, eh?

You got that right.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by joeh100 on 07/18/08 at 14:11:17

Yes, you can metal plate anything. It is most likely real chrome plating. I've done a little metal plating myself.

Just by looking at those I would have assumed them to be all metal though. Personally I won't buy anything from an ebay seller with less than 99% feedback. I think they were somewhat mis-represented.

If they're made out of thick plastic though, they should be OK. You didn't pay but $25 bucks for the pair.

The stock signals on the S40 are chrome plated plastic and they cost over $50 for a single signal.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Starzuki on 07/18/08 at 14:23:38

Bottom line, I think that if the auction description had an indication that it was metal, or didn't specifically say plastic you'd have a foot to stand on. Otherwise, let your feedback do the talking.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Gary On A Savage on 07/18/08 at 15:12:30

534E5F72647E781D0 wrote:

There is one other thing to stand on....at the bottom of the page it says this:

http://www.clutchlevers.com/pp.jpg

If your not satisfied...I'd see what the seller will do to fulfill the above advertised statement. ;)

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Rustbucket on 07/18/08 at 15:16:09

Chrome is just a plating overtop of plastic or metal. Those blinkers look chrome to me.
After looking at the ad, I'd have expected them to be plastic chrome plated blinkers because thats what they look like in the picture.. I'm not trying to be insensitive but i think you got what you paid for.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/19/08 at 00:22:53

This auction is for two CHROME signals with CHROME lense.

Unless someone figures the lens is metal, not plastic, we have to know the seller isnt afraid to use the word chrome to describe plastic.
They look good, cost little, mount them up & be happy.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by buttgoat1 on 07/19/08 at 05:28:34

I think you just learned a lesson, course I just pulled a good one myself just this week. I bought some bullet turn signal off of ebay too. I did ask the question if they "were metal, well made, decent weight" and the seller replied that they were,"been making them like this since the 50's:. They got here and were much smaller than I thought (no dimensions in the ad) and made in Taiwan. His answer was correct, I just didnt ask the right questions, next time we will ask a few more questions.

Live and learn, I am goping to leave good feedback and enjoy what I got, can always swap them out and sell them on ebay later.

Title: Re: What is chrome? Or: Did this eBay seller screw
Post by Dj12midnit on 07/19/08 at 15:04:11

When I read the ad I read it as they are trying to make it clear that the lens is chrome also. If you do mount them post a pic.