Chrome Engine Trim

Even in the early days of hopped-up Model Ts and Flat Head Fords, hot rodders knew that what went on the outside of the engine was just as important as the go-fast goodies that were inside. Classic hot rods were usually run sans hood, with the engine exposed for all to see, so it had to look good. Bright chrome was the adornment of choice, for air cleaners, valve covers, headers, and whatever else could be plated.

When Detroit got into the performance game in the 50s and 60s, they understood that the engine’s horsepower rating wasn’t enough, it also had to impress when the hood was popped down at the drive-in. In the muscle car era you got chrome air cleaner lids, chromed or finned aluminum valve covers, and more. But fast forward to today and it seems the automakers have lost their way – even on performance models, the underhood is an ocean of black plastic.

Whatever you drive, from grocery getter to fire breathing sports model, if your engine compartment is chrome challenged we can help with chrome or polished stainless steel caps, covers, and dress-up kits that will make you proud to show off your mill. Although specific accessory availability will vary according to manufacturer and application, for some models we offer products that will almost completely cover every component in your engine bay, from nose to cowl, fender to fender, even the underside of the hood.

Underhood customizers actually have it much better today than the hot rodders and classic muscle car owners had it in their day. Back then the aftermarket had products for the engine like chrome air cleaners, valve covers, manifolds, and headers, but that was it; if you wanted more you had to fabricate it yourself. Today we have all the requisite engine covers, but we can also offer you chrome caps and covers to hide many of the other components under the hood that are better left unseen, like batteries, master cylinders, alternators, fuse boxes, power steering pump reservoirs, and coolant recovery tanks.

The engine trim we have on our digital shelves is chrome plated for a deep luster, or the stainless steel is mirror polished to a sheen indistinguishable from chrome. Although installation will vary according to part, many of our engine trim products attach easily with 3M acrylic foam tape. For a look that will really be a hit on cruise nights, we also have unique products like fender caps that illuminate in your choice of colors, and wire looms with illuminated flames, as well as fluid caps with the fluid type or manufacturer’s emblem displayed in relief, with a background carbon fiber pattern in your choice of colors.

If the original chrome engine trim on your classic muscle car has lost its luster, we have authentic reproduction air cleaners and valve covers, as well as the related grommets, bolt spreader bars, and even decals. These parts are manufactured by restoration specialists and they’re correct in every detail. Or if you’re not concerned with originality we have complete chrome dress up kits to create a custom finishing touch to your engine. While exact contents will vary according to application, in addition to valve covers many kits include chrome T-bolts, breathers, dipstick and tube, air cleaner lid and timing cover. And no matter whether you go custom or original, you can count on perfect fit and show winning appearance.