Was Nickle plating until after WW2. The 1940-42 cars were nickel plated
on
the shiny parts, and not chrome. the 42's all went to the military and
were painted over the shiny parts.

According to the Antique Automobile Club of America judging standards,
Oldsmobile started using chrome plating in 1925, the rest followed suit in
1928. I have heard of chrome plating as early as 1848 for jewelry, but it
had problems.
My 39 and 40 Grahams have a lot of Stainless Steel trim and chromed white
metal.
--
Stupendous Man,
Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty