the most outrageously priced part on our cars

[Peter Coomaraswamy]

I'll sell the handbrake part at half price, I'll even have it plated! (forum members only)

 

[mulberryworks]

Plating parts can make them brittle, though that's not a given if they are treated right. It can also change their size, making them not fit tight clearances anymore. That happens more with chrome since there are several layers.

Ian