Nut/Bolt Plating

[anonymous-user]

Wasn't really sure where to put this... In the process of restoring my 69 beetle and I would like to get some of the bolts cleaned and plated, purely for aesthetics. Can anyone suggest what plating types might be best and somewhere to get it done (ideally in the midlands).

Thanks all!

[grumpy52]

Zinc passifate is the regular finish for fastenings . No clue as to who does it in your area .

[Big Al.]

I'd suggest you look out for a local engineering company that processes ferrous metal, sheet metal, machine shops etc, give them a ring and ask them who they use to treat (plate) their products.

[No ideas for a name]

MrBig said:

somewhere to get it done (ideally in the midlands).

Parks in Walsall?

Went there many years ago and it used to be something like out of Dickens, with vats of chemicals bubbling away and duck boards to walk on. I am sure it is now more modern. Note the Dickens comment isn't supposed to be bad ... they were very very good.

Not sure if they would be interested in very small batches of bits.

[Yertis]

I understand why you'd want to do this (having considered doing it myself "for originality") but you will save yourself a lot of time and money by just buying new, pre-plated nuts and bolts, or in non-critical applications, stainless ones.

[Chris32345]

Yertis said:

I understand why you'd want to do this (having considered doing it myself "for originality") but you will saved yourself a lot of time and money by just buying new, pre-plated nuts and bolts, or in non-critical applications, stainless ones.

This be far cheeper to buy new one's
And unless you really have no Life and are totally obsessed most people won't be bothered about modern bolts on the car

[droopsnoot]

I had some stuff passivated by Chrome Restoration Services in Coventry, and it came out well.

I take the point about buying new stuff, but some of the stuff I was doing was things like the top wishbone bolts, which are about 9" long on my car. Suspension bolts in general for mine are different to the stuff you can buy in that they have pointed ends to help get them through the various holes if things don't quite line up. Sure, I can grind the end of new bolts down, but then the plating is gone.

[mickrick]

What about getting yourself a plating kit, and a wire wheel?
You can clean them up and plate them yourself 😉

[chippy348]

MrBig said:

Wasn't really sure where to put this... In the process of restoring my 69 beetle and I would like to get some of the bolts cleaned and plated, purely for aesthetics. Can anyone suggest what plating types might be best and somewhere to get it done (ideally in the midlands).

Thanks all!

These are good > http://www.parkfieldelectro.com/Parkfield_Electrop...

£25-30 for a bucket full

[droopsnoot]

mickrick said:

What about getting yourself a plating kit, and a wire wheel?
You can clean them up and plate them yourself ??

I've got one, because I like doing stuff myself and it's a fairly quick process. It produced mixed results, and I came to the conclusion that the professional plating companies must have access to better stuff for cleaning the items prior to plating. I was using degreaser, citric acid followed by the "acid pickle" supplied with the kit, and some pieces would be nice and shiny, but others would be quite dull, which suggested the nickel plating step wasn't quite right. The stuff I sent away was at least consistent in that regard, though any pitting on the item would result in black spots whoever did it.

[//j17]

1. Stop polishing and drive.
2. Check out Frost - https://www.frost.co.uk/plating-kits/

[DAVEVO9]

https://www.gaterosplating.co.uk/

Speak to Dan tell him Dave Cee sent you he will look after you.

I started out with a plating kit and now run a 60Lt home made tank with circulation pumps and all sorts. I'm way too busy to help out at the moment but will help you in any way I can regarding a plating kit set up.

Dave.

[droopsnoot]

That's where mine came from too, Gateros, I bought one with the circulation pump which apparently helps quite a lot. Wish I'd bought a "proper" PSU for it, as the spring thing is a bit random and might also contribute to the dull finish I get on some items.