Cad plating advice needed

Fritz · 03-29-2002, 09:25 AM

I've got my car apart for repainting. I've been looking at some of the parts like the hood latches and think they look pretty shabby (they were sprayed in a po's repaint and then I knocked the old paint off).

Have any of you had old used parts refinished/replated? Your results and satisfaction?

I really want to avoid the faux cad finish stuff also.

Thanks for your advice.

Jim Sims · 03-29-2002, 09:41 AM

You may be able to find a local plater who can clean them up and replate them with cadium but this process is losing favor due to the fact that cadium is poisonous and there are significant efforts to keep it out of the open environment. Most of the new "yellow cadium plated" parts one gets today are likely some other non-cadium plating/coating process. My stock of new Porsche OEM wave washers look to be plated/coated with this new stuff. These parts look okay but are not exactly the same. You may have more luck with getting your parts redone with one of these new processes. A small batch of parts is likely to be costly no matter what you do. If you find a good alternative let the board know. Jim

911pcars · 03-29-2002, 09:42 AM

Look in the yellow pages for zinc platers. They can yellow-zinc plate your parts. However, you might have to round up a bunch to make it worthwhile as they charge a minimum fee for the service. Might be $50-100. Be careful on critical fasteners as the process creates hydrogen embrittlement unless they're heat-stressed relieved.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars
www.seinesystems.com

911_Dude · 03-31-2002, 02:07 PM

Try Eastwood(s).com They specialize in restoration products and I believe they have a cad plate do it yourself kit for around $50.

Oliver911 · 03-31-2002, 05:59 PM

I have a Cad system made by caswell electroplating, you can find info about them on the net. It comes with a small power pack and aquarium heaters, electrodes etc. I think I paid about 200 or so for it and it does a very nice job. Not actual cadmium, but a zinc that is then swirled in a oxidizing solution after plating that gives it the gold cad appearance. They have tons of useful plating devices for the small home shop This might be just the ticket if you have many parts to do. I would have rather had the parts professionally done, but I cant find any place that will do such a small amount without a large contract.

Dante Oliverio