Replating spring plate - worry about the splines?

[andyt11]

When I scrubbed the old rubber bushes off my rear spring plates, I used a selection of wire wheels / sand paper / emery tape etc etc and the old zinc plating that was on there is scratched. In the areas where it has been exposed to the elements for all these years its tarnished and grey, I actually didn't know they were plated until now.

Someone mentioned to me that if I put the new bushes on and reassemble the suspension, in a years time the scratches made during cleaning might allow rust to set in. its been suggested that they get re-plated.

First question is, what's the process with yellow zinc? Will it be plated inside and out? And therefore how will they keep the splines inside from getting filled? Or is it such a thin layer that it wont affect how the torsion bar goes in?

I will of course talk to the plater about this next week, but I was interested to see what the forum says about it.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by andyt11

Or is it such a thin layer that it wont affect how the torsion bar goes in?

This.

Plus I don't think the coating adheres to the inside bores the same as the outside surfaces. Some kind of science thing.

Get them plated. It's astoundingly cheap.

[Chuck Moreland]

Electroplating does not plate the inside of the bore, except close to the opening. The plating will penetrate roughly equal to the diameter of the opening. The splines are about 6 inches from the opening and will not be touched.

[andyt11]

Ok cool. for some reason I thought this was a dipping exercise, like galvanizing, but this sounds safer. Thanks for the input.

Should match the nice shiney hardware kit supplied by ER.

[Lyle O]

Absolutely OK; just had mine plated (62 parts in total, including bolts and washers, too). Best $60 I ever spent (had it done locally). Parts are like new, and nothing looks as cool as the yellow zinc. As stated, plating never really made it to the splines inside...

[andyt11]

oooo! that looks nice! you did the bolts too? No issues with the threads I trust. I didnt think to do those. I will now.

[sailchef]

Originally Posted by Lyle O

Absolutely OK; just had mine plated (62 parts in total, including bolts and washers, too). Best $60 I ever spent (had it done locally).

Could you share the website/address of where you had this done. I'm currently in the process of doing the same thing. Is this cadmium or yellow zink? The estimates I have gotten for cadmium are way higher. TIA

[Lyle O]

Sure, I used EPI of Clinton Twp., MI: EPI - Electroplating Inc. They plated with yellow zinc dichromate. As I mentioned, they are local to me here in the Detroit area, so I just dropped them off on Monday, and they were done on Thursday, but I am sure you can arrange shipping, etc. Also, I cleaned them up really well before I dropped them off. Great folks; ask for Pete.

[steely]

Got mine done at Philadelphia Rustproofing. Been there a long time, reasonable, professional, closer to Lewes. The 3 brothers took over their dad's biz. At least one of them collects cars/bikes.

[IXjamesXI]

Nice to see an endorsement for Phila rustproofing! I plan to bring about 50 lbs of engine hardware to them soon for my engine rebuild and you've given me some confidence since I have never used them before.

[steely]

Hiya IXjamesXI - really -
if you are looking for glamor - stay away, but these guys got it done. The cool part was that one of the owners recognized that I lived in his region. I dropped by his house (he offered) to pick up my hardware, and was treated to a tour of his own collection. Cars and some bikes I never heard of. I realized that I was in the wrong biz, he gave a damn, and there was living-proof in front of me. PM me for some details. No affiliation.

[IXjamesXI]

Lack of glamor is a plus in my book.. I think many people hide behind it! I'll shoot you a message.. Thanks!