Re-plating an item with a rubber insert?

[Spenny_b]

Hi guys,

I need to get the gearbox stabiliser bar on my 964 Turbo replated.....



However, the rubber insert is fixed in place; looks to be a case of bending over some tabs - even if I machine these out, my guess is that it'll be stuck fast after 20yrs of weather.

I just spoke to my plating shop to see if the chemicals they use would affect the rubber. In short he simply didn't know, he's happy to try but at my risk.

I know nyloc nuts are fine being plated, e.g. putting a gold passivate finish on BZP nuts....but does that logic hold true for rubber as well? Anyone been down this route?

(my Plan B is to make a whole new unit using a rose joint instead of this cylindrical damper, but retaining the 2x donuts that fix into the gearbox>chassis crossmember. I'm using a TurboKraft tail mount that's approx equal to 964RS stiffness, plus a Goldenrod shift linkage, plus 964RS engine mounts) --->




Thanks in advance
Spencer.

[Willem Fick]

When having stuff plated in the past I used the plater's advice to use paint as a mask for those areas I didn't want plated, such as in my case the mating surfaces and cilynders on a set of brake calipers. It worked very well, so I would imagine that if the acids they used couldn't damage oil-based paint then your rubber parts should be OK? Maybe get an old bushing from a local breakers yard and have your plater see if that gets affected in any way?

[Spenny_b]

Yup, good point with respect to finding another sacrificial item to experiment with - I'm bound to have *something* kicking around the spare parts bin.

Cheers
Spencer

[enzoducoing]

Good question, I'm having the same dilemma.
Could masking with liquid electrical tape work?
Mauricio

[Porboynz]

I think it will be just fine, my engine and gearbox mounts came out fine and so did the door latches. 3 years on they are still OK

[SoyRacer]

No worries regarding the rubber. I've had fuel lines with rubber lines still crimped on re-plated and no issues whatsoever. Just make sure they don't dip it too long in the cleaning acid and it'll be fine.
See my Instagram page and you'll see what I mean.

[Spenny_b]

Thanks fellas, v useful feedback.

I dropped the items over to the plating shop yesterday with a spare exhaust mounting bobbin, with instructions to try that first, if successful then go ahead and plate the stabiliser. They're anticipating it being done tomorrow before our public holiday weekend....we'll see if it lived. Or not.

Ta
S

[douglas bray]

My go to guy for plating is Einmalig. Motor mounts, drop links, spring plates, and the like are all plated with rubber in place. Does not effect the rubber at all.