Topic: Where to get large batch of hardware zinc plated?

[dangerdan408]

Need almost all my hardware for my bike replated in zinc, where or who do I talk to to get this done?  Names, website addresses, bike enthusiast, etc.   Need it done before Barbers..October 12th.

[dangerdan408]

Ttt Anyone know where to get this done fairly quickly and reasonably?

[tomkimberly]

Just contact a local plating shop. Most have a minimum lot charge from $ 45.00 to $ 75.00

Searching through Google, there are many in Hunstville.

Tom

[chewbacca5000]

I am struggling with the sample problem I talked the shop here does not do barrel plating, the cheaper one 45 to 75 like you see on the forum.  The have to attach all the nuts and bolt to a wire and dunk them into a nickel solution.

Worst part is they can't give me a quote.  Say you want 5 lbs of bolts they need to look at each bolt and come up with a price for each one!  He explained the difference between wire plating and barrel.  wire is better but I can't affor 10 dollars a bolt.

Anyone here can do a batch for 50 let me know I there.

[gonzobrian]

I used Specialty Plating.  I would use them again.  They did all the parts for my bike for $75 and had a fast turn around.

http://specialtyplatinginc.com/index.html

[Markcb750]

I had the last batch of hardware for my 900F project nickle plated.  The guy advised me to clear coat the brackets and to keep them "like new"  which I did while I was painting the fenders and wheels. 

I am sure it is partially a workmanship thing but the nickle plated parts look brand new, where the last few zinc jobs I had done looked better, but they still looked used.

This included every bracket, including foot pegs & springs. the center stand side stand springs, every flange bolt and nut, even all the brake caliper brackets, guide bolts and banjo bolts 140 bucks.

He also plated the front rotors and the rear sprocket assembly for me where he hardened the coating.  not sure how this will work on the disks, but they look great. 

Advanced Plating Monroe NC 704-291-9325  Bobby is a rider and good to work with.

[mycb750k6]

I used this guy in Southern Calif. He advertises on ebay (  http://www.ebay.com/itm/RD200-RD350-CB160-CB5500-CB400-sl350-cb750-ducati-ZINC-PLATE-SERVICE-/150786886651?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item231b994bfb&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1414 ) I went down to his small shop and got a bunch done. He's really flexible. I gave him a bunch or really ugly nuts and bolts to try and the result looked brand new.

[RAFster122s]

The condition of the bolts will affect the outcome (looks) as once degreased and rust is removed any uneven-ness in the heads or threads will be smoothed some by the plating but it won't grow plating more in low spots.

Copper plated and then polished would smooth this out but thats labor intensive...chromed bolts should recieve copper plating and polishing before the nickel and then chrome goes on.
I dont recall thre zinc plating process.

[chewbacca5000]

I had the last batch of hardware for my 900F project nickle plated.  The guy advised me to clear coat the brackets and to keep them "like new"  which I did while I was painting the fenders and wheels. 

I am sure it is partially a workmanship thing but the nickle plated parts look brand new, where the last few zinc jobs I had done looked better, but they still looked used.

This included every bracket, including foot pegs & springs. the center stand side stand springs, every flange bolt and nut, even all the brake caliper brackets, guide bolts and banjo bolts 140 bucks.

He also plated the front rotors and the rear sprocket assembly for me where he hardened the coating.  not sure how this will work on the disks, but they look great. 

Advanced Plating Monroe NC 704-291-9325  Bobby is a rider and good to work with.

Thanks Mark!  Can you post a couple pics of the nickel plating he did.  I hear it is better than zinc.  If it is only a few bucks more it may be worth it.

[scottly]

Eastwood Co. has a DIY tin-zinc electroplating setup for $70.

[chewbacca5000]

Eastwood Co. has a DIY tin-zinc electroplating setup for $70.

Hi Scotty,

Have or do you know of anyone who has used the Eastwood DIY system?

Thanks!

[chewbacca5000]

Never mind I think this answers my question.  Looks like alot of work though.

Tin-Zinc Electroplating System from Eastwood

[scottly]

Never mind I think this answers my question.  Looks like alot of work though.

That's why plating is so expensive; the labor involved.

[dangerdan408]

A big thanks on the eBay link, I'm going to check some local places first and having that eBay link is my backup.

[jamesb]

Eastwood Co. has a DIY tin-zinc electroplating setup for $70.

eastwood sells a very good kit it's easy i have used it before

[brewsky]

It's really easy to do it yourself, and you don't need to buy a kit.

Simply mix up a batch of ingredients, suspend the parts to be plated in the solution on a wire from a beam.

Suspend one or more zinc anodes in the solution, not touching the parts.
 
Hook up 2 - 1.5 volt batteries in series with one wire to the parts (-) and the other to the zinc anode (+)

Sit back and watch it happen...usually takes 5-15 minutes per batch.

Remove the parts, rinse off, and brush to a shine with a brass wire brush.

Its really quite satisfying and theraputic, but it can also be habit forming!

Here's the formula:

1/2 lb white sugar
1/2 lb epsom salt
2 qts white vinegar
2 C batteries (in series)
1 slug of zinc anode from local hardware store

The parts need to be really clean first, I so de-grease with Simple Green or the like, and dip them in The Works toilet cleaner to remove any rust for a short while, then rinse and immediately begin plating.

Don't inhale the fumes from either process or light up near the batch!

[Markcb750]

Thanks Mark!  Can you post a couple pics of the nickel plating he did.  I hear it is better than zinc.  If it is only a few bucks more it may be worth it.

I have most of them on the bike, I will take some shots when I get a chance.


Question to the DIY guys,  Zinc must be passivated to make it durable, what do you do to accomplish this? 

[brewsky]

Thanks Mark!  Can you post a couple pics of the nickel plating he did.  I hear it is better than zinc.  If it is only a few bucks more it may be worth it.

I have most of them on the bike, I will take some shots when I get a chance.


Question to the DIY guys,  Zinc must be passivated to make it durable, what do you do to accomplish this? 

Haven't worried about passivation. May be necessary if ridden in road salts or other harsh environments, but I haven't seen the need.

If you brush it well, or polish it, it will be pretty shiny, but eventually will dull as it oxidizes like guardrail on the side of the road.

[dangerdan408]

I used this guy in Southern Calif. He advertises on ebay (  http://www.ebay.com/itm/RD200-RD350-CB160-CB5500-CB400-sl350-cb750-ducati-ZINC-PLATE-SERVICE-/150786886651?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item231b994bfb&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1414 ) I went down to his small shop and got a bunch done. He's really flexible. I gave him a bunch or really ugly nuts and bolts to try and the result looked brand new.

I was a little leary at first, but talked to him on the phone and he knows his stuff.  Followed the eBay link, looked around and ended up going with him.  Got everything boxed up and goes out tomorrow.  Thanks for that link again.

[chewbacca5000]

I used this guy in Southern Calif. He advertises on ebay (  http://www.ebay.com/itm/RD200-RD350-CB160-CB5500-CB400-sl350-cb750-ducati-ZINC-PLATE-SERVICE-/150786886651?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item231b994bfb&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_1414 ) I went down to his small shop and got a bunch done. He's really flexible. I gave him a bunch or really ugly nuts and bolts to try and the result looked brand new.

I was a little leary at first, but talked to him on the phone and he knows his stuff.  Followed the eBay link, looked around and ended up going with him.  Got everything boxed up and goes out tomorrow.  Thanks for that link again.

Be sure to post pics for the rest of us when you get your stuff back.  Also, let us know what plating you are going with.

[RAFster122s]

There is more to zinc plating than just plating a layer of zinc on the part if it is going to last. Needs a clear or yellow or blue chromate coating if it is going to last...

The chemicals needed to do the chromate are highly regulated and toxic and disposal of the rinse water and the chemicals afterwards are not simple.

Glad you found a good person to do the job for you!

[dangerdan408]

No problem guys, I'll post up pics when I get it back for reference purposes as well as evaluation purposes.

[mycb750k6]

Here's a picture of what's left of the batch he did for me. They still look new and these were done a year ago.

[tomkimberly]

I have most of them on the bike, I will take some shots when I get a chance.


Question to the DIY guys,  Zinc must be passivated to make it durable, what do you do to accomplish this?
[/quote]

Pasivation is a corrosion resistant process for stainless steel. To make zinc more durable as has already been mentioned, you need to also coat the parts with chromate.

Tom

[dangerdan408]

Here's a picture of what's left of the batch he did for me. They still look new and these were done a year ago.

Those look great, I'm very grateful about that link you shared...very glad I went with him now.