Topic: Is replating worth it ?

[zturb0]

Thinking about trying to replate (zinc, I think?) some of the bolts and nuts off of my 400.

Are any of the DIY kits worth a damn?

Or is there a better, way to go ?

[Gamma]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164002.0.html
This is what I did. Very time consuming but satisfying😄

[RAFster122s]

Caswell's system with the yellow or blue or black chromate conversion works well I am told by a member of the cx500 forums... 
David

[pjlogue]

If it were me, I would just replace them unless it is a very specific thread size or the bike is to be kept absolutely OEM stock.  You need to be careful when re-plating bolts as the deposit can quickly build up on the threads causing you to have to put a die to them.

Plating is fun to do but to do it right it is time consuming in the preparation.  Getting old parts absolutely clean especially if they are pitted is the trick. 

-P.

[58webbing]

I have a zinc plating kit. The results are excellent and although involves some time is well worth the effort. The secret is in the preparation and not using too much power when plating. Trying to find modern fasteners to match early Japanese bike fasterners will be more time consuming. Things like brackets and tools look like new and depending on the passivation process can be age adjusted to match existing parts.

[zturb0]

Hmmmmmm, the above posts.

Make me think, my idea of cleaning them up.

Mounting on the bike and with a small brush sealing them,

with some clear lacquer ..

Looks like, the way, to go.. 

These are not, bolts/nuts that will be coming off again,

in the foreseeable future.

Thanks, for your thoughts.

[brewsky]

El Cheapo DIY kit:

Works just fine for bolts, screws etc.

[jaytee-nz]

Z- Have you tried polishing the bolts etc ? I have often (not always) found that if the original plating looks dull and past it, with a really good clean and polish the shine comes back. If they are rusted then polishing is unlikely to work though.

[zturb0]

They had some surface rust on them when I got the 400.

I soaked all the rusty bits in rust remover,

then cleaned them up with my dremil with wire brushes.

(Replaced the chrome ones)

They looked ok for a while, then started to show rust again. (I'm in Florida) 

[Alan F.]

I agree with the diy zinc plating, its cheap and fairly easy. As with all finishes, surface prep and cleanliness are key. I like to use a wire wheel first, then hot acetone soak, then plain 5% vinegar soak until rust free, then clean up with a file or sandpaper followed by clean hot acetone soak, then into the plating bath. After plating neutralize any left over acid with a hot baking soda and water bath, then lay parts out to dry for a few days untouched.

[RAFster122s]

Even a cheap diy plating setup should be able to use caswell's chromate conversions, right?
 The chromate is the part that is difficult to dispose of...even though the chromate conversion is not requiring epa licensing.

Caswell's system is all secret by add x amount of part A to solution b type stuff instead of telling you what chemicals are being used to achieve their result.

Some fasteners are simply not available any longer from Honda or they changed them.

South Sound Honda on Olympia, Washington has excellent discounts, lowest prices I have found and are very reasonable on shipping costs. Recommend you try them if you do not use the local dealer, need to for some things...

[Alan F.]

 To my understanding yes you can use chromate solutions after cheap diy zinc. I never have tried though, that's a bit more chemistry than I'm comfortable with. But there are plenty of YouTube videos on the subject as well as websites and forums where industry professionals chime in to advise the diy community.

For my use cheap diy zinc, Mother's Mag Polish and Lemon Pledge do the trick, I also have the small HF vibratory tumbler and corn cob pet bedding for polishing small parts.

[millla03]

Even a cheap diy plating setup should be able to use caswell's chromate conversions, right?

I've had good luck using Caswell clear chromate conversion with a DIY plate bath. Parts end up with a matte, slightly blue iridescent finish. Looks similar to old cadmium plating, and close (enough) to the original finish on the Triumph I'm plating all the parts for. Finish is not nearly as bright as OEM Honda.

Plated the center stand spring bracket on my 750 for corrosion testing. That was done summer 2017 and it's still in good condition with no rust.

[Alan F.]

I've been thinking about brush plating zinc onto all of the frame ground locations and engine mount locations on all of my project bikes. I'm sure it'll take some experimentation but it should keep the ground points clean and rust free.