Zinc plating: Do plastic parts survive?

[x911]

Hey guys, 

I'm about to bring the second (and last) batch of misc. hardware to the plater. What did you do with the plastic parts? Will they survive the plating process?

Regards

[David F]

Absolutely, I just plated the same parts at home on Monday (Labor day).  Only problem is getting the zinc in the spring pocket (shadowing effect).  My rear deck limit stops don't have the fillers as shown above.  Not sure about commercial platers as I do my own electro plating at home.

 

Also, and probably obviously, the plastic part will shield the metal below from the plating process.  So, don't move the plastic when media blasting.

Edited September 6, 2017 by David F

[x911]

Thank you david! Do you use any kind of acid during your plating process?

[David F]

I have been using the same plating solution for years now, so memory is vague.  But, the short answer is yes...I used a Vinegar/water solution with a bit of saccharin added in for brightness.  Lot's of good info online on how to electroplate.  I have some zinc chromate solution for the yellow look when I think it adds to the part, but I am not doing a purest's restoration of my car... just a refresh to make it look decent, mostly rust free, and reliable.  Consequently, most parts just end up bright galvanized for rust protection without resorting to clear lacquer which I thinks looks awful.

 

Edit:  Just noticed you are taking your parts to the platter.  Still, you should consider doing your own.

Edited September 6, 2017 by David F

[dutchzcarguy]

Plastic survives but for example a lock plate of the 280zx, that plastic bushing in it gets loose, with some new glue its reparable!

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