Topic: Plating Services

[Stangly]

Can anybody reccomend a plating company.  I would like to get my parking and tailight housings plated. I looked at Detail Plating and Auto Parts Plating on line, they both seem pretty comparable.

Thank you,

[bryancobb]

Most folks have $100 minimum for each coating type.
I found a good place in Raleigh, NC that only has a $78 min.
I used them on about 100 items and were pleased.

www.surtronics.com

[CharlesTurner]

Most folks have $100 minimum for each coating type.
I found a good place in Raleigh, NC that only has a $78 min.
I used them on about 100 items and were pleased.

www.surtronics.com

How long ago did you use them?  Last time I had some parts done, they were acting like I was a bother and said they didn't want to do anymore "hobby" work.

[bryancobb]

It was 2 months ago Charles.

[Stangly]

Have either of you guys or anybody else out there tried plating on your own.  I saw a few videos on line with homemade plating outfits, and I saw a few companies that sell plating kits for under $200.

[CharlesTurner]

Have either of you guys or anybody else out there tried plating on your own.  I saw a few videos on line with homemade plating outfits, and I saw a few companies that sell plating kits for under $200.

I've tried a couple of them.  Seems like they work pretty good the first few times using the setup and then later it's hard to get consistent results.

Thanks for the info on Surtronics Bryan.  Did you just have barrel parts done or rack parts also?  I was having some issues with rack parts, but it wasn't really their fault.

[bryancobb]

Just bolts and small stuff.  The biggest thing was the power top motor casing.

[Stangly]

Thanks guys for the info this gives me some food for thought.  I have a good buddy who's a chemistry teacher I thought I'd pick his brain a bit before I do anything.

[jwc66k]

Have either of you guys or anybody else out there tried plating on your own.  I saw a few videos on line with homemade plating outfits, and I saw a few companies that sell plating kits for under $200.

I've used the Eastwood zinc kit on jack handles and trunk latchs. It's OK but as Charles says, "inconsistent". The reason I used the Eastwook kit on the trunk latch is I didn't want to mess up the spring. A professional zinc plating shop will heat your items to bake out the hydrogen from the plating process and it will affect springs. I recomend that you find a "car friendly" plater and cultivate a relationship. I pay about $100 a lot charge and my lots run between 120 and 150 items. They are done on a fill-in basis, when the shop is slow, and I impose no due date.
Jim

[Stangly]

This process appears to be much more complicated than phosphating.  Has anybody used the two companies I mentioned in the original post, they didn't speak of any minimum piece charge, maybe something to check out.  I only have a few pieces to replate and I plan on driving this car so I may opt to use my art skills and replicate the finish with paints.  I did a test piece and it looked pretty good.  The only problem is paint just doesn't hold up like the plating, there is still quite a bit of plating on these forty year old parts and that says alot.

[jwc66k]

This process appears to be much more complicated than phosphating. 

Home plating is easy compared to phosphating. Both require a clean item and that means no grease, oil, paint or any other stuff on the surface. The results are not as good as a professional shop, and I don't know how durable or lasting the home plated items will have.
One thing I forgot about plating, when I send out items to be plated they are degreased and beadblasted. The plater appreciates this bit of "sweat equity" on my part and even in high priced San Jose area, what I pay compared to others who send him items to be plated is cheaper by 2/3rds to 3/4ths. He still dips my items in a pre-acid bath to remove that last bit of potential contaminate.
Jim 

[Anghelrestorations]

If anyone needs plating done I can get it done here in Arizona.  I have a local place that does all my plating all the time (zinc, zinc dichromate and phosphate and another place in California that does anodize finish) .....usually takes 4 weeks to get it turned around and depending what it is can come out really nice.  The trick with zinc dichromate finish is the parts have to be as clean and unpitted as possible or it will just not look good.  So depending what it is it may need to be tumbled or worked before plating is done. 

[Stangly]

What material have you had the best luck with tumbling for the zinc dichromate.

[s2ms]

...Has anybody used the two companies I mentioned in the original post...

I've used Detail Plating several times for silver zinc parts and been very satisfied.

Dave

[Stangly]

That's good to know because the price they quoted me seemed pretty good.  It was around a $100 to do both taillight housings and the parking lights if I had them cleaned up.  I've never had any plating done so I wasn't sure what to expect for cost, but it seems like alot of places charge a minimum of $100-$150.  Wonder how many pieces that typically might include.