Check out what I did today. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jmanz69 · 01-31-2004, 07:26 PM

I bought a plating kit and have been playing in the basement. Took apart an old headlight switch and cleaned and replated it. Looks really good now. Was very easy, if anyone wants one let me know. I have a couple I can do. Was just kinda messing around to get the feel of doing it. I'm doing a 65 Mustang carb for a guy at work too. That's why I bought the kit. I was very impressed with the quality.

billsbowtie · 01-31-2004, 07:34 PM

looks good

spencra · 01-31-2004, 08:13 PM

Looks good. Where did you get the plating kit?

jmanz69 · 01-31-2004, 08:21 PM

Caswell. They sell kits for do-it-yourselfers. Go here. Caswell site It was more expensive than the Eastwood kit, but I think it was worth it. It comes with a plating manual that describes in very good detail how to do all kinds of plating, including chrome, copper, zinc, nickel, etc. I did some research on the net about electroplating, and kept coming up with thier name. everyone had good things to say about them.

spencra · 01-31-2004, 08:23 PM

Thanks alot jmanz69. Much appreciated.

Larry.

Blue4x4 · 02-01-2004, 12:45 AM

Thanks for passing on some good info.

Blue Beard · 02-01-2004, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the link.......

Didn't notice you mentioning plastic parts.

Do you know if that would be different?

How long does it take to do from start to finish for a part like the switch?

jmanz69 · 02-01-2004, 10:47 AM

Plastic parts can be done, but it's a different process. The kit I got was for zinc plating. The yellow color comes from the yellow chromate that reacts with the zinc. It took me about 3 hrs for the switch. There are more things you need besides the kit. I use an acid to clean all the parts first, so they have to soak in that for at least 1/2 hr, then I use a strong degreaser to make sure all the acid is neutralized. That takes another 1/2 hr. then it goes into the zinc tank for an hour. After that, it goes to the yellow chromate for about a minute. It has to dry for at least 3 hours before you can reassemble it.

I have invested over $200 for everything to do it, I can do a switch for about $25 plus return shipping. So if you want one done, you can sent it to me. I also dipped the copper and brass contacts in acid to clean them too. The switch really is like new. I only bought it to do a carb for a guy at work, and I have another carb I am doing here for myself. I can do linkages, and brackets too. I did some bolts for my TPI setup yesterday too. Bolts take a long time because you have to prep them so much. If you want a shiny finish on the zinc, you have to start with a polished bolt. That takes a while to do. Very tedious!

01-31-2004, 07:26 PM	#1
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Check out what I did today. I bought a plating kit and have been playing in the basement. Took apart an old headlight switch and cleaned and replated it. Looks really good now. Was very easy, if anyone wants one let me know. I have a couple I can do. Was just kinda messing around to get the feel of doing it. I'm doing a 65 Mustang carb for a guy at work too. That's why I bought the kit. I was very impressed with the quality. Attached Images

01-31-2004, 07:34 PM	#2
billsbowtie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: rose hill V.A. 24281 Posts: 17,997	looks good __________________ i have 67/72 chevy truck parts f/s.

01-31-2004, 08:13 PM	#3
spencra This, is my BOOMSTICK! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 1,310	Looks good. Where did you get the plating kit? __________________ Larry Got rid of my projects for now. 1980 Jeep CJ7 1998 Nissan Sentra (my car) 2001 Toyota Sienna (wife's, of course)

01-31-2004, 08:23 PM	#5
spencra This, is my BOOMSTICK! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Berlin, CT Posts: 1,310	Thanks alot jmanz69. Much appreciated. Larry. __________________ Larry Got rid of my projects for now. 1980 Jeep CJ7 1998 Nissan Sentra (my car) 2001 Toyota Sienna (wife's, of course)

02-01-2004, 05:52 AM	#7
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Thanks for the link....... Didn't notice you mentioning plastic parts. Do you know if that would be different? How long does it take to do from start to finish for a part like the switch? __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-31-2004, 08:21 PM	#4
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Caswell. They sell kits for do-it-yourselfers. Go here. Caswell site It was more expensive than the Eastwood kit, but I think it was worth it. It comes with a plating manual that describes in very good detail how to do all kinds of plating, including chrome, copper, zinc, nickel, etc. I did some research on the net about electroplating, and kept coming up with thier name. everyone had good things to say about them.

02-01-2004, 12:45 AM	#6
Blue4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 790	Thanks for passing on some good info.

02-01-2004, 10:47 AM	#8
jmanz69 Careful, they attack... Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Waterford, MI, USA Posts: 1,107	Plastic parts can be done, but it's a different process. The kit I got was for zinc plating. The yellow color comes from the yellow chromate that reacts with the zinc. It took me about 3 hrs for the switch. There are more things you need besides the kit. I use an acid to clean all the parts first, so they have to soak in that for at least 1/2 hr, then I use a strong degreaser to make sure all the acid is neutralized. That takes another 1/2 hr. then it goes into the zinc tank for an hour. After that, it goes to the yellow chromate for about a minute. It has to dry for at least 3 hours before you can reassemble it. I have invested over $200 for everything to do it, I can do a switch for about $25 plus return shipping. So if you want one done, you can sent it to me. I also dipped the copper and brass contacts in acid to clean them too. The switch really is like new. I only bought it to do a carb for a guy at work, and I have another carb I am doing here for myself. I can do linkages, and brackets too. I did some bolts for my TPI setup yesterday too. Bolts take a long time because you have to prep them so much. If you want a shiny finish on the zinc, you have to start with a polished bolt. That takes a while to do. Very tedious!



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