Plating recommendations

[Jordan S.]

Can anyone recommend a reputable plating service for Zinc/ Dichromate plating. My parts include Wiper door actuator/ headlight actuators, brake shields, nuts and bolts. If anyone has had this done recently, what is the approximate cost for the service.

Thanks.

[Jack H.]

Re: Plating recommendations

Zinc and cad are very hard to distinguish. Both can be dichromate washed after plating to provide the yellowish color that's called 'gold cad', 'iradite', Etc.

Many shops do zinc plating but fewer shops do cad plating due to EPA scrutiny. Cad is more rugged/durable than zinc. The archives have a number of threads on various shops providing this/that service with contact info and pro/con experience(s).

Typically, shops process parts by the 'bucket' (have to ask each what their definition of a bucket is). Costs 'typically' run in the $60-120 per bucket range. Some shops charge extra for pre-plating part preparation services (expect you to make the parts ready to plate), post-plating dichromate service, and/or post-plating anti-hydrogen embrittlement service (reduce the threat of a load bearing part fracturing based on the plating service).

So, the total cost issue will vary from shop to shop and it's based on who you have do the work and what work you ask them to do...