Bolt replating source

[Tory S.]

Can anyone recommend a good source to have some important bolts replated? I need both zinc and black phosphate. I have a total of about 25 pieces right now to get done on my motor restoration.

Steve Gregori in Sanger, CA advertises in Driveline. Anyone have any experience with him?

Thanks,
Tory
'75 conv.
Original owner

[Stephen L.]

Re: Bolt replating source

I've used Gregori with great results.

Before you send them out make sure you have ID'ed the bolts for where you want them to be replaced to, as he'll send the bolts back tied together with plating wires.

I took photos and described sizes/locations so I could place them back in the right locations.

Clean up the bolts before you send them and you might save a few bucks

[Joe L.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Can anyone recommend a good source to have some important bolts replated? I need both zinc and black phosphate. I have a total of about 25 pieces right now to get done on my motor restoration.

Steve Gregori in Sanger, CA advertises in Driveline. Anyone have any experience with him?

Thanks,
Tory
'75 conv.
Original owner

Tory-----


Make sure you keep in mind that any bolts used for high strength applications (i.e. grade 5 or 8) must be properly heat treated/annealed after re-plating. Otherwise, hydrogen embrittlement can seriously weaken them. In general, I do not recommend re-plating for critical chassis bolts with safety implications.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bolt replating source

I've used Steve a couple of times. My thoughts:

- black phosphate is extremely easy to do at home. If you have any interest at all, search the Archives. It's fun to be "in control" of that part of the restoration. I've done it several times, and now run small "batches" whenever I need some bolts redone.

- As noted above, Gregori links all of your items together with copper wire. You will end up with an "unplated" ring around your threads. If this annoys you or disappoints you, look elsewhere.

- If you send him your items, be sure you have cleaned them ahead of time, including any paint removal, rust removal, etc. Otherwise the plating will end up right on top of whatever you sent him.

Patrick

[Alan S.]

Re: Bolt re-plating source

Hi Tory
I'll second Patrick's point about the ease of doing the phosphate plating at home and the control that gives you. That ability also allows you to plate the hood latches and some other larger phosphate plated parts too.
It's really worth considering!
Regards,
Alan

[John D.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Tory, I use Beringer Plating, Inc in Akron, OH 330-633-8409. They do a wonderful job and can handle any plating we so desire with the exception of chrome.
They will bake your graded bolts after plating.
Just type in Beringer Plating and their web site will pop up.
By the way ask for Bruce Hogie.
Now for a $$$ problem. Your plating order is extremely small. And it requires two different processes. Actually three when you count the baking.
Be prepared to spend a small fortune for such a small order. If I were you I would look the car over and see what else you need plated as basically you will get a lot more parts plated for about the same price you will pay for a hand full of bolts.
They charge by the batch. The platers also charge bucks on the type of process needed to plate an item. Cheapest plating is barrel plating. If they have to hang parts they have another name for that type. Lab work or something like that.
Beringers has never lost a part for me. I use them in my fuel injection restoration big time.

By the way here is an idea for "phosphating". Instead of the usual black phosphating that doesn't hold up that long unless you treat it once in a while to a little oil. Try black zinc instead. At first it's artificial looking. Too shiny. But after it ages the shine goes away. John D

P.S. I have looked at FI restoration I did years ago and the first thing I notice is that the black phosphated fillister screws are rusty. Well not any more with the black zinc process. They will hold up for many years with no effort.

[Paul J.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Patrick and Alan (and others):

What kind of set-up do you have, i.e. are you using a kit and materials like Caswell? Any tricks that you have found that work better? There is a lot about this in the archives, but everyone seems to do something a little different.

Paul

[Kurt B.]

Re: Bolt replating source

John,
Have you any suggestions for where I might get one of those black zinc plating kits you refer to, instead of the black phosphate kits?
I have never done this but would like to give it a try.
Is it something I can do in my garage at home or does it require speacial equipment?
Thank you in advance,
Kurt
NCRS #26406

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Patrick and Alan (and others):

What kind of set-up do you have, i.e. are you using a kit and materials like Caswell? Any tricks that you have found that work better? There is a lot about this in the archives, but everyone seems to do something a little different.

Paul

I've used black phos kits from a couple of different sources. Calvan is one. Do a Google on "parkerizing" and you'll find more than you want to know. I have used 1 and 2 quart pans on the stove, and I have used crock pots, and I have used a "special" homemade tank that a friend of mine made. Think of it as making a hard boiled egg, just taking a bit more time.

See here:

http://www.webshooters.org/diy_home_parkerizing.htm

for a nice description including pictures.

See here for the kits:

http://www.calvan.com/

Patrick

[Jack H.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Try searching the archives as there have been a number of prior threads on the subject of setting up a home plating system. You can get into the 'business' on the cheap using a tank, chemicals and simple DC lantern battery. But, if you do any appreciable volume, you'll want to 'deep six' the battery and purchase a variable-voltage/variable-current regulated power supply.

These can be bought new for $100-400 depending on source and overall power profile. OR, you can shop eBay for used laboratory power supplies and get a VERY decent unit for $40-80.

After that, it's simply a matter of acquiring the chemistry you need for this/that form of plating (zinc, cad, Etc.) and then going down the learning curve to get the 'touch/feel' for the process. The key secrets are getting parts cleaned properly before you plate them AND controling plating time + plating rate (current used for that specific size anode/cathode combination).

Bottom line, visit a plating shop and look at the people you see working there. This is NOT rocket science!

[Tory S.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Stephen and John: Thanks for the plating sources. I'll use them for my cad work and, like the rest, I'll try my own zinc phosphate at home.

Patrick: your parkerizing method seems more involved than the Eastwood kit - simple two dunk process at room temp. I'm sure parkerizing is the better process over Eastwood kit, but can you tell me the real difference in the outcome - the look and how long it will keep out rust?

Thanks to all,
Tory
'75 Conv
Original owner

[Patrick H.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Stephen and John: Thanks for the plating sources. I'll use them for my cad work and, like the rest, I'll try my own zinc phosphate at home.

Patrick: your parkerizing method seems more involved than the Eastwood kit - simple two dunk process at room temp. I'm sure parkerizing is the better process over Eastwood kit, but can you tell me the real difference in the outcome - the look and how long it will keep out rust?

Thanks to all,
Tory
'75 Conv
Original owner

Since even Eastwood will tell you that their process will have bolts rusting in a short period of time, what do you think is better? And yes, the people at Eastwood told me this directly.

Patrick

PS Plenty of WW II rifles with parkerizing still look good 60 years later.

[Tory S.]

Re: Bolt replating source

Patrick,
Thanks for your help. Parkerizing it is. I want to do it once and right.
Tory