70 Rear bumper brackets and hardware finish

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 70 Rear bumper brackets and hardware finish

Alan,
I think you will find the Caswell Copy-Cad system far superior to the tin/zinc system. There will be a period of learning but it is simple and results are really good. I have been using this for years and have posted here many times on results. In the past, if I had to purchase a reproduction bolt, the first thing I did was to put the new bolt in 3:1 muriatic acid to strip off the hardware store appearing zinc and re-plate. This also is zinc based but results appear far more like original than the super shiny repro finish. BTW- the black on the oxide finish far more black and shinier than the phosphate finish which is grayer and coarser. Try Shooter's Solution for supplied for this. works great on hood latches!
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 Rear bumper brackets and hardware finish

Hi Jeff,
I'm just getting my zinc system set up, and so I'm still looking for information; thanks very much for yours! I've read a lot about various people's experiences here, but still don't know very much.
The only bare copper wire I have found is from a length of romex I bought. The ground wire is unclad so I'm planning to use it first, and then strip the other 2 wires as I need more wire. Will that wire work?
Also, will the muriatic acid bath remove all finishes? How long do you immerse the part?
Again, thanks for your help!
Regards,
Alan

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 70 Rear bumper brackets and hardware finish

Alan,
Go to Home Depot/Lowes and buy a roll of bare copper wire. It comes on a spindle and has solid copper wound about 5 wires thick. This will give you enough wire to replate the George Washington Bridge! As far as the muriatic acid goes, just put the part in and when the fizzing stops the part is done. The acid will only attack the zinc/cadmium and will not affect the steel underneath- I guess if you leave it in for a very long time (weeks) it will eventually. I don't ever put springs or spring metal in this bath. You can call me anytime at 248-645-5953 for help.
Jeff

[Bill C.]

Re: 70 Rear bumper brackets and hardware finish

PM Grant Wong - NCRS member.

He has a great plating system. He sells parkerizing and phoshate solutions.
I used them on my 72 and it worked GREAT.

He may also provide a service to do your bolts for you - but not sure.
He is located in Canada.

Great guy and his pricing was very fair.

Bill