Since I am restoring an original 1963 (#2574) power brake booster I was looking to have it correctly "silver cadmium" or "dichromate cadmium" plated. I live in The Netherlands and cadmium is banned everywhere in Europe. I've been told only NASA is still (legally) using it on the spaceshuttle. So my questions are: - is there still somebody out there who can plate silver cadmium? - is there an acceptable (for judging I mean) alternative plating method (e.g. chrome, nickel, zinc). Any help or suggestion is appreciated. Ruud
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Ruud, In PA there are few platers that will still do cadmium plating. It seems Ohio is loaded with cad platers.
Typically a '63 power brake booster is cadmium plated. One of the terms used is clear cadmium plated.
An alternative for you in the Netherlands is to have the part zinc plated. Tell the plater to omit the last step that gives it a blue look. It should look decent.
Whatever you do don't paint it. John -
Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
John thank you. I hoped you would have given the "no-paint" advise to the previous owner of this booster. Guess what I've been doing for the past days. Can you give me a recommendation for a (cadmium) plater in the US (someone who is familiar with these parts). Thanks RuudComment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Ruud,
tell the platter it is an airplane part, then they are still allowed to use cadmium.
regards,
rob.Rob.
NCRS Dutch Chapter Founder & Board Member
NCRS Software Developer
C1, C2 and C3 Registry DeveloperComment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Rob, "Houston , we have a problem" might help. RuudComment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Zinc plating without chromate should be fine. Without chromate, the colors of zinc and cadmium are very difficult to discern from one another. You won't have the same corrosion protection, but its not going to matter unless you drive a lot in the rain or live on the ocean.
By the way, there is a metallic silver spray paint supplied by Valspar that is a very close match to cadmium. If properly applied, it is almost impossible to identify it as paint. I've used it on several cad parts, including the thumb-screw that holds down my cadmium plated 63 brake reservoir cap. The painted thumb screw assembly sits right on top of the cad plated cap, yet in a well-lighted area, and you can't tell the difference. (don't tell anybody, but it's not gotten a deduct through several judgings....
) You could use it on the cap itself, I'm sure, but the printing on the cap would get filled with paint, so, no good.
Mike
1965 Black Ext / Silver Int. Coupe, L84 Duntov, French Lick, 2023 - Triple Diamond
1965 Red Ext / White & Red Int. Conv. - 327/250 AC Regional Top Flight.Comment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Michael, Metallic silver paint substitute for cad plating!!!
Personally I would rather use Zinc if cad weren't available. I don't think a lot of us are not convinced the brake booster was cadmium to start with.
I believe it had the same finish as the Delco Remy vacuum advances but I have no proof. Just observation and yes I can tell the difference between cad and zinc more than most people as I have been involved with plating for an eon.
If I were Ruud I would just have the part zinc plated and tell the plater to make sure it doesn't come out with a blue tint. JohnComment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Ruud
look for an email re. cad plating. I have a shop I use.
Don HComment
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Re: Correct plating for original 1963 power brake booster or an acceptable alternativ
Best to tell the plater not to remove the numbers from the backside of the tabs.Comment
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