ZINC PLATING

When I move on with the restoration I will be looking at getting some parts zinc plated as there is nothing worse than getting everything repainted, rechromed and/or replaced and then a few tatty components which stick out like a sore thumb. I was thinking of items that appear to be no-longer available (wheel spindles etc) or that are otherwise in excellent condition but could just do with a new rust restant coating being applied and don't lend themselves to being chrome plated. I have already bought practically every fastening necessary to rebuild my bike but it occures to me that I could probably have saved some money by just replating any that are still ok but just a bit dull (any with chewed up heads or damaged threads are already in the bin).
In the past I have used a commercial place and been very happy but I am only looking at doing small quantities of even smaller components so that isn't really an option any more (minimum charge, travelling costs, VAT etc).

If I get a kit and am happy with the results would anybody want to make use of it by sending me items so I could get them coated?
I would only be looking at covering the cost of materials and I don't think they are significant.

Count me in Litch, I was going to send a box of stuff away to be plated, but if your having a go ill send it to you. Let me know how you get on, apparently its a bit hit & miss with the home plating kits, so im led to belive ?

I have done quite a few bits on my AX-1 and the ST. Very pleased with the results, the yellow passivate is close to the original finish. Phil, you can come and have a look if you want, I am about 15 min away. VMax

Cool where are you ?

nr Knutsford, Cheshire-just over the viaduct. VMax

Sound interesting, what kit are you plannning on getting?

I was looking at one of the kits from Gateros Plating.
This is one of those items that I could live wthout but when I have it I will probably find all sorts of stuff to do and if I can help anyone else in the same position then so be it. I am not going to order it until I have determined exactly how much stuff needs doing but I think it is likely to happen.

Just to be clear I am not talking about a DIY chrome plating kit (any parts that require re-chroming are already in a pile ready to be sent off) but zinc plating (silver & gold finish).
Items that I have recently bought brand-new include the rear brake rod, rear hub stay, various nuts & bolts, handlebar knob retaining bolt, chain adjusters, seat catch etc but in hindsite I could have treated and re-used my existing parts. Items that I want to treat that are no-longer available include the wheel spindles.

That is the kit I used. Good service, and advice if you need it from Gateros. Note- when you do the wheel spindle either mask off the middle or just plate the ends. Otherwise it won't go through the bearings
You can polish for a chrome finish or passivate for various colours. The main thing is to get a clean surface before plating. Also useful to build up an item that is worn, but it is too soft as a bearing type surface. VMax

Hi VM. Yes I am aware of the need for a completely clean surface prior to painting, I was going to use the wire-wheel on my grinder but I see they do a cleaning kit which will do the trick with a bit of polishing just at the end to ensure a nice finish. As with everything the better the preparation the better the final result. As you say they appear to be very free with their advice which was why I was encouraged to buy from them, a personal recomendation is also a good thing so thanks very much for that.
Last time I had chrome plating done I used a local place (just south of Bedford) and the finish was not as nice as I was expecting, if I hadn't been in such a desperate need for the parts I would have told them to put them through again but I had to have them that day. This time I am looking at using Classics & Chrome Ltd (Hinckley), anyone have any expereience of them?