I was following a thread in regards to zinc plated backing plates when I realized that I told my plater to cad plate mine! For some reason I was under the impression that they were cad. Is un-polished zinc and cad the same appearance wise or will the judges pick it out? I was also under the impression that they should be a dull color and not bright like the underhood items...maybe this is why I thought they were cad... I guess what I am asking is, what do I tell the plater to do in regards to plating my backing plates on my 69? Thanks
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Zinc Chromate
Greg,
The Chassis Resto book says the were Zinc Chromate plated from the factory. I took a box of parts to plater and asked for silver cad. I'm not sure which plating she applied, but they look great! I used Van Nuys Plating, on Bessemer St. in Van Nuys, CA. It's near L.A. in the valley area if you are in Cali.
Justin #41362
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Re: Zinc Chromate
If they are silver, they are probably zinc...especially in California. The two finishes were used interchangeablely, and some knowledgeable restorers have sworn that zinc and cadmium are indistinguishable. Much more difference is made by the surface prep before plating, i.e. beadblasting vs. acid stripping, than by the plating process.
Without being told the topic of conversation is plating, zinc chromate is typically understood to be that green zinc primer used on Corvette bird cage, aluminum parts, and aircraft. A plater might use the term "zinc chromate" as one ultra-familiar with the process, but he actually means zinc dichromate...a clear zinc plated part given a dichromate "wash" or dip that gives it the gold color with rainbow hues.Comment
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