Amazon: Amazon Estate Rolling Project

[Burdekin]

I didn't get to do the plating last night. I found out I didn't have enough Nickel anodes for the surface area of the light holders, it was also suggested the solution is agitated and the light holders need to be pickled in a hydrochloric solution before plating. So I've ordered more nickel, fish tank agitator and some pickling powder. Will do the plating next week when I get the remaining stuff for the job.

[swedishandgerman]

Do you realise that at this rate everyone's going to be posting you their knackered rear light reflectors to do?!!!

[Burdekin]

As long as I get paid by the hour ;-)

[alastair]

I've asked Santa for a plating kit for Christmas. Just look at all the bits and pieces in the engine bay that could be made shiney!

[Burdekin]

Finally got all the stuff I need to make a start on the nickel plating tonight. First attempt was on a bit of galvanised steel and pic below shows it after about 18min. I've got one rear light holder in the tub at the moment bubbling away, it is maybe a little on the large side but just fits in without touching the anodes. Going to leave it in for another 30min as I think my 2amp charger hasn't got that much power for the size of the holder.

[Burdekin]

Looks like the current was too high after all, hope I haven't ruined the electrolyte. Reduced the current and giving the other light holder a go for 20 min. Will give the original holder another go tomorrow night if the electrolyte is still okay.

[Burdekin]

Looks like the problem could be that I'm trying to nickel plate zinc or zinc alloy such as MAZAK. I'll need to neutral nickel strike the light holders first so they can then be nickel plated.

I'll need to check the electrolyte because when you plate onto zinc or zinc alloys with a normal nickel plating solution the acid attacks the zinc and dissolves some of it into the electrolyte.

You can get away with a low level but if you get too much it will make the plating dull grey.

The only way then to remove it is to keep doing plate outs until it is removed!

I'll do this by plating a couple of copper (brass hopefully is okay as well) fittings until they are nice and shiny.

Fingers crossed all goes to plan this time...

[Burdekin]

Much better result tonight. I gave it a neutral strike and it is plating much better. I think it would work better if I had more anodes but it does looks better than in the photo. Will give it a light rub down tomorrow, pickle and then a second plating and hopefully will get full coverage and a nice shiny holder.

[biggles24]

Hello Mitch,
I never cease to be amazed at your achievements and your refusal to accept anything less than a first class result in your work.Very humbling to a chap like me with my "sticky back plastic",which Itried this morning and failed.It has always stuck on other bits but not those rear light fittings.Serves me right for being a bodger or botcher.
Like many more I get great pleasure from your posts.
Regards,
John

[Burdekin]

Thanks John. If you want your rear lights plated send them
up. I certainly owe you a favour or two and it won't be much effort now I've pretty much worked out what is required to plate them.

Cheers,

Mitch