S1 2+2: Front Suspension Plating

[wfpridgeon1]

Good afternoon,

Having owned my S1 2+2 for nearly 10 years, full strip down & re-paint, full engine, gearbox and IRS refurb i thought it best be time to try and put it back together.

I understand the original front suspension wishbones etc. (see photo). were cadmium plated which is now a thing of the past. What should I typically re-plate these with and does anyone have any recommendation in the UK to do so?

Thanks

Will

[Gfhug]

Will, welcome to the forum. If you use the search function for “plating” you’ll find lots of suggestions of the most appropriate to have, e.g. zinc or zinc-nickel. Even look up those words and you’ll find lots of useful information. Without knowing what part of the world you live, except Britain, it’s difficult to recommend a local plater. However here is a company you could talk to:
https://www.ecwilliams.co.uk/

No affiliation or experience of using them, but it’s a starter for you.

Geoff

[mgcjag]

Hi Geoff...poster has been a member for over 5 years...Steve

[wfpridgeon1]

Hi Steve,

I must hang my head in shame, a member for 5 years, but with minimal progress on the car :(

We will get there though

Cheers

Will

[mgcjag]

See similar topics below....Steve

[mtnjag]

I plated with Cadmium around 1990 but as you indicate not available now. And most platings on cars that are driven will succum to oxidation and corrosion.
There is one method I have seen and it looks quite good but is not traditional.
That is to strip the old plating, thoroughly clean to bare metal, and shoot with a clear clear coat. Single stage urethane with hardener would be best I imagine.
I don't know if a clear powder coat would hold up but may also be an option.
As with plating certain areas must be masked off.

[abowie]

We use bright zinc. It's not as good as Cd but it's the best substitute.

You can spray it over with clearcoat afterwards, but we have never bothered.

One of the other restorers in town powder coats some of the suspension components but I have never tried this.

[Series1 Stu]

Andrew is absolutely right. Zinc is the best alternative and if you go for clear passivation after plating then that will extend the life of the coating many fold.

Whatever you do, to ensure the parts retain their mechanical properties, please ensure that the plating company puts them through a de-embrittlement process within 3 hours of plating. This is especially important for highly stressed components and high strength fasteners.

Regards

[wfpridgeon1]

Thanks all, your help is much appreciated

Cheers

Will