Re: Zinc Plating an old auto radio case
Hydrochloric acid will remove the zinc rapidly as you probably already know. It will also remove the rust pretty quickly, maybe 5-10 minutes for a 1/3 solution (1/3 concentrated acid). You want to make sure the surfaces are clean/degreased before dipping in the acid to make sure it acts uniformly. Exposed iron will slowly dissolve in the acid so you don't want to leave it in too much longer than necessary. The de-rusted bits won't look shiny, they will be a matte gray but are clean of rust and will take plating fine.
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