Ruger backstrap/trigger guard/ejector tube?

[Coltsaa]

Anyone have any idea what kind of metal in these parts? I want to plate with nickel. These parts are some type of alloy or pot metal? Anyone ever do any nickel electroplate on these? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[warchild]

I did a gun once and did'nt know what the metal was made of and no one on here could help me so i just plated with the flash copper first. just took me a few hrs longer to do it.

[Coltsaa]

Finally found out after bead blasting that the backstrap/trigger guard is "Alcoa" aluminum. Has their logo embossed. Any suggestions? Sure hate to ruin my nickel tank as it has worked excellent so far. Thanks in advance!

[dadkar2]

It is possible to nickel plate aluminum but additional process steps are needed. Because aluminum forms an oxide almost instantaneously in contact with air (which is very difficult to plate), it is necessary to "zincate" the surface first. Caswell has all the materials to do this.

Ken

[Coltsaa]

Thanks to all that responded! I have the zinc and am going to give it a try!