general newbie advice

[smokeyone]

Hello

I am in the UK but I can order from Caswell UK with no problem. A general enquiry - which is the best kit to go for if I wanted to electroplate chassis parts. Nickel plating or galvanised etc. I am thinking about the effects of road salt and the weather so I would be more keen to know what is likely to last longer and resist the dreaded rust.
Also do I need to consider the effects of electroplating with regard to the strength of the steel - is it weakened at all.

Thanks very much

[bhhodges]

if you choose to go with nickel you will also have to use flash copper on the steel first, then way not just chrome plate as well.

Bill

[smokeyone]

The suspension would certainly get noticed !

[ashcroft01]

What kind of vehicle are you planning of applying this on?

I think that a Nickel, Triple Chrome or Copy Chrome plate would look fantastic on some finished suspension components, but the plating would need to be fairly thick to provide maximum corrosion resistance.

A Copper plate first would provide better protection under the Nickel for sure, but the Nickel would eventually dull out and tarnish under the extremes of the weather without the third step of Chrome.

Copy Chrome would eliminate the Nickel and Chrome steps in the Triple Plate System and look just as good, but it too would have to be applied fairly thick over the Copper Plate (plating times of at least 1 hour).

Have you looked into the possibilities of Powder Coating? This is a durable coating that will withstand some pretty extreme conditions. It is also available in an almost infinite selection of colors and textures.

Also, Powder Coating is not near as time consuming as Electro-Plating.

Just a thought…

Best of luck and keep us informed.