Restoring electrical parts

[jclavin]

I have some antique electrical components that I would like to restore to working condition. The attached photo shows the disassembled parts with the corroded metal pieces indicated by arrows. I need to clean and replate these two pieces (the circular electrical base plate and the wiper that rides on it).

What approach should I use? I am inclined to chose the gold plate kit as it might be more resistant to future corrosion. Or would nickel be a better choice for this application? Any suggestions?

John

[CarWiz]

Is the wiper steel? I think I'd go with nickel. Even though the nickel will have a higher resistance, gold or copper plating would wear too quickly. These are normally a high tensile bronze to give it spring. You might just try cleaning it.

Is the washer replaceable? Are the contact rivets/posts removable?

[jclavin]

The posts are rivets which would need to be drilled out. However they are in good condition.

The wiper and disk are nonmagnetic. Its difficult to tell with the discoloration whether or not they were plated.