how do I plate 1/64 scale diecast cars?

[davidm94585]

I am a new member, since today. I am interested in plating 1/64 scale diecast cars. To get a gold finish, I will have to start with a copper plate, then a nickle plate, then the Gold.
1.) should I go with a nickel/copper plating kit(PNPNC 3 or the individual kits?
2.) should I use the Plug N' Plate kits, or Fast Plate, or ?
3.) will I get a really great shine with the gold or do I need to clearcoat after plating, and polishing?
4.) with a kit like PNPNC can I use smaller containers to fit the size of the item better than a 1 1/2 gal bucket?

I'm a engineer with alot of questions,, is there someone near by me who I could get together with to mentor me? I live in northern calif. in Solano county.

[CarWiz]

An engineer without a problem is usually unemployed. You must be very busy.

1.) should I go with a nickel/copper plating kit(PNPNC 3 or the individual kits?
I believe you can save a few bucks with the combo kits. You can use one power supply for both so it only comes with one PS.

2.) should I use the Plug N' Plate kits, or Fast Plate, or ?
Either type should work. Both are PnP but the Fast Plate does just that and has a longer shelf life. If you're doing all the plating within a short period, the regular gold is a money saver.

3.) will I get a really great shine with the gold or do I need to clearcoat after plating, and polishing?
Gold is gold. If it tarnishes, it's not gold. An over-coat is simply to protect from wear.

4.) with a kit like PNPNC can I use smaller containers to fit the size of the item better than a 1 1/2 gal bucket?
The PnP kits don't come with a plating container other than the solution bottle. The kits include a wand for plating. If you use the dip plating method, you can pour some of the solution into a small glass or plastic cup. Do NOT use a waxed paper cup. Keep in mind that the dip method may require more amperage than the included power supply provides. This depends on the size of the item being plated. For items larger than a half-dollar, the brush method works better.