I'm trying to nickel plate a set of aluminum headlight buckets from an old BMW. After cleaning, I set them in the zincate solution. They fizzed (tiny bubbles) and came out grey with dark areas and some streaks. I believe the manual says this is ok. Anyway, I set up the flash copper tank and proceeded to plate 1 piece at a time. After 30 minutes (150 amps, 6 volt), I pull the part and its all dark (blackish) with a few tiny areas of copper. I hit the degreaser for a few seconds and then inspect. Seems like no plating was done. I can even rub off the blackish almost soot-like material from most of the part.
I'm at a loss. Again, my goal is nickel plating the headlight buckets. The aluminum is circa 1976. What are my options here?
Thanks,
Ron
I'm at a loss. Again, my goal is nickel plating the headlight buckets. The aluminum is circa 1976. What are my options here?
Thanks,
Ron

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