Tumbler and Cad plating bolts

[Project60]

I'm thinking ahead about what to do with the bolts for my rebuild. I presume it is a whole lot cheaper to replate/recoat the existing bolts than it is to buy all new from SOR or Toyota.


Most of the bolts are plated or black. I presume the yellow is zinc plated? and the black ones are black oxide?

If I take a bucket of bolts to a plater, what specifically should I ask for... i.e. Zinc Plating or Cad Plating - Any specifics?

Do I need to clean the old plating off first? Do I need to remove rust, or is this part of their process?


If I have to clean the bolts, I don't think I want to sandblast them as it might harm the threads. Does a tumbler work best for this?
I see HF has a 5lb tumbler for sale right now ($39):
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Thanks All!

 

[5280Hawk]

That tumbler is nice!

I was just thinking about how I was going to clean up all my little parts. I have a parts washer but no way am i doing all the nuts and bolts in there individually!

There's a thread on here with a Plating kit a guy just bought, or is thinking of buying. Might be interesting.

I don't think I'll be plating all that stuff though, just cleaning it.

 

[Project60]

I don't think I will do the plating myself. I've read it's only like 100-150$ to do a bucket of parts.

 

[foxfab]

Check out the 45 section on info. Its cheaper to send it out.

 

[Junk]

I just picked up a tumbler and now wonder how I ever got along without one.

 

[5280Hawk]

I just picked up a tumbler and now wonder how I ever got along without one.

What media do you use in there?

 

[Project60]

What media do you use in there?

x 2

 

[Cruiser804]

HF also sells the media. Its some kid of composite.


I also have the Caswell copy cad plating kit. I haven't set it up yet but I have seen the results of others who have and they look pretty good. For me the problem it that no one around here does cad plating anymore.

There is a good thread in the 40 section.

 

[79fj40moneypit]

Old cement mixer crushed marble and sand throw your bolts in and let them go.