Anybody do zinc plating here? Options

[JimmyG]

Working on getting my engine parts together for the rebuild and need a half dozen or so parts done and all the stuff I see locally is large or massive part number platers.I just need a little done and looked in the vendor spot with no success. Is there somebody trustworthy that does this for our 914 restos?

[raynekat]

Correct me if I'm wrong Shaun....but don't you individually wire each and every part? You don't tumble plate I'm pretty sure.

I remember getting back a load of plated parts for a Vespa restoration years ago from the local plater. He had wrecked the parts....I just threw them all away.....they were that bad.
[Wished I'd know you could have restored/repaired them at that time...]

There definitely is a dollar value added for someone that does the prep work and individual wiring of the parts.

It tells in your finished product.

In addition, I know you've spent a lot of time with your plater in getting just the right color, luster, etc.
You won't get that by just showing up at your local plater with a box load of dirty parts.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

You are correct, every single piece gets wired by hand, it's a ton of work. I have never tumble plated anything and don't expect that to change. It's an inferior process.

And yes, I have done a lot of testing and research to get just the right color though I'm still chasing the perfect MFI lines. Mine are too bright, too much like jewelry. Have a plan for that though.

When you consider how much prep time goes into the parts, I'm downright cheap. Now bright dip+anodizing window frames, that's where I'm working for pennies. Someday I'll raise my prices, maybe in a year or two. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Correct me if I'm wrong Shaun....but don't you individually wire each and every part? You don't tumble plate I'm pretty sure.

I remember getting back a load of plated parts for a Vespa restoration years ago from the local plater. He had wrecked the parts....I just threw them all away.....they were that bad.
[Wished I'd know you could have restored/repaired them at that time...]

There definitely is a dollar value added for someone that does the prep work and individual wiring of the parts.

It tells in your finished product.

In addition, I know you've spent a lot of time with your plater in getting just the right color, luster, etc.
You won't get that by just showing up at your local plater with a box load of dirty parts.