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SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 7:30 am
by Collector Inspector
Hi all
My Old Man 1943 SD has the plated barrel and what is left of the plating on the drive tube. The plating has done an extraordinary job.
What please, were they plated with and is there a "Process Number Technique" ?
Hot dip would look like crap. I have a feeling that that was not done.
Were they Tin plate dipped? That would look really the part if not polished........................
Charlesez?
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Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 8:08 am
by Stelios_Rjk
Hi Bruce,
I believe it was zinc plated so I asked to have them zinc plated also. But the material (zinc) that is applied is thin and you will be able to see the imperfection underneath.
Maybe preparing the surface is the answer.
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 8:35 am
by Collector Inspector
Gday S
Zinc plating down here is hot dip..........................it goes on REALLY thick. It has an uneven looking finish with very dull and very bright "Patches". The patches look like leaves on the ground..........brightest ones on top?
Mottled! thats the look! 
Are you thinking Cadmium?
Cadmium can be either silver or gold and thin, usually used for fasteners and brackets etc. Cadmium stays "Bright" until all gone.
I can just spray with a can of zinc rich paint.............looks a uniform grey from get go. I do not think that a spray can of that was available back then aye.
B
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:05 am
by Keith.P
I didn't want my one to be a bright chrome, so I got it zinc plated.
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 10:41 am
by Collector Inspector
AHHHHH What was the process for the plating?
Now we are getting down to it aye!
Down here Zinc plating is open to interpretation................That is what I am asking.
B
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 2:04 pm
by Keith.P
I think it was just electroplated.
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 4:39 pm
by Oyster 49
I believe the SDs were a zinc dip finish, not unlike the dull finish on old galvanised roof sheets. Quite a rough finish I suspect. Galvanised steel electrical conduit would also be a a similar comparison. I've only seen one where the finish had partially survived, quite similar to CI's picture.
I think Keith's looks pretty good, my SD has a chrome leg!
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2014 5:48 pm
by Stelios_Rjk
In my occasion I also believe that it is done with the method of electroplating. I know the hot dip method and that it creates flakes. Mine doesn't appear flakes, it's like the galvanized wrenches.
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 10:23 pm
by Charles uk
I have an unused one I won't describe is as new as it was made during the war.
Zinc plating requires electricty & comes in a couple of finishes both bright.
My unused one has a much better finish than a galvanized (hot dip) one.
Re: SD Plating
Posted: Fri May 02, 2014 10:34 pm
by Horsley-Anarak
Oyster 49 wrote:I believe the SDs were a zinc dip finish, not unlike the dull finish on old galvanised roof sheets.
I would think that is correct.
H-A