First go at cold bluing hardware

[JOEPRO]

I wanted to protect the parking brake mech hardware on my 1989 merc cossie. I did consider zinc plating but its really too small a batch to bring to the local company and the small parts could get lost.

I blasted them and ultrasonic cleaned them in citric acid + dish soap. Then dunked them in the cold blue solution for 10 mins or so then into the dewatering oil for +5 mins. They turned out good, I did a couple of exhaust mount nuts too so ill be able to see how it holds up or rather, prevents rusting.

 

[arther dailey]

I wanted to protect the parking brake mech hardware on my 1989 merc cossie. I did consider zinc plating but its really too small a batch to bring to the local company and the small parts could get lost.

I blasted them and ultrasonic cleaned them in citric acid + dish soap. Then dunked them in the cold blue solution for 10 mins or so then into the dewatering oil for +5 mins. They turned out good, I did a couple of exhaust mount nuts too so ill be able to see how it holds up or rather, prevents rusting.

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interesting , a link to kit please , ight do a couple bits on y clay buster.thanks

 

[JOEPRO]

interesting , a link to kit please , ight do a couple bits on y clay buster.thanks

This is the kit I have, purchased in 2023 and not used until now

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166259744107

 

[Misterg]

I wanted to protect the parking brake mech hardware on my 1989 merc cossie. I did consider zinc plating but its really too small a batch to bring to the local company and the small parts could get lost.

I've had (I think) good results with alkaline zinc plating at home for this sort of thing.

Will post up some details in a separate thread if of interest.

 

[Porkypine]

I've had (I think) good results with alkaline zinc plating at home for this sort of thing.

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Will post up some details in a separate thread if of interest.

That would be interesting to have a look at

 

[rtcosic]

I've had (I think) good results with alkaline zinc plating at home for this sort of thing.

View attachment 522067

Will post up some details in a separate thread if of interest.

Yes please.

I spent yesterday disintering my electroplating and small electrolytic derusting equipment from the loft and setting it up.

I've got zinc plates and zinc chloride solution, but no brighteners or anoziding solutions. I have safely stored Electroplating by Poyner, but haven't discovered it yet.

 

[arther dailey]

I've had (I think) good results with alkaline zinc plating at home for this sort of thing.

View attachment 522067

Will post up some details in a separate thread if of interest.

yes please

 

[qwakers]

as have i

 

[dieselsamurai]

dont want to be negative but pretty sure cold bluing is ok for stuff in a workshop to prevent rusting but under a car I dont think it will last too long but an interesting experiment

going to get that kit though as it good value for some other stuff im doing

 

[Greeves246]

I used Gateros for supplies, really good results when I restored a CT 90.

Gateros Plating Ltd | Electroplating

Gateros Plating Ltd | Specialists in home electroplating, electroforming, and metal treatment kits.

www.gaterosplating.co.uk

 

[500e]

Are you going to clean and lightly oil the bits every use @JOEPRO

 

[JOEPRO]

Are you going to clean and lightly oil the bits every use @JOEPRO

Not sure what you mean? Those are car parts which will be re-installed. The kit itself is just fluids.

 

[500e]

Never found blue especially cold stops rust unles cleaned and light oil every time used

 

[MetalMonkey]

Got to agree with the posts above, I don't think blue will do anything much for it in terms of corrosion prevention.
Cold blue especially, rust blue is supposed to be a little more resilient but for that application I would have though plating or painting.

 

[JOEPRO]

Fair enough if the blacking was not ideal. Ill install anyway and see how it holds up.

I will also be getting a large zinc plating kit of my own for future as my local place can lose small parts and the quality lately has not been great either.

Most places for plating kits don't post to Norn Ireland

 

[indykid]

Cold blueing is less rust resistant than commercial black phosphate and oil (black cap screws) which is pretty poor in itself. For those handbrake parts, you'd be better painting them than relying on the cold blue.

Home plating is a labour of love and incredibly frustrating when it starts showing up your prep. Caveat emptor!

Get a decent bench (variable) power supply, a decent method of agitation (I use air but the bubbles are challenging. A stirrer or submersible pump might be a better bet) and some odd bench jobs to keep you occupied while it's plating.

I bought a Gateros zinc nickel plating kit to replate the MX5 hardware and if it wasn't for the world slowing down for covid, I'm not sure I would have ever had the time.

ETA - it's hard to appreciate how many bolts, nuts and small brackets there are under a car until you realise it will take you half an hour per piece (or set of 4 if you're lucky) to plate