Cadmium vs. Zinc Plating

[jeff68]

I have been looking into having some parts for my restoration plated.  For example, the alternator fan & pulley. 
From what I can find, it seems that the finish should be silver cadmium or silver zinc.  The problem is that these 2 finished look very different.  I have had assorted small parts silver cad plated, and the finish is dull looking compared to zinc plating.  Therefore, I would think that these 2 finishes are not interchangeable from a "correctness" standpoint. 

So, what is the correct silver colored plating to use on parts like the alt. fan & pulley, coil bracket, etc.?

[tmodel66]

Check out this link. I had mine done and they look great. I used this Zinc finish for coil, alt. pulley and fan. I also had my jack shaft done.

http://brakeboosters.com/cz.htm

[jeff68]

If I go with zinc, I was planning on sending my parts to Steve.

I'm still wondering what the factory correct finish is - cad or zinc.  I may just end up going with zinc, because Steve can also provide all the other finishes I need.

[JohnZ]

If I go with zinc, I was planning on sending my parts to Steve.

I'm still wondering what the factory correct finish is - cad or zinc.  I may just end up going with zinc, because Steve can also provide all the other finishes I need.

Almost all 60's plated parts showed the option of either zinc or cad on the drawings; cad was much more expensive than zinc, and it's doubtful that any supplier chose the cost of cad plating when they had to match prices with other suppliers that used zinc. Cadmium became recognized as a skin-contact carcinogen and heavy-metal disposal problem in the 70's, was eliminated from virtually all automotive applications, and about the only applications today where it's still used are on aircraft.

[jeff68]

^^Thanks John.  Makes sense.  I'll go with the zinc plating. 
Like I said, I have had other misc. parts cad plated, but the quality has been hit-or-miss and it is expensive.

[sebastien]

Hi Jeff did you go with zinc? how did it turn out? are you happy with the color or the coating?
thanks
sebastien

[RS_COPO_Canuck]

From what I have seen - Original plating was clear zinc.  Sometimes called silver zinc.

[68camaroz28]

Hi Jeff did you go with zinc? how did it turn out? are you happy with the color or the coating?
thanks
sebastien

Sebastien, this was a 4 plus year old thread and have not seen Jeff68 on lately but here goes. Clear Zinc is the way to go but be warned clear zinc can be everything from very dull to very shiny depending on the platter and what you show them you want or their experience concerning restoring our type of car parts. Plus, like an paint job, the end product is only as good as the prep prior to plating. If a part is pitted or rough prior to plating its going to look awful after plating as well. I'd suggest showing the platter what you want unless you went with the experience of Brakeboosters.com, or similar. Some parts like the coil bracket and body plugs seemed to be hot galvanized so not everything utilized clear zinc.

[janobyte]

He has my dust shields and brake soft line clips. Always like Christmas when the parts come back

[janobyte]

he being Steve ,brakeboosters.

[jeff68]

Sebastien, this was a 4 plus year old thread and have not seen Jeff68 on lately...

My apologies to the CRG community for taking a little hiatus.  My father, who bought my Camaro new, recently passed away at age 86.  Luckily, he got to see the restoration completed, but I just needed to take a break from Camaro stuff for a while.

I think I'm ready to come back...  

My Dad in the driver's seat, 45 years after buying the car:
(I'll be putting the correct P01 wheel covers on this spring)


  

[69Z28-RS]

We are all very sorry for your loss, Jeff!

On the positive side, he lived a good long life.. even enjoyed ownership of a Camaro convertible when it was new, and for you to have that car now... provides you some fantastic memories.. and on top of that?  TO have that photograph with him in it after restoration!~   Many of us would give much to have similar... 

[jeff68]

^^  Thank you.
Yes, he led a long life, and enjoyed 27 years of retirement!!  I consider myself very lucky.

[68camaroz28]

^^  Thank you.
Yes, he led a long life, and enjoyed 27 years of retirement!!  I consider myself very lucky.

Glad to see you back Jeff and I can only wish to have 27 years of retirement. Your Father was blessed and as Gary commented to have that picture, well that is just memorable!
Welcome back!

[1968RSZ28]

Welcome back Jeff!  Beautiful restoration! 

Paul