http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348350&d=1188353919 Anyone KNOW what the "plating" is on the stacks?? It definitely ain't chrome (not on this set) and almost looks like they're ALUMINUM. Does anyone know what Hilborn plated these with ?? (They are definitely STEEL stacks) The appearance has grown on me - so I'd like to have them redone, but I don't know what to ask for. TIA
I recently had some parts clear zinc plated. Turns out a kinda shiny silver, like a hardware store bolt, or kinda like aluminum colored ceramacote. Similar to what you have there on the duller ones. If you have that done, give them a blasting first to even out the texture.
Good question. I have the same ones. With some work they polish up to look almost like chrome, but just wiping them with chrome cleaner won't maintain the finish. They are much brighter than the ones Hilborn supplies now (cadmium?).
Here is a cheap option that I like. It's Eastwood's almost chrome powder coating. It's a piss poor picture but it has a nice polished aluminum look very similar to the ceramic silver header coatings without the price. An old intake with the same stuff. My picture taking skill are very lacking but it has a softer luster that I find appealing.
It's most likely cadmium plating-a satiny silver coating that can be rubbed on to brighten. It was very popular years ago-now it's essentially an environmental NO-NO. quote=HemiRambler;2493974]http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=348350&d=1188353919 Anyone KNOW what the "plating" is on the stacks?? It definitely ain't chrome (not on this set) and almost looks like they're ALUMINUM. Does anyone know what Hilborn plated these with ?? (They are definitely STEEL stacks) The appearance has grown on me - so I'd like to have them redone, but I don't know what to ask for. TIA[/quote]
Here's a shot of the old finish (top) vs. the new stacks (bottom section). The lower part won't polish up like the tops.
The original stacks came from Hilborn in a zinc or cad coating. Most guys instantly had them chrome plated.
My (new) ones are nickel plated, so is the manifolds. That picture looks like some of them might be aluminum
Yeah they "look" aluminum. Actually the two on the right that look different are the two that someone (not me) tried to buff - they buffed right thru the plating makign them look like total crap. Origionally I planned on having them chromed, but now I am actually liking the "aluminum" look. I wondered about nickle - but I thought that had a more "shiney" appearance. These have a certain "dull" look - that almost looks like aluminum spray paint (not really, but sorta). I can give Hilborn a jingle and I may, but I figured the HAMB would have some good information - true to form - you guys certianly have. THANKS - for the comments. BTW - they ARE steel (magnet test). They WERE a matched set - a dufus has since fixed that. I think restoring them to their former glory - is my goal!
Any pics?? I realize it's kinda hard to photo this stuff. To describe what I think I have - it's VERY similar to what a set of Stainless Steel SATIN MICROMETERS look like. I tried another shot at a pic. You can see on the BRIGHTER one (the screwed up one) where the plating is buffed off. If you look real close there apppears to be yet another plating underneath. Not sure if that helps identify the origional process or not.
Myself i'd have them chromed , But what about a powder coat some of there aluminum or silver powders will have the dull sheen too them , even a ceramic like jet- hot could even work too. And the old stand by the rattle can.It shouldn't be to hard to find a silver cad plater around cleveland if you want the orignal look.
Jacin, the original Hilborn finish was cad. The tubing was evidently smooth enough that they had that bright look. Back in the 70's we ran our as supplied for the first season and then had them chromed as did most of the racers who liked show as much as go. Roo
Hi Jacin: Cad is a great finish. We use to use it all the time in our work. Till the Environmental issues forced us to change. Cads Finish - Color is attributed to the Plater, The Surface finish, Material and type of Cad or Process...... There is a company by me that sells home kits for Metal finishing. http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/copycad.htm I have heard great things about them but have no personal experience. I would be crapping glass anytime something went to the plater from work or G jobs. If you have something valuable like that you better get in bed with someone at a plater ,preferably in the back. Sit on them. Stuff happens... ya know.. If they are not doing a normal run of some coating-finish and do not certify the process you are taking a huge chance that it will come out incorrect. Or a dent or scratch..... Call me. Hey did you get hit with that wind Thursday. Its a mess here.
Rooman is correct it is "cad" plated. They can be polished but will be a little blotchy. Chrome is a very good option along with powder coat. The factory finish on the manifold castings is a clear anodize which makes the casting a dark grey. I dig raffman's nickle plate...that is something unique and it looks sweet. I hope this helps.
Andrew, Yeah that Nickle sure looks neat. I've always liked the look of nickle - maybe I should reconsider........
Hey Luke, In the old days I could have sent it out rigth from work and had it "thrown in" and gotten about anything I wanted done - those days are long past - I wouldn't mind trying the "home thing" but not on these - I don't have the patience at the moment. I have considered spinning some - The material choices get interesting. I think they'd even look kinda neat out of copper - hmnnnnnn. Boy I could make a project out of this in no time - maybe I'd better just focus on the plater. We got the wind - one guy at work had a tree fall on his pool - another guy had one fall on his house (punched a hole thru the roof and he made it worse when he was nearly finihsed removing the debris the LAST branch BROKE while hanging up in the tree - when the "halves" became two - they took him off the ladder - he shattered his forearm. Airports will be interesting for him from now on. I (for once) was lucky - no damage.
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