Ive had loads of fasteners re zinc+yellow (gold) passivate done from a local firm when restoring bikes over the years, but often found it doesn't quite come back like the yellow style of OEM, instead more of a clear goldish iridium when done. I'm looking to get some fasteners, brackets and screws etc re-plated and wondered if anyone knew somewhere that could get close to the OEM? Is it just a case of leaving them in the passivate for a bit longer or something?
The original greenish gold coloured fasteners were cadmium plated. That is no longer allowed, except for essential aerospace and military applications, because of the arsenic used in the process. The closest match is gold passivated zinc, but it isn’t an exact match.
Ahhhh that makes sense then. As even when you order new stuff from Ducati they never come in the same colour, I thought it might be something like that. I have seen some gold (yellow zinc) that goes to a deeper shade when held in the passivate for a bit longer, but the company I use seem to product almost a rainbow iridium clear gold every time.
Hi I had stuff supplied on exchange from Rich at Luigi moto. the colour and finish is superb check my thread in the builds and projects section
Did mine myself. Very therapeutic. I got the kit from https://www.classic-plating.co.uk/ and also bought the variable power supply. Went the yellow passivation route. 20 seconds in the yellow passivate solution gives this colour and 10 would provide a lighter hue like the originals, but doesn't provide the same level of protection as a longer dip in the passivation solution would. The black marks on the plating (last picture) are from lowering the parts onto the anodising solution with the power on and it seems to scorch the plating, when the passivation is done. So only lower in with the power off. View attachment 195519
I use Chingford Technical Coatings in Maidenhead. Had about 3 bikes worth done in January/February for £60. Yellow passivate again.
I bought the kit from classic plating as well but just not having your results. Will try again and only leave the bolts in the passivate for 20sec. Mine keep going a dull rusty gold.
