Zinc plating

[Irishman1]

I’ve found in restoring 8 75 gl1000’s and now my third CBX that just cleaning and polishing the metal parts that aren’t painted can be challenging. My first CBX restoration was the 81 and after a couple of years the carb brackets have started to oxidize again. I mainly replace all screws, nuts and bolts with new OEM ones so I’ve never really worried about fasteners.
Hop to YouTube to check out diy zinc plating and after a few different setups, I’ve found a pretty good way to refinish the metal bits.
For the silver or chrome bits I use a 1/2 gallon water mixture of 5% distilled vinegar with 1cup magnesium sulfate ( epsom salt) and 1/2 cup sugar( makes the finish smooth). I use my shumacher 12 volt battery charger on trickle charge for about 20 minutes . I can then do a dip of case well yellow chromate after for the gold-ish chromate parts if needed.
You can also use the same format for nickel plating for shiny, chrome looking parts. For the black fasteners you can dip in black oxide foe a few minutes after metal plating. After plating use just use some 0000 steel wool to buff the loose zinc off the parts and your done.

[Larry Zimmer]

Neat, Irish! Thanks!