Chrome bonnet hinges

[Choppachef]

hi
Has anyone had chrome bonnet hinges and catch/ latch in a hq or similar .
Good or bad idea ?
The reason i ask is ,i have been told by a couple of platers ,zinc is s better option in the engine bay
Whats your opinion ?experiance
Thanks

[swampy]

hi
Yes zinc is a better option . Either in the silver or gold coloured shade
Another point of concern is in good ole ozzy the hinges are most probably just recoated used hinges . The hinge pins can be close to worn out .
By comparo the USA similar style are new repo or reconditioned

All forms of plating unfortunately needs to be done by experienced people with good processes .Now there is alot of cowboys in the industry within ozz .
AAA plating and polishers are suppose to be good in Melb. I used these guys so far so good . Seem busy family owned .Just remember all coating is good when new .Its how long it lasts.

[GtoGeoff]

Are the hinges riveted? My GTO is a GM car like the HQ. The rivets that provide the pivot points [ & carry the tremendous load of the bonnet ] on my GTO are hardened steel for long life. I would imagine GM cars here are the same. I am not sure if the chemicals involved in chrome plating would damage/soften the steel.

[Choppachef]

Thanks for the replies .
Why is zinc better?
Can you 2pac clear over the zinc for durability?
Im getting my hinges and bonnet lock done
Thanks
Also are the rare spares hinges and bonnet lock catches any good or are they flimsy

[Smitty2]

hi
Yes zinc is a better option . Either in the silver or gold coloured shade
Another point of concern is in good ole ozzy the hinges are most probably just recoated used hinges . The hinge pins can be close to worn out .
By comparo the USA similar style are new repo or reconditioned

All forms of plating unfortunately needs to be done by experienced people with good processes .Now there is alot of cowboys in the industry within ozz .
AAA plating and polishers are suppose to be good in Melb. I used these guys so far so good . Seem busy family owned .Just remember all coating is good when new .Its how long it lasts.

pretty spot on most of that....

chrome plating causes metal fatigue known as ... hydrogen embrittlement*.
Basically (laymans meaning)... causing an electrical current to flow thru ferrous
metals to apply/add a dis-similar brittle metal causes the base metal to become brittle
(and lose strength)

Adding chrome is worst... being very brittle, adding nickel or zinc is not as bad
being soft metals and less brittle

Can you overcome this?... yes, by heat treating the plated part but of course
that will damage the chrome


*NEVER EVER chrome plate suspension parts... yes I know some do but only ever on
a show car that never gets driven on the road

[swampy]

Hi
Clear coating is not 1 individual process ,many different types
Automotive clear ,,most likely needs a wet paint base coat to stick
Powder coat clear ,,,can be milky and clear and may not suit zinc coating . Application technique is critical .
Ceracote spray on product apparently very tough very expensive

Ask the coating specialists eg Competition Coatings Qld

Look into those ""billet hinges "" good looks ,,durability ???


With chrome triple plating dipping length of time is absolute key. copper / nickle /chromium for defect filling / corrosion resistance and appearance
More time = more coating sticks to base metal = more rust protection = longer lasting product
Some places skip the copper WTF !!!
Just to add to cost metal polishing and prep prior to dipping
Chroming is real hit miss unfortunately

Do not forget to polish that chrome to prevent moisture entry under the layers from chrome being porous and stone chips .
Chrome needs regular maintenance wash and wax

[Choppachef]

Hi
Thank you for the great info .
I had looked at the billet hinges ,they are on sale atm"proflow," $560.
Are the reproduction hinges and locks any good or are they made with cheap metal,?
Maybe ill buy those billet ones and zinc the locks
👍👍👍

[swampy]

hi
Not aware of any re-pop hinges or locks .
Locks, door or bonnet??
Zinc the bonnet striker and lock and apply zinc white coloured grease .

[Willie]

I got my billet hinges from Bliss. They are Australian made and are excellent quality. They make aligning the bonnet a breeze compared to the stock ones.