Cadmium banned as TOXIC - options?

[pninaud]

Hello, my local plating shop said the Federal Government has banned Cadmium as a toxic metal, thus they no longer plate parts with cadmium. They offered me a zinc-based substitute. Will this zinc plating look the same as cadmium? I have a bucket of 1953 Indian Chief nuts, bolts, fastners and such that need cadmium plating. Any recommendations from you would be appreciated.

[33vld]

The Eastwood Co. used to sell a kit to plate nuts & bolts & small brackets at home. I used mine to restore 3 BSA's back in the 1990's and it worked great. Now a buddy is using my kit to plate his nuts & bolts on his Cushman project.

[33vld]

Sorry, I forgot to mention it was a zink-based metal and looked
pretty good. You could leave it dull looking or buff it a little to shine it up.

[AdminGuy]

Zinc is not CAD. Yup -eastwood or caswell. Aircraft ind. may help you. A modern alt. that is not as toxic when neutralized and disposed is avail.

Some guys just silver paint. Plain old silver paint. Nothing special.

Are you going to ride or show? Are you certain you have all correct parts?

[pninaud]

Reply to cadmium

I always ride my indians, and build them to last. I have the correct parts for my 53 chief, and would really like to cadmium plate them. Is everyone else who is restoring bikes faced with having to settle for a zinc imitation of cadmium? Are there plating shops that still offer cadmium? I guess people are still finding a source for cad plating, because I have not heard much up-roar amongst us.

[INLINE4NUT]

Adminguy,
I think the proper terminology is "cadium in a can", not silver paint!! HA!HA!

[flthead]

cadium

just sent my parts out for silver cad plating ,no problem . maybe try the advertisers in hemmings motor news, cadium is available

[Mike L]

I just picked up some parts from my plater, no problems. They do plating for the government, so I don't think they'll be getting shut down (Yet). It's "Plymouth Plating" in Michigan. They did have a person in there at the time I picked my stuff, selling them some new chemicals which were safer for the enviroment. They usually have my stuff done in less than 2 weeks. Cost is very reasonable.

[pninaud]

Thank you!

Hello everyone, thank you for responding and giving helpful advice. I will continue to look for a plater that offers cadmium.
Thanks again.

[Barry Brown]

I have found for some applications ( spokes in particular) beadblasted stainless closely approximates cadmium and of course lasts forever. There are cad platers still operating in Montreal where environmental laws appear to be more lax.

[INLINE4NUT]

Barry how about the particulars address,phone#s ect ! Thanks!

[Mike L]

I recommend Plymouth Plating. I know of at least 6 AMCA members that have their cad plating done here, and no complaints. Ask for "Paul" Pearce, Ph #734-453-1560
For Nickle I go to Classic Plating Inc Ph#313-532-1440

[B. Rodencal]

Cad

I supply cad plating and probably do 3-4 complete bikes a month. Email me for details at fatdog1903@yahoo.com or se online at www.fatdogvintagesalvage.com

[inrustwetrust]

Try International Chrome in Providence RI. They are a top notch outfit. Price is hateful, timeframe is slow. Work is excellent. I think their phone is 401-421-0205.

[bobdo]

Hello pninaud,
I just noticed your subject. I had the same problem when I went to the plater i use, its been many years since I was there last. His business has gone through some changes due to EPA. He couldn't do CAD anymore & suggested " Gray Nickel". I had it done & it matches the NOS CAD parts that I have. Time will tell if it continues to look the same. If you would like more info, let me know. Bob