How to restore screws, springs and fixings on SU HD6 Carburetors?

[fishyboy]

Hi all
I intend to have a go at cleaning up the HD6 Carbs on my 1961 BT7. I rebuilt the carbs two years ago and they work fine. However, each time I look at the carbs I wish I had spent more time on the cosmetic appearance. I have been inspired by Dave Braun's beautiful work of a pair of HD6's (https://www.dbraun99.com/SU_Carbure...bly/slides/09 jet and initial setting 11.html) and two images below.

I have set up a small soda blaster system which I intend to use to clean up the outside of the bodies (followed by a bit of polishing), but what can I do to restore the small screws, spring, throttle linkages etc. Were the screws originally chromed or zinc? How do you think Dave cleaned up his screws and springs?

Any help would be much appreciated .

Phil

 

[ch47insp]

Phil
I believe that you will find that most hardware on out LBC's is zinc plated. A couple of years ago I researched DIY zinc plating at home and have been pretty successful at cleaning up and plating the original hardware. The pieces on the carbs are numerous and small and take awhile to clean and plate but the results are worth the effort in my opinion.
Do your own research and you will be pleased with the results.
George

 

[ch47insp]

Phil
I bead blast all of the hardware from each carb and then hang them from pieces of copper wire. I then dip them into a cup of acetone and let air dry before putting them into a solution for plating all the while wearing latex gloves to keep oils from my fingers off of the parts to be plated.
Search the web and you will find alot of information on zinc plating. I use a solution of vinegar, karo syrup and epsom salt that has had a strip of zinc dissolved in it. Then use electrolysis to transfer the dissolved zinc to the parts that you want plated.
Good luck
George

 

[Deleted member 19315]

Hi, seeing you are in Hampshire UK I would recommend you send or deliver all the parts to Dorsetware in Poole Dorset. They are indeed zinc plated, Dorsetware will perfectly refinish the parts at very little cost. I've been using them for over 20 years for all my metal refinishing from zinc to chrome and never been disappointed with quality or price.

 

[fishyboy]

Thanks haasad

I forgot all about Dorsetware as I assumed they only did the large chrome parts. Ill give them a call on Monday.
I am also tempted to have ago at zinc plating my self using one of these kits
https://gaterosplating.co.uk/Zinc-Plating-kit.php

Where a bouts are you in Dorset?


Phil

 

[Deleted member 19315]

Hi I'm just outside Bere Regis. Your carb parts need zinc and clear passivate.
Cheers Andy

 

[fishyboy]

Thanks Andy
What did you do with the carb bodies? I have polished the dash pots but not sure how to finish the bodies.
Phil

 

[Deleted member 19315]

I have access to an aqua blaster which carries very fine media in water with compressed air to blast carb bodies. It gives a smooth dull lustre finish which doesn't fingerprint as badly as vapour blast. A rub with a fine scotchbrite pad after blasting can give a somewhat patinated look.
I've used the finishes above on lots of alloy and mag alloy parts during my 911 restoration works with great success. It's possible to have alloy parts Chromated to try to hold back corrosion a little but I only do that on the magnesium alloy parts .

Andy