Getting zinc plating for fork links

[mr mugello]

Can someone recommend a firm for small items jobs, Lambretta fork links, brake pedal, etc.? Only firm local to me does galvanised.

[dave411]

Thought that was Zinc?

[mr mugello]

I'm not sure if galvanised is a heavier type of zinc plating. What plating do I need for Lambretta fork links ? Was looking to get damper connections welded on, then replated.

[mr mugello]

Just looked up the firm that does galvanised. They mentioned of dipping in hot zinc bath treatment. Just concerned if galvanised coating will mess up threads or not . They seem to do heavy duty jobs.

[storkfoot]

Originally, I believe, they were flash chromed. I have never been overly concerned with originality so I have had mine either zinc coated or, on occasion, yellow passivated when I fancied a slightly different colour. Chroming of any type is more expensive

[mr mugello]

My pair have still got a fair shine apart from the odd mark. What metal are links made of out if interest as galvanised steel generally loses it's shine after a short while.

[Scooterdude]

Forget galvanising that's an industrial process and not at all suitable for bike restoration. If you have stuff like links, brake pedal and kickstart you will need them re-chroming as per the original mine are away at the moment being done by Unique Scooter Mods who are considerably cheaper than other companies I contacted I doubt he actually does the work himself but he's familiar with scooters and what standard of work is required.
All the other little bits like brake arms, adjusters, gear lineage parts etc I have sent off to be zinc plated this will,provide a corrosion resistant matte silver lustre, again as the original parts were finished. Passivating is a further treatment after zinc plating but produces a kind of gold looking finish like you get on some modern tools and fasteners etc, in my opinion this finish would look seriously out of place on a scooter.
You won't be able to plate the fork links etc with zinc as the zink won't adhere on to the chrome.
Good luck but don't do as I did and get an eBay plating kit, cost nearly double what it is to have all the parts done professionally!

[mr mugello]

Thanks all for advice. So I need to find a chrome specialist. Storkfoot mentioned flash chrome originally done. Anyone know of good service for chroming via
post ?

[cgt75b]

Mr Mugello

I have a set of links already chromed in mint condition.

Pm me if interested.

[Scooterdude]

I think the one most scooter folks use is a company called Quality Chrome who offer a courier collection/delivery service. As I say I'm trying out Unique Scooter Mods who seem to have quite a following on face book, I was told a three week turn around, again less than some of the others I contacted.