Zinc Plating Nuts & Bolts | '92 RM125 Build

After stripping the bike down to a bare frame, a bunch of the nuts and bolts look a little worse for wear. In this episode they're brought back to life with some zinc plating.
For more content and behind the scenes photos and videos, check out:
/ officialg9garage
/ g9garage

[@grahamdowdell4356]

I love how this gent says basic restoration...to everyone else it’s an extreme restoration. Such a craftsman!

[@bobthedealer9970]

It's the little details like this that really make the difference

[@joshthesquash1793]

one of the few you tubers who actually know how to work on a bike properly!

[@scaredyet]

Watching from my yacht on Sydney Harbour

[@spencerryals8896]

Loving the more frequent, short update videos. Keep up the good work!

[@29Automotive]

Nice relaxing resto vid before hitting the sack 👌 love your work.

[@rashadsmith3435]

Awesome video! I made my own electroplating kit by watching another video on youtube. I have successfully plated a penny with nickel. After watching your video, I'm going to get some zinc anodes to try it on some of my bolts. Thank you for posting and take care! Rashad

[@bernhardlist9359]

Had exactly the same problem that after rinsing in destilled water they looked great and after drying (even if I’d use compressed air) it got a haze on it. Did exactly as you did with Autosol paste, a little polishing and Wiped off with a clean microfibre towel, voila I had a nice shine.

[@willeypoboy6052]

Thanks for showing the ropes on zinc plating! Great videshow as always!

[@rubensamaral7612]

Congratulations on the beautiful work! the details are essential in the final result

[@JayGoldNuggets]

I'm getting one now for the YZ. Thanks for the tutorial. Thumbs up. JG

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Awesome, great to see you back into the swing, looking forward to more in 2019.

[@noahv1916]

Please keep these coming so satisfying seeing bikes turn form old to good wish I had a project bike rather project bike than a new one great video👍🏽😀

[@sethjeffreys3055]

Wow !! Thankyou for sharing this process with us .

[@Kadesgarage5213]

It’s 4:50 am for me and I’m still going to watch this video, no matter what your videos are great

[@Vazzr]

Chris from clickspring but working on bikes, can't tell the difference lmao!

[@roberttotten8874]

Another good video mate, it’s a good idea to break the processes down like this. Looking forward to the rest.

[@351kostakis]

Fantastic

[@creepycrawler43]

Great vid thanks for sharing

[@bbundridge]

Huh, didn't realize it was that simple for Zinc plating. I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks and great video!

[@luke9299]

Very cool!

[@happyclub7509]

I wish i'd had discover this channel later so that I could binge watch each build.

[@CAKEface75]

Excellent video, thoroughly enjoyed this as I want to get myself a plating kit, just the video I needed. I'm over on the rm125 owners page on Facebook like yourself, you set a good president for good workmanship. Thanks again.

[@louconova7457]

Following the herd (like every amateur Hollywood director on you tube) and edit out the first cheesy 45 seconds introduction, the tinny music, flashing pictures. No BS. It would be refreshing to get to the point for a change. If we took a poll I would think most viewers would not miss it. With that said the content was really good I learned something.

[@albertored9922]

Great job! I can't wait to watch the engine rebuild video 😏😁

[@victorunbea8451]

If you don't have a sandblaster you can use a strong acid (HCl, H2SO4 etc) or limescale/rust remover (contains acid). It will also activate the surface (microscopic pitting) to ensure a better plating stick. The solution can be any zinc salt dissolved in deionized water, however just that will leave a mate finish. It is recommended that you warm the solution with aquarium heaters for a better plating. You can leave them a bit longer for a thicker plate and then polish it off for a shiny finish. There are proprietary additives called brighteners that will do the work for you in the plating solution too. Voltage and current regulation are very important. More volts will speed up the process but will create a flakier finish. It is best to start at the lowest voltage possible and the highest current without blowing up your PSU. 1.5-3V is the optimum range for voltage and current is dependent on your PSU. You can get decent plating with 2 AAA batteries in series. All metals with less galvanic potential can be plated on a metal with more galvanic potential this way. An exception would be ultra-reactive metals like aluminium which, when ionized, near-instantly reacts with water to form aluminium hydroxide and thus can't be transported to the cathode.

[@mikedbmx1]

How did you make the electrolyte? Also, what kind of anodes are you using?

[@911engineguy]

Maaaate... your videos are superbly put together. Great work.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Awesome mate. I've been wanting to do this to my KTM for a long time. Might have to give it a go now.

[@linkshunter7086]

This is great. Waiting for the next video!

[@Bigjoelifts15]

Nice one mate thanks for the more in depth explanation on the zinc plating it will prove very useful 😁

[@killerClaffey]

This is really cool thanks for the great video!

[@BrokenSprocket]

Great job mate thanks for showing where you can buy this stuff and how to use it.

[@silvooo1]

Best video series 😁 you did really great job

[@ppaha]

very useful information to rebulid motorbike! thank you!

[@freeridemoto7133]

Thank you for another video Im watching from the FB group. Such badass detail oriented work

[@sk8erblake420]

YAY MORE VIDEOS!

[@stantheman5005]

Look very good well done me try too zinc plating my bolts are dark grey after plating something wrong

[@AnthonyBernas]

Can you give details on the power supply? What voltage and how much current did you push through for 30 minutes?

[@muhammadbasir83]

From my experience in a big japanese company, you should agitate the solution with a small aquarium air pump to ensure the solution are mix thoroughly during the process, thus creating even coating.

[@MVDBR]

Interesting stuff mate, enjoy your vids cheers 🤙

[@greg230076]

amazing

[@jonnoMoto]

Those marks are caused by a lack of agitation. I used to get something similar with my nickel plating kit until I added a fish tank bubbler to constantly agitate the electrolyte.

[@Dynodon64]

If you want a better way of removing the rust, just get yourself some Muriatic acid, it's used in swimming pools, and mix it 1:1 with tap water. Drop the parts in and walk away. Remove and rinse in clean tap water.It will remove all rust down to the bottom of the pitting. It may take a few minutes to hours if the part are heavily rusted. The parts will be stripped down to the bare metal without the damage you get from blasting. I never blast parts in a dry blast cabinet any more. The acid does it way better, and you can polish the parts out even brighter with the wire wheel afterwards if you so like.

[@G9Garage]

Great tip, thank you! I’ll certainly try that.

[@patriciaayala5386]

Nice vid the intro is very nice

[@patriciaayala5386]

I've never actually had a dirt bike before so that's so cool

[@markschaffer7234]

Very nice intro! :)

[@livedeliciously]

This is good, but it's missing the details. Most companies will use a tank heater and air agitation. Looks like your power supply only has variable voltage. You want one that has the ability to change both current and voltage. Plate at 0.14A per square inch of part and keep voltage as low as possible to maintain a constant current.

[@jak8521]

Where can one get a cheap zinc plating kit to do this? Thanks.

[@CosmicMindSense]

What your electrolite recipe solution ?

[@cryptic_badger795]

Very clear instructional video.....thanks. How successful were you at getting the plating onto recess areas such as socket heads etc? I tried a fish tank aerator to induce movement of the plating fluid and even that didn't make much difference.

[@GuyMassicotte]

Make a tiny anode center in them.

[@SchweinungHD]

How durable are these diy finishes? I tried using some boat zinc anodes, but I didn't have any brightner. Could easily scratch off plating with my fingers. Gonna give the plating kit a try instead, I think! :)

[@AaronMartinCOOLVIDEO]

Great video bro keep up the good work can't wait to see this RM 125 up and running again do you ever have plans to do a Works replica bike not that I'm complaining I love keeping my stuff relatively OEM as well.😎

[@G9Garage]

Hi Aaron if you watch my Q&A video you’ll see my YZ250 works replica!

[@evo_dann]

How do you measure the amperage for the plating process? Any tips besides using online calculators? I haven’t found a calculator to measure nuts.. only bolts.

[@Glen911porsche]

Hi mate what size kit did you get? Looks like the ones on “Jane’s kits” website are 4litres,10L and so on. Just wondered roughly what you have.

[@skyhighworks3199]

Great results! What is in the solution that you are using to do the electroplating? Thanks. Ash

[@lachlanlofts4821]

I love your vids. Inspired me to rebuild my own project bike! Can you tell me the brand and where you got the zinc plating machine?

[@souravsingla8147]

Actually I want to start own electroplating plant in punjab.so I want to learn whole process.can u tell how I can learn or practice

[@840083008200]

Hello , Thank you for sharing we are looking to try zinc coating. How important is your power supply as far as voltage and amperage available is there limits ?

[@idontcareaboutyou7757]

what about de-rust with electrolysis if too rusted? did you ever do it?

[@kiran-wh9wg]

Can I wash with acid instead of sand blasting

[@andrenilsen1484]

Why zinc- not nickel-plating?

[@chadhanebrink8009]

How often do you need to replace the electrolyte solution?

[@fourbyfourer]

Did you dip the bolts in a solution like chromate after the zinc plating?

[@willyharris4199]

It might not matter, but just wondering what material those rods are you complete the circuit with?

[@G9Garage]

Aluminium

[@greggan100]

Hi great work, did you just soak in acetone bath rinse then put in plating bath? Am ready to plate a load of hardware, but in the kits, there saying need to soak in a heated degreasing bath then rinse , then put in acid bath rinse, then place in plating bath?. If that make sence. Were you process was a lot easier and faster.

[@G9Garage]

I usually just sandblast and then use acetone to get rid of any residual grease. Seems to work for me! As with anything, preparation is key so the cleaner you can get the part the better the end result will be.

[@greggan100]

@@G9Garage thanks for reply, il give it a try 👍👌

[@mt1885]

Hi G9GARAGE do you got a guide or link on how to do the ZINC platings?

[@luke9299]

Aris Torm you are watching it

[@mt1885]

@@luke9299 IT is Vladimir - how is RUSSIA !!!

[@Mr10usdad]

You whole series is great! I have a plating question for parts on my 1995 CR250. Did you use a chromate on your plating? Also, do you find the plating needs some time to harden after the zinc plating is first done? Thanks!

[@G9Garage]

Hey there! Glad you enjoyed the videos. No chromate on the plating, just zinc. I don’t think the plating gardens at all. I leave it for 10min to dry and then use the parts. Good luck on the ‘95. One of my favourites.

[@Mr10usdad]

Thanks so much for your reply. Your series inspired me. After many years of not riding I bought a 1986 CR125 and restored it last year. Here is the build: www.vitalmx.com/forums/Bike-Builds,46/1986-CR125-alive-again,1351608 I actually fixed up a 1986 YZ125 at the same time but not really a restore. Then this December I bought the 1995 CR250.i stayed stock but went with the nuclear red plastic of the 1993 instead of the purple. Here is the build: www.vitalmx.com/forums/Bike-Builds,46/1995-CR250,1369652 Neither build are as detailed as yours but in the end they are nice looking and nice running bikes.

[@MrCrazyivan01]

Hey mate, There are so many plating kits in Australia, which company did you go with? Cheers!

[@G9Garage]

Hey mine is a Janekits kit

[@webchez69]

Can you skip the sand blasting if you dont have one and just use the wire wheel?

[@G9Garage]

Absolutely. Sandblasting helps keep the finish consistent across different parts. I used to only wire wheel before i got a blasting cabinet.

[@henrikolsen6534]

Hi G9garage...great video...could you say what type of metal tubing you are laying over your tub and how many volts/ amp you turn your power supply up to ?...have a 25liter tub and 0,250 amp/4,5 volt and after 45 min mine small parts still rust again over night…:-( any advise ? cheers

[@G9Garage]

Hi Henrik, the tube is aluminium. The amps depend on the size of the parts but it sounds like you are in the right zone. The connections between the parts and power supply as well as the zinc to the power supply are critical. I’d look there first.

[@henrikolsen6534]

Hi, thx for your reply. Year, i might have a small issue there as one of my anode´s i turning black! Any reason to you use alu tube insted of copper tubing ? Iíl keep trying.

[@JM-oo3rb]

Hi G9Garage, I did some zinc plating about 3 months ago - an oil cap for my car. It looked good when it came out but has quite a bit of surface rust now. Any idea why and how to stop this?

[@G9Garage]

Sounds like it wasn’t left to plate for long enough. Maybe there just wasn’t enough zinc on the part to prevent corrosion...

[@Stevieboyy19231]

The people who gave thumbs down are wack

[@MotoActionADV]

Do you dip the zinc plated parts in a chromate solution to get the shiny finish?

[@G9Garage]

Hi there. No, I've never used a chromate solution. With some care, trial and error, you can get great results straight out of the plating bath.

[@farabishafie6226]

What machine sir use at 6:24 min?

[@popeyethesailorboy8905]

Idk why the aussies call it a 1. 2. 5. What do yall call a gsxr, a 1.0.0.0. ?

[@G9Garage]

It’s just the way it is. We’re right. Everyone else says it wrong! 😁

[@aususer415]

I just saw this reply... And had to add: it's 125cc where cc=cubic centimetres (cm3).. I laugh when imperial measurements refer BACK to metric when they have no measurements!! (Even medical shows: he weights 120lbs... So give him 1000cc of saline!! 😂😂) Btw: I use to ride a ZZR600 (600cc) and my next project is a ZZR1200 (1200cc)... So YES! We do say that! Bahaha

[@FZCarbon]

Oh god, first of all i think 'Rm125 stands for 125 ringgit malaysia' but its a motorcycle models. LOL

[@car5car5]

it is not zinc, it is nickel

[@G9Garage]

No, it is Zinc.

[@marcelloroos766]

Smoke..weed..everyday

[@danamuise4117]

you don;t need a kit. Just get some vinegar, zinc, epsom salt, and a AA battery.

[@philgee2240]

i even watched the ad so you can make $$

[@kieronfindlay6241]

Is the solution you use just distilled water? Also what amps and voltage are used? Thanks

[@G9Garage]

Hey Kieron, if you are talking about the electrolyte solution then no, it's not just distilled water. It's got zinc other chemicals mixed into distilled water. Amps and voltage depend on the surface area of the parts you're plating. I usually adjust the current untill the parts start to bubble - typically about 2-3 amps. Cheers!

[@kieronfindlay6241]

@@G9Garage Thanks for the speedy reply! Can i ask what solution i would be best using? Thanks!

[@G9Garage]

Best bet would be to talk to an expert on the chemicals (not me!). I just bought mine from a supplier and mixed it up...

[@kieronfindlay6241]

@@G9Garage ok then. Reason i asked was so I had the same results as you as yours came out amazing.