The Official 356Talk Forum

Should they be silver plated or brownish/black - how can this be restored?

I've seen them cad-plated (too bright I think), black zinc and left natural. I'll bet they were zinc-plated.

Mike

" I'll bet they were zinc-plated "
I'll bet they weren't.

phosphated

Thanks for the clarification, Guys. No bet, Vic! Ha!

Mike

Just phosphated? Nothing else?
So plain steal and then phosphated?

Will check who can do this job.

Here's a photo off the internet of lug nuts which, in my opinion, have the correct original-look finish. It certainly isn't bright clear zinc but could be some sort of phosphate finish as Joris suggests. In the past, I've had parts phosphated that turned out definitely grey versus what I see in the photo below.

There are various types of phosphating with different looks depending on the process, chemical supplier, metal composition (Hardness etc.) and application of a subsequent oil dip or not. Very difficult and frustrating to get everything right. I would say virtually impossibly. Going through this challenge right now on a '65 911.

With regard to your lug nuts. Take a nice preserved one with you and show it to your plater. Ask for his opinion. My estimate is that he will suggest a maganese phosphate followed by an oil dip. This should get you pretty darn close

Joris, Original to what look and/or color? Do you think the nuts in my photo are a good goal?