How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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Guido Kwikkers
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How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#1 Post by Guido Kwikkers »

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

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Mike Wilson
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

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

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Vic Skirmants
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#3 Post by Vic Skirmants »

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

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Joris Koning
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#4 Post by Joris Koning »

phosphated
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Mike Wilson
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#5 Post by Mike Wilson »

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

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Guido Kwikkers
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#6 Post by Guido Kwikkers »

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

Will check who can do this job.

Brad Ripley
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#7 Post by Brad Ripley »

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.
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Lug nuts 2.jpg
Lug nuts 2.jpg (31.29 KiB) Viewed 2711 times

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Joris Koning
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#8 Post by Joris Koning »

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
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Re: How to Restore 356 c lug nuts

#9 Post by Brad Ripley »

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

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