I had the steel parts black zinc plated (except the cabin frame). I think this is a good corrosion protection and looks good. Costs were $50.00. When I have the finishing kit I will do those parts as well.

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Comment by John M Greiner on February 7, 2018 at 1:19pm

Very nice, just like the rest of your plane. Great Job!

Comment by Jan van 't Schip on January 6, 2011 at 12:47pm

Hi Ralph, I had all steel parts plated, except the (large) cabin frame. Apart from the corrosion protection I like the appearance (like the black cleco's). Moreover where steel parts fit in bearings (mixer, torque tube, pedals), the thin coating is no problem.

All parts are in my barn and you know how close Ionia is to your place.

I made other bearings for the pedals and have some for you as well, if you like them.

Comment by Ralph Gregus on January 6, 2011 at 12:16pm
what a great idea, jan. i would like to see the parts sometime. i am interested in doing that to some of the other steel parts.
Comment by Jan van 't Schip on January 5, 2011 at 10:18am

I had all steel parts black zinc plated. On the photo are just some examples. The large part on the photo is the landing gear/ wing strut attachment. The smaller parts are the engine mounts and the cabin frame attachments. Not on the photo are all control components, like the torque tube, stick, mixer etc.

A note regarding the mixer: There are two tubular parts welded to the main tube. These form closed chambers. Because the welds are not watertight, fluids get in during the plating process. Because the leaks are small, they remain leaking for a long time, causing stains around the leaks. A solution is to drill a hole in each tubular chamber, before zinc plating. Fluids can get out then.

Comment by Andre Levesque on January 5, 2011 at 7:05am
Are those for the landing gear?
Comment by Jan van 't Schip on January 4, 2011 at 7:36pm

I brought the parts to a plating service. Black zinc plating is commonly available. I think the black cleco's have this kind of plating. You could paint over the zinc, like you paint over aluminum.

Parts like the control stick and rudder pedals don't need paint I think, but it can always be done later.

 

Comment by Joseph F. Truncale on January 4, 2011 at 7:21pm

I'd never heard of black zinc plating.  Is it commonly available? Did you sent out the parts or bring them yourself?

It would seem to be much more durable than any prime & paint.  Can you paint over it for different colors (even though black works well most of the time)?

Best,

Joe

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