Body Bolt Resto A simple How To

[CamarosRus]

I wanted to suggest that Manganese Phosphate plating is/was the correct finish for many fasteners........

Below are comments from Jeff Betz..........known Camaro restorer, Carlisle judge, former GM and current Chysler engineer at eng mfg plant in metro Detroit..............

I am certain that Zinc Phosphate is not correct for the bolts. I'm
also certain that the manganese phos is correct! I looked up the plating
spec on bolts and believe me there are only 3 major suppliers of bolts:
Ring Screw (Textron), Cold Heading, and I can't remember the other one. We
still deal with them all here and nothing has changed. To each their
own...so I won't tell someone how to restore their car. I will always give
my opinion if asked, and will always reveal my restoration method or a
better one if I know one. Good luck to your friend with the zinc plating
on the fasteners. Just another side note, I believe it would be okay to
dock points off a diamond car for having painted fasteners, a practice that
I told you some of the "top" restorers do use.

Actually zinc phosphate is an excellent plating to use on something before
you paint it. It is a recommended plating to be used under painted parts.
I did my door hinges in the zinc phos before I put them on the car and
painted them of course. It is an excellent "primer".

As far as your bolts coming out too dark? Not sure. I know some of mine
are pretty dark. Your bellcrank...remember, different amounts of iron and
densities of metal will plate different. The bellcrank is a tube (drawn or
stamped and welded) with two stamped brackets. Notice the tube has less
pores than the brackets welded on each end. That all factors in to how
well they will plate.

I just use one of those camping type cooktops with two propane burners.
Coleman makes it. Works great. Fasteners and items that are to be
somewhat "black" get the manganese phos and the latches and such get the
"grey" zinc phosphate. Nice thing is different metals plate different
shades of the stuff, so it doesn't all look the exact same.

MANY people have found that BoeShield T-9 works very well as a rust inhibitor. Any process will need periodic maintennace to keep fresh look.

Below is address for chemical supplier


PALMETTO Enterprises
2311 A Old Parker Road
Greenville,SC 29609
864 246 3836