Chrome vs. Stainless vs. Zinc

rockford33

rockford33

New member
Well, I am going to be doing a little engine work over the winter time on my toy ride. I am playing around with replacing some of the visible bolts (valve cover bolts, etc.), assuming I can find the proper sizes. Anyway, anyone have any pros/cons with the different types of coatings? I want something that is going to be easy to clean and stay shiny (I like shiny things). Is zinc coated, stainless, or chrome plated better? Also, anybody know anything about getting pieces chromed? I like to try and get the AC compressor and maybe the alternator shined up. I am already getting the intake manifold and valve covers powder coated back to the factory color (red).

Thanks.
 
Stainless is probably the most durable, zinc is probably the worst, especially if water makes contact with it. I like Chrome, but if you want something simple to take care of then stainless would be the way to go.
 
Zinc is used as sacrificial anodes on boats and marine related equipment. When exposed to water and/or electrical current it pits and decomposes like nothing else, which is why it is considered sacrificial. It saves other metal.
 
For durability in this order:
Stainless
Chrome
Zinc (.00015 thk is the commercial standard)

For brightness:
Chrome
Zinc (initally, but also shortest lived)
Stainless (will lose some of its brightness over the course of time)
So you might want to flip-flop Stainless & Zinc for overall brightness.

JMHO after 15 years in the fastener industry
"J"

Rockford33 you have a PM
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to throw a little wrench at you and ask what you think of black oxide screws. I figure I can go nice and shiny, or maybe sleek and blacked out with the screws under the hood. Some of the screw choice will depend on what is surrounding it. Hopefully after the holidays I will be able to get to work on the car. I want to start trying to order things so I have them. Unfortunately, the wife just had ankle surgery, so between work and taking care of her, I am pretty beat.
 
avoid black oxide... it has NO corrosion resistance.
If you want them black just paint them that color
 
jaybs95 said:
avoid black oxide... it has NO corrosion resistance.
If you want them black just paint them that color
Click to expand...
and use plasticote engine paint for durability ..they also make a chrome paint;)
 
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