Off The Hook: Using Oxalic Acid to Remove Rust From El Camino Bed Hooks

[Sweet_Johnny]

I got them on eBay and have about $125 invested per set. I'd want a shiny and durable finish, but didn't know if chrome was an option with that.

 

[78Delta88]

Could go nickel then chrome.

 

[78Delta88]

Are the ones you have SS or just HSS steel?

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

Are the ones you have SS or just HSS steel?

I'm not sure what the composition is, I've never researched that aspect of them to be honest.

 

[78Delta88]

Found some off the shelf hooks.

First effort was to de-zinc.



Second effort was copper coat. Just used three pennies as source. Coating came out almost a bronze with high luster.

 

[78Delta88]

Setup for Copper... 2.0 volts, 1.5 amps. I think solution wasn't "pregnant" enough. Basically not enough copper in solution. Going to try again with copper bar. The older pennies are copper - zinc heavy on the copper. 1982 and after is 97 copper, 3 zinc (percentage).

 

[ELCAM]

Pre 82 pennies are pure copper. 1982 can go either way, and newer pennies are 97% zinc with a copper plate or "wash". Take a file to an 83 up penny and you will see it is just a copper coating.

 

[78Delta88]

Pre 82 are "supposed to be"...
I used to use an AA machine, when doing precious metal processing.
You might find some 100 percent but most will be 95 to 98

 

[78Delta88]

Picked up some copper and stainless strips today. Setup the copper running about 3 volts. After solution is good will plate the copper then nickel next.

 

[78Delta88]

I'll get some pictures posted tomorrow.

I plated the tie down with copper. Color and consistency came out very good, but took way too long. I think copper sulfate is the better course. I'll run again and then see if sulfuric is better than vinegar mixed with salt.

Next will be to plate with nickel.