After a very long stretch of not doing any restoration work on my own car because I have been helping others restore or repair their cars, I have finally managed to try and make a start on the reassembly.

I have bought all new zinc plated brake lines and have also spent many hours bead blasting and having plated all of the appropriate nuts, bolts, washers, brackets etc.

I would like to hear from others who have gone to this extent how they keep these parts looking like new? Is there anything that can be applied to them to keep them looking new and shiny rather than letting them dull off, WD40 or CRC spray etc etc.

Cheers Ian



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1965 Smooth roof Van
1969 Cooper S MK2
1970 Mini K

Great question.
I have done the same with replated fittings: all nice and shiny on fresh paint but they slowly dull over time.
Maybe they should....?

Bill,
I guess they should age over time to match the condition of the restored car, But we spend so much time restoring them to look like new its nice to keep them that way.

Ian

Would spray on clear coat work?

I've used it on a few bits and pieces and it seems to work ok as far as a protective coating goes. Not sure how long it will last as I'm still putting the car back together.

Rocky

It may, but as a dissimilar metal, and very low on the galvanic scale the zinc is doing what it should do really, just as on a boat. The zinc will erode away in place of the steel in the absence of corrosion, and will lose its shine because of it. Nicer to keep shiny, but its a bittersweet thing that it does...keeps the cars safe

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passivation_(chemistry)

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Have a Nice Day.
If already having a nice day please disregard.

mmm Passivation.... as demonstrated in the latest Binky vid....

Cheers, Ian