An electroplating question-

[Guest]

I need to start on the rack for the saddlebags on my wife's bike. I intend to use steel round stock that I have access to that is zinc plated. As the plating will be gone in the weld areas, I need to re-plate those areas.
My question is can I just plate the areas that need it? Can I clean and prep a weld joint and dunk that area? I know the new plating won't stick to old plating, but will it form a complete plated area? Sort of, "blend in"? Sorry, it's a little hard to explain...

[bwringer]

I don't have the foggiest idea. But this is where I'd look for an answer.

http://www.caswellplating.com/

There's also a customer forum that may offer more info:

http://forum.caswellplating.com/forum.php

Personally, I'd find some uncoated tubing and/or powder coat the whole thing.

Oh, and make sure you post pics. If it looks decent, prepare for a flood of people asking you to make them a rack...