Well now re-plating original OEM clamps sounds like an excellent idea now that you mention it KYP, in fact a friend suggested just last month I do this with some of my Nikki parts.

You get to keep that precious original OEM stuff and learn something new at the same time.

So I did a google search and came up with this excellent little Utube video on how to zinc plate with baking soda and pickle juice.


I'm going to pick up some zinc on my way home today, I'll let you know how the original OEM clamps work out.

 

There are so many raised eyebrow moments in that video. I feel we are being trolled. Damn, it made me laugh.

OK. I get it. watch the guys other vids. Its a riot.

 

We'll find out if his method works.

I bought a zinc hull anode on ebay for $10.22:

TEC-20 Teardrop Zinc Anode Hull Zinc NEW Military Grade Zinc Dealer Direct

And got some sodium carbonate from my lab. We don't eat pickles but I have some vinegar.

I'll let you guys know if it works.

 

Stu, if you find you need help with something when you get down this way don't be shy to ask. i live on the outskirts of Phoenix, Fall is a good time to move this way.

 

Thanks for posting this Stu, some great content in here. I'm contemplating picking up a Chinese aluminum radiator for my car here in a few hours just to get it up and going. I work at a sheet metal shop right now so I can TIG weld any leaks shut and not worry too much about it.

Hope the move goes well!

 

Hey Gents - just catching back up with my thread here after returning from the first 2000 miles of my South-bound Journey. I am back in Alaska (briefly) while the Little Red Bastid ™ sits patiently for my October return to Calgary, where it is in storage with family, to finish the final leg to Sedona, AZ, out new home. 2000 miles of Alcan and northern British Columbian byways. My @ss is still sore! Some Fear&Loathing on the trip (fussy cooling issues) and too-many hours chasing down Semi's and big RVs - all worthwhile for the Zen of magic miles when the roads and curves were ALL MINE. The SA never missed a beat, and seemed to enjoy hours at, er, modestly hyper-legal speeds.

So to catch up on my Clamp inquiries - these are all NOS mazda clamps, a batch of which I hoarded back in The Day. The insane among you will appreciate that all were clear-coated prior to the install...

I have had the common gear-clamps on the car since I got it and I will humbly admit that one of the reasons for the Big Cooling Upgrade was to be able to swap in these clamps.

Pix of the trip in no particular order...

Stu Aull
80GS
AK>AZ

 

Some beautiful stuff there!

 

You need to start a new thread about this entire journey with lots of links to pictures and full description of the whole adventure. Can't wait to read it. I'd love to drive 2000 miles at one shot in my SA.

 

Are you going to apply for the same plate in AZ?

 

t_g_
yes, I will do a Trip Thread. Sorry to water down this one with that...

Banzai-
All my vehicles will be registered in Alaska and we are maintaining residence here, so the plate stays!
we will see if the Local Constabulary agree, but have seen a lot of Snowbirders in AZ driving with outta state plates...


Stu Aull
80GS
AK>AZ