Chrome of BZP?

[RBY]

First silly question on my '73 Z1 retoration. Many of the nuts and bolts have oxidation or surface rust and even after a good wire brushing sometimes I'm not sure if they were originally zinc plated or chrome. Like the 6mm hex bolts that attach the cable guides to the 3 way hydraulic brake joint, or the bolt connecting the steering damper to the lower triple clamp (no. 9 on the hex head). Pretty sure the 10mm bolts attaching the front caliper to the fork leg were chromed as it looks like a hint of copper on the threads after a good clean-up. Any cunning way to check chrome vs BZP so I don't get the re-plating wrong? (I'm guessing the steering damper wasn't originally fitted to the '73 model as I can't find it in my Parts Catalogue and it has "76-E" stamped on the lower mounting point.)

[kev edwards]

If there is a copper or nickel substrata they would have been chromed to start with, there were a variation of chrome and zinc plated bolts on the Z's, I'm sure one of the rivet counters will be able to enlighten you more on this

[jimmock]

STAINLESS it the ONLY way forward!!!

[GPRD]

Get some brick cleaner, soak them for a bit, the acid will strip the zinc but not the copper/nickel/chrome.

[RBY]

Many thanks for the tips and advice. I know stainless will always look better and last longer but... the Z1's were great but not perfect. Whether stupid or plain stuborn, I kind of want mine to be as close to what it was and just hate throwing stuff out because it's old. Have just picked up the guards and rims from the platers (probably cost more than replacement new ones) but shiny old feels better than shiny new - weird eh.