Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Cogwell on May 01, 2025, 05:02:03

Title: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: Cogwell on May 01, 2025, 05:02:03

I have seen a picture of a restored engine where it appears the fan blade is gold CAD plated. I did not think that the blade was gold CAD plated originally. Does anyone know the answer to this?

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: Pawel66 on May 01, 2025, 07:48:37

I do not think it was "gold" or "yellow". I think it was left in its original metal color. Attached is picture from brochure and the Holy Grail picture.

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: zoegrlh on May 01, 2025, 12:05:29

Agree, fan was left in original metal no plating.

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: mdsalemi on May 01, 2025, 12:05:50

I have seen two different kinds of fans (blades) on Pagodas. Cast aluminum on earlier models and plastic blades on later models.

The cast aluminum was not plated. Obviously the same for plastic. What one can do to preserve the color and prevent discoloration over time is have the fan powder coated in a raw aluminum color. That’s what I did with mine some years back. (My 280 SL is a January 1969 build)

I have never heard of any kind of aluminum being plated, certainly not in regular automotive applications. But there are some specialty applications where aluminum may be plated. https://advancedplatingtech.com/engineered-solutions/plating-aluminum/

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: MikeSimon on May 01, 2025, 16:41:18

Quote from: mdsalemi on May 01, 2025, 12:05:50

I have seen two different kinds of fans (blades) on Pagodas. Cast aluminum on earlier models and plastic blades on later models.

 https://advancedplatingtech.com/engineered-solutions/plating-aluminum/

The fan blade in my car, November 1970 280SL, is plastic and has a yellowish tint. I agree with Mike, most aluminum surface treatments in automotive are not plated but anodized.

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: Jack the Knife on May 01, 2025, 18:05:36

Quote from: MikeSimon on May 01, 2025, 16:41:18

The fan blade in my car, November 1970 280SL, is plastic and has a yellowish tint. I agree with Mike, most aluminum surface treatments in automotive are not plated but anodized.

Original fan in my 230SL is a yellowish plastic.

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: wwheeler on May 04, 2025, 02:08:06

You can zinc plate aluminum but is a bit of a process and involves copper plating. Most just anodize aluminum and is effective.

Title: Re: CAD plating engine parts
Post by: Cogwell on May 06, 2025, 20:09:22

Thanks for your input. It was very helpful. Leaving the blades as are-cleaned up quite nicely.