CAD plating engine parts

[Cogwell]

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?

[Pawel66]

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.

[zoegrlh]

Agree, fan was left in original metal no plating.

[mdsalemi]

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/

[MikeSimon]

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.

[Jack the Knife]

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.