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Nickel plating an exhaust manifold

I want to nickel plate my 1985 Mercedes Exhaust Manifold. Can this be done? I have successfully used electrolysis to remove rust from other metal parts, and I am making a tank to house the manifold to remove all rust. I would like to plate it -- for cosmetics. It costs about $300 to ceramic coat it -- cosmetics as well. Can this be done? And, if so, would it be cheaper? Resilient? Thanks.

Mark Blevins
Car Restorer - Columbia, South Carolina, USA
March 14, 2011

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You can't likely do a home plating job which will last, but any good plating shop can. Blasting with fine glass bead is probably a better method for cleaning.

If cost is an objective, there are high temperature paints which may work.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
March 17, 2011

Thank you for the response. I assume that home plating is probably not a realistic option? Or, plating small objects? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Mark Blevins
- Columbia, South Carolina, USA
March 28, 2011

Don't try it at home. This is much more complicated than "sticking the part in a tub full of chemicals". You would need to purchase anodes, chemicals, a good plating book, tanks, rectifiers, etc. And then when you are done, you'll have to figure out how to dispose of your waste chemicals, etc. I've been plating nickel now for 25 years, and I'm still learning something new every day. Leave it to the professionals, you'll be monetarily miles ahead.

JIm Schwartzmyer
- North Tonawanda, New York, USA
March 30, 2011