The story of an old motorcycle: the potential of nickel plating

When Zoltán found his grandfather’s motorbike, he immediately knew that this family heritage piece had to be restored. The motorbike had been sitting in an old garage for years, and its parts had lost their shine, rusting in many areas. The carburettor, trim pieces and brake levers were all worn and only slightly reminded of their former glory.
Zoltán first thought of chrome plating, but the specialists found that these parts had originally been nickel-plated. Nickel plating was therefore chosen for historical authenticity. The team at Galván-Systems showed Zoltán how nickel plating can bring back the original appearance of the parts while providing a certain level of protection against rusting.

How does this process work?

Nickel plating is an electroplating process whereby a thin layer of nickel is applied to components. It is important to note, however, that the nickel layer alone does not provide outstanding corrosion protection and oxidation tends to lead to tarnishing. Therefore, it is nowadays more commonly used as a primer or for decorative purposes, especially when the aim is to preserve historical authenticity.
At Galván-Systems, the parts were thoroughly cleaned and then rust and dirt were removed in an acid bath. A special primer was then applied to ensure proper adhesion of the nickel. During the electrolytic nickel plating process, the technicians worked with accurate timing to ensure that the layer was homogeneous and consistent.

Why did they choose nickel plating?

Nickel plating was not only an aesthetic choice for the restoration of vintage motorcycle parts, but also a functional one. Nickel plating returns the vehicle to its original appearance, as it was one of the most commonly used coatings before the introduction of chrome plating. Nickel plating gives a warmer, softer shine to the parts, which perfectly suits the classic styling of old cars.
But it’s not just the look that counts when it comes to nickel plating. Nickel plating protects parts that are subject to minor mechanical stress, such as trim or interior components. The experts at Galván-Systems have paid attention to every detail: surface preparation, application of the right thickness of coating and final polishing all contribute to making the parts not only beautiful, but also to ensuring a long service life. Nickel plating therefore represented the perfect balance of historical authenticity and functionality in the restoration of Zoltán’s motorbike.

Why Galván-Systems?

The professionals at Galván-Systems know that nickel plating is not just a technological process, but an alternative that can give new life to old parts. The precision of their process and their commitment to historical authenticity ensure that customers always get the best results.
The company’s experience extends not only to the restoration of parts for vehicles and motorcycles, but also to the production of coatings for industrial and decorative purposes. Whether it’s preserving the heritage of an old machine or improving the functionality of industrial parts, Galván-Systems always places the customers’ requirements first.