There is a point where talking to mechanics is just as bad as the FAA. I would throw them out personally (I'm a A&P) but I see nothing wrong with replating them. Just save the reciept that shows they were replated as this would be considered "Maintenance" and documentation should be included in the records. I may even have the plating company certify that the process meets the Mil-Spec for the plating that is required. The fact is that the FAA can bust you if they want. It's easy to find an unairworthy item on any aircraft. If you make a reasonable effort to show you weren't trying to hide anything or if you don't create a safety problem then you are probably okay. I would consider it maintenance and write it up as such. Think about what the guys do who are restoring vintage aircraft and must replate a bolt or part simply because the part cannot be purchased. Those guys are doing it so why cant you. Call it maintenance, document it, and you should be okay.
To say there is no guidance for plating is a poor argument. Sure there is guidance. Its the Mil-Spec. Just because this guy cant or wont say its okay doesn't make him right. Like I said I would replace them but its up to you.
Here are the standards
- QQ-P-416 Type 1, 2, 3
AMS 2400
ASTM-B-766
and maybe this one too
Looks like there is plenty of guidance out there (I'm editing this as I research)
http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgTSO.nsf/0/ad05ba590f484d1a86256dac0068f6a6!OpenDocument
Look Here:
PART 21--CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR PRODUCTS AND PARTS--Table of Contents
Subpart K--Approval of Materials, Parts, Processes, and Appliances
Sec. 21.305 Approval of materials, parts, processes, and appliances.
Whenever a material, part, process, or appliance is required to be
approved under this chapter, it may be approved--
(a) Under a Parts Manufacturer Approval issued under Sec. 21.303;
(b) Under a Technical Standard Order issued by the Administrator.
Advisory Circular 20-110 contains a list of Technical Standard Orders
that may be used to obtain approval. Copies of the Advisory Circular may
be obtained from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Publication
Section (M-443.1), Washington, D.C. 20590;
(c) In conjunction with type certification procedures for a product;
or
(d) In any other manner approved by the Administrator.
Section B tell us we can use a TSO to approve our parts. Now we look up the tso listing in the AC20-110. it tells us that TSO-C148 prescribes the requirements for mechanical fasteners. Now if you read that and perform your replating to the standards of that TSO you should be fine.
Or you could just have your "Administrator" say its okay in writing. but thats highly unlikely.
This research took less than 18 minutes. I timed it. Too bad the FAA wont spend this much time tp find an answer for you.
For what it cost I would replace them.
Good luck.
