please "edubicate" me

[Tim_Lentz@domain.elided]

     O.K., let assume for a minute that I'm a computer analyst and not an 
     "Auto Repair/Alfa Expert" :-)
     
     I'm starting to put the mechanicals of my car project ('74 spider) 
     back together. Most of the nuts and washers (although thoroughly gross 
     looking now) appear to have been a yellowish color originally. I've 
     always referred to this as cadmium plating. I'm I right so far?
     
     I would like to have "new" looking hardware on my newly rebuilt engine 
     and differential. I can find metric hardware at a few hardware stores, 
     but it's all (what I would call) "zinc". Which I suspect will rust 
     eventually. no?
     
     So to get to the point, if I want "new" hardware where can I get it? 
     -or- Can I send my "gross looking" stuff somewhere and have it 
     re-plated?
     
     Lastly, should I be concerned about the hardware "grade" for things 
     like water pump nuts, oil pan bolts, differential nuts and washers, 
     etc.
     
     In closing, I must admit that when it comes to this type of thing I 
     guess I'm what a "computer analyst" would call a "newbie".
     
     Please EDUCATE me!
     
     Tim Lentz
     Tampa, FL

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