I talked to several platers today and one recommended
www.caswellplating.com They have do-it-yourself kits and that includes cadmium. The price isn't too bad considering I'll probably want to continue this process on other pieces on the truck. I looked up the Sharkhide and if it works like they say it does its not a bad option and even at $60 a bottle it would probably still go a good ways on smaller parts. The last option and certainly viable, as you pointed out Special-K, is a clear. I found that Valspar, Rustoleum and Krylon all make a satin clear. Blasting and painting then touching up small spots wouldn't kill me as a low cost option.