Who Be Da Pot Metal Fixer?
#1
04-13-2002, 03:52 PM
#2
04-13-2002, 10:26 PM
Who Be Da Pot Metal Fixer?
I was sorting through the mountain of parts for my '51 tonight and ran across my "hood grilles" for lack of a better name. I'm talking about the big hunk of pot metal on the front of the hood with the F O R D stamped in it and three big nostrils. One is intact and was originally chromed, but the chrome is shot and it is badly pitted. The other was originally (I think) painted argent and isn't pitted at all, but one corner is crunched. There are no pieces broken off, but it is cracked and a bit out of shape. Does anyone know who is good at pot metal repair and whether it is easier to repair the pitted one or the cracked one? I also want it chromed after it is fixed. Better yet, have you seen a really good one for sale anywhere?
#3
04-14-2002, 01:44 PM
Who Be Da Pot Metal Fixer?
Unfortuantly pot metal is hard to properly repair once pitted. It especially is difficult to get good results if you want to plate the part. The crunch can probably be fixed, but the pits are different. Anyhting is posible with the right amount of money, but you will be better off looking for a replacement part. I'd check Hemmings for a place that can do good pot metal repair, I've seen them listed.
Gary
==============================
46 truck-6cyl now, 302/C4 soon
46 truck-flathead 8, 4spd
47 truck-getting a 429/C6
57 Ford FL 500-4 dr-312/AT
70 Mustang fastback-351W/FMX
72 Olds Vista Cruiser-350/AT
(for sale)
88 Bronco II, 500,000+ mi.
(for sale)
Gary
==============================
46 truck-6cyl now, 302/C4 soon
46 truck-flathead 8, 4spd
47 truck-getting a 429/C6
57 Ford FL 500-4 dr-312/AT
70 Mustang fastback-351W/FMX
72 Olds Vista Cruiser-350/AT
(for sale)
88 Bronco II, 500,000+ mi.
(for sale)
#5
04-15-2002, 03:43 PM
Who Be Da Pot Metal Fixer?
For small parts it is pretty easy to do yourself with a Dremel tool and a soldering iron.
Strip the chrome off first.
Then grind out every pit with the Dremel, have a bunch of stones and bits handy.
Use a liquid flux thats sold to plumbers or sheet metal shops, its a mild hydrochloric acid. Handle it carefully. I can get you a name brand when I get home if you want. It works on stainless also.
Use a hot iron and silver solder to completely fill the holes. Sand and finish as you would any project until you have it perfect and ready to plate. Eastwoods is a good source of the buffing supplies.
Wash off the acid with warm soapy water.
Take to your favorite plater.
Strip the chrome off first.
Then grind out every pit with the Dremel, have a bunch of stones and bits handy.
Use a liquid flux thats sold to plumbers or sheet metal shops, its a mild hydrochloric acid. Handle it carefully. I can get you a name brand when I get home if you want. It works on stainless also.
Use a hot iron and silver solder to completely fill the holes. Sand and finish as you would any project until you have it perfect and ready to plate. Eastwoods is a good source of the buffing supplies.
Wash off the acid with warm soapy water.
Take to your favorite plater.