Pot metal repair

[Metal Dude]

Hi,

Anyone know what I can use to repair pot metal. Specifically, I need to repair an instrument cluster housing from an old mercury -- one spot is a hole about 1/4" dia.

Thanks,
-Neil

[GJM]

Im in the same boat, i have various pot metal parts that are pitted and corroded etc, and id appreciate some help in how to repair them. Mine are from a '53 Pontiac.

(sorry ive contributed to it and not offered a solution guys!)

glen.

[cgoodyear]

I work as a techinician in a design laboratory for a leading manufacturer. Our engineers build models from wood, plastic and metal.

They use lots and lots of "JB Weld". It is a two part epoxy/metal type base that hardens like steel and can be filed and sanded. The manufacturer of the product claims it can even be used to repair cracks in automobile engine blocks.

It's available at all auto parts stores and WalMart - not expensive so might be worth your time testing it to see if it will work for your project. CG

[GJM]

Thanks for that info cgoodyear, I dont know if i can get JB Weld here in Australia though.
but what about rechroming the parts later?

Just another thought, has anyone tried that 'wonder' solder that claims to fix pot and cast metal parts that has appeared on the back cover of various hot rod mags?

[rocwal]

I cant remember where I read about repairing pot metal and having it chromed after. but it bassicaly said that strip the chrome, clean the pits and holes, then use silver solder to fill the bad areas, just flux it use a soldering iron or gun melt the solder into the area sand it smooth . I have not tried this . Good luck . If I come across the article I'll post it.

[GJM]

Much appreciated Rocwal, i will try that and post the results. That article sounds interesting, i hope you can dig it up.
GJM

[cgoodyear]

Note to GJM: I'm not sure you can rechrome parts attached or treated with "JB Weld" but it works well for many purposes. If you want to give it a try for any reason, send me your address in Austraila and I'll (as a friend)send you off a package to try. My e-mail address is crgoodyear@cox.net.
CG

[GJM]

Hey Thanks CG, i'd appreciate that mate. I'll be emailing you.

GJM

[Dr. jinG]

Eastwood sells a metal filler in the Powdercoating section (LabMetal: http://www.eastwood.com/shopping/pro...iProductID=577). That should work nicely for filling. Withstands 1000 degrees. Not sure how hot chroming gets, but it seems like you should be able to rechrome over this stuff...

[OscarTG]

Wonder Solder?
I think you mean aluminum-bronze rod, a little pricey but works great on aluminum and cast zinc (pot metal).
Haven't had any luck with it on steel however.
Don't use flux with it, just sand or wirebrush clean.